Viz Media, LLC

Viz Media, LLC stands as the premier destination for manga and anime in the United States, with a reach that extends to one in four millennials and half of all Gen Z manga readers. The company was originally founded on July 2, 1986, as Viz, LLC, and took its current form in 2005 through a merger with ShoPro Entertainment. It is jointly owned by three Japanese powerhouses: Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions (ShoPro). This ownership gives Viz Media a direct pipeline to some of the most popular manga and anime properties in the world.

Viz Media has evolved from a localization company into a market-leading pop culture publisher and producer. In 2017, it held a 23% share of the graphic novel market in U.S. bookstores, making it the largest publisher in that segment. Its catalog includes blockbuster franchises such as One-Punch Man, Sailor Moon, Black Torch, and Magical Girl Dandelion. Beyond print, the company produces the digital manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump, distributes anime on DVD and streaming platforms, and licenses content for global audiences.

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Viz Media operates as a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. It serves English-speaking markets in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa. The company's leadership includes President and CEO Brad Woods, who brings over 25 years of experience, along with Chairman and Executive Advisor Ken Sasaki, who served as CEO for 13 years. Viz Media continues to expand its footprint with major releases like the upcoming Black Torch anime premiering on Crunchyroll in July 2026 and One-Punch Man Season 3 Part 2 scheduled for 2027. [edit]