Bleach anime group shot

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES DEBUT OF SECOND SEASON OF BLEACH ON ADULT SWIM

New Episodes of Riveting Supernatural Action Series to Debut in March

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that the 52-episode second season of the hit supernatural action animated series “Bleach” is expected to begin airing on Saturday, March 1 on Adult Swim.

“Bleach” follows Ichigo Kurosaki, an ordinary 15-year-old boy who also happens to be able to see ghosts. His fate takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who shows up at Ichigo's house on the trail of a Hollow, a malevolent lost soul.

Drawn to Ichigo's high level of spirit energy, the Hollow attacks him and his family, and as a last resort, Rukia decides to transfer part of her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo. As a result of Rukia’s actions, she is sent back to the Soul Society, where she is condemned to die.  In Season 2, a stronger and more powerful Ichigo demonstrates a new resolve to save Rukia from certain death. This culminates in an explosive confrontation with Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia’s by-the-book brother and his most intense opponent yet!  Soon, Ichigo’s journey takes him back to the World of the Living where he must deal with a new assortment of supernatural enemies as well as the rigors of high-school life. 

“Bleach” is based on a best-selling manga graphic novel of the same name by Tite Kubo which is published domestically by VIZ Media and rated TV 14. The manga has been translated into more than seven languages and has sold over 33.5 million copies in Japan. Both the manga and the animated series have become extremely popular in North America and have spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise. The first season of BLEACH is also currently available in a 3-disc DVD box set from VIZ Media, which is rated 'T' for Teens and has a suggested retail price of $89.98. For more information on BLEACH go to www.bleach.viz.com.

“‘Bleach’ is a riveting story and the debut of the second season on Adult Swim has been highly anticipated by millions of fans,” says William Germain, VIZ Media Director of Animation Production. “The plot thickens in Season 2 as Ichigo and his friends battle soul reapers. With 52 episodes there will be plenty of surprises in store for viewers.  ‘Bleach’ possesses a story and style that has transcended the graphic novel genre to become a very successful animated and video game property and we are committed to continuing its development.”