TOKYOPOP to Release Marty LeGrow's Bizenghast

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2004

North America's #1 Manga Publisher to Release Marty LeGrow's Bizenghast



Los Angeles, CA (February 25, 2004)--TOKYOPOP Inc. is proud to unveil one of

America's next top manga-ka: M. Alice "Marty" LeGrow. This talented creator is the

latest prizewinner of TOKYOPOP's Rising Stars of Manga competition to sign a

multivolume book deal. Others include Lindsay Cibos, whose Grand Prize-winning Peach

Fuzz will become a TOKYOPOP manga series, and Tania del Rio, who is now putting her

manga spin on a well-known American comic book character.



"We seek to nurture new, talented artists and writers who will be the future stars

of the publishing world," said Mark Paniccia, editor of TOKYOPOP's Rising Stars of

Manga anthologies. "We are truly awed by Marty's passion and artistic abilities, and

we couldn't be happier to have signed up Bizenghast."



Marty LeGrow's Bizenghast is a wonderfully inventive combination of hypnotic plot

and intricate artwork featuring Dinah, a waiflike hydrophobe who lives with her aunt

in the small, gloomy town of Bizenghast. They reside in a former care home for the

mentally ill, where Dinah teeters precariously on the brink of sanity. Bizenghast's

array of unsettling characters and elaborate clothing designs will make this debut

series an unforgettable gothic masterpiece! LeGrow lives in New England and works as

a freelance comic artist. Her work can be seen at www.bizenghast.com.



"I'm really happy to have this chance to work with TOKYOPOP. I've always been a big

fan...and it's great to be published by such an awesome company," said LeGrow, who

regularly admits to being an aficionada of the superhero Flash. "I'd also like to

point out that the Flash is the best member of the Justice League."



LeGrow is TOKYOPOP's latest winner to see further success in the fastest growing

segment of the publishing industry. As the company actively searches the country to

discover and develop the next stars of the manga world, other gifted creators are

certain to sign their names to TOKYOPOP book deals in the near future. Who will be

next to join the greatest generation of American manga-ka? The answer may just

appear in Rising Stars of Manga Volume 3, which will be released in July 2004.






ABOUT TOKYOPOP Inc.

TOKYOPOP Inc. is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing

segment within the publishing industry. With exclusive rights to hundreds of

licensed and original book, video and music properties, the company has rapidly

become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and

publishes many hit manga series, including Love Hina, Chobits, Rave Master, Initial

D, GTO, Battle Royale and Cowboy Bebop. The company pioneered Cine-Manga(TM),

releasing such titles as Finding Nemo, SpongeBob SquarePants, Lizzie McGuire, Astro

Boy and Transformers Armada. TOKYOPOP television properties include Rave Master, GTO

and Reign: The Conqueror. The company has also expanded its presence as a licensor,

representing merchandising rights for Rave Master, Initial D, Stray Sheep and

others. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.