TOKYOPOP LOOKS Ai-HEAD AT 2007
New Year Sees Company's Top Manga Franchise Expand to Novels, Art & Poetry Books, Daily Newspaper Comic Strips, Music and Film
TOKYOPOP says that the new "'Year of the Boar' will be anything but a 'bore'" for the company's top manga franchise property, Princess Ai and the world of Ai-Land. The property is a popular melange of music, fantasy and Gothic fashion. The best-selling manga series was created by D.J. Milky and actress/rock musician Courtney Love. It is currently published in 18 countries and 17 languages. This year, the company plans to launch an exciting slate of new Ai-Land related properties across multiple entertainment platforms including art and poetry books, novels, newspaper comic strips, music and film.
The Daily Newspaper Comic Strip: Princess Ai of Ai-Land:
In a landmark move a year ago, TOKYOPOP became the first company to publish manga in Sunday newspapers across North America. The publisher says the launch was so successful that Princess Ai of Ai-Land, the all-new East meets West co-production written by D.J. Milky and illustrated by Pauro Izaki, will be the first manga ever to appear in American newspapers seven days a week. Princess Ai of Ai-Land captures the early teen years of the lovely Ai and her comedic struggle to cope with the doubled pressure of being a teenager and a royal princess. Fifty U.S. and international newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe, as well as papers in Australia and China, have acquired the series beginning July 9, 2007
The Novels: The Ai-Land Chronicles: Book of the Second Revolution:
This five-book novel series releasing under TOKYOPOP's young adult publishing banner "Pop Fiction" expands upon the rich fantasy world of the Ai-Land universe as it examines the history of Ai's homeland and her adventures with Nora, her half-brother. A collection of writings by renowned reclusive scholar and religious cult figurehead Sir Edwin See, along with his scribe Brian James, The Ai-Land Chronicles: Book of the Second Revolution will be available in bookstores everywhere in August 2007.
The Art and Poetry Book: Princess Ai: Roses & Tattoos:
TOKYOPOP invites fans to beautify their surroundings with gorgeous art and poetry from Princess Ai: Roses & Tattoos. This limited edition collectible book, in stores now, presents never-before-seen illustrations by Misaho Kujiradou, along with poetry by D.J. Milky, and includes stickers and mini-posters for d'Ai-hard diva fans!
The Music: The Princess Ai Soundtrack:
This summer, music fans can look forward to the long-awaited Princess Ai soundtrack featuring 8 songs from the Princess Ai manga trilogy. Written and produced by D.J. Milky and b_nCHANt_d, featuring Skye as Princess Ai on vocals and the indie-pop band Nude, the album will feature songs performed by Princess Ai in the best-selling manga series and will be available via iTUNES and wherever downloadable music is sold.
The Film: The Ai-Land Chronicles:
With an Ai looking toward the 2009 feature film debut of The Ai-Land Chronicles, D.J. Milky and top anime studio Satelight (Macross Zero, Arjuna, Heat Guy J) are currently in post-production on a pilot that showcases what TOKYOPOP describes as "the film's groundbreaking blend of live action and animation." Written and directed by D.J. Milky with animation direction by Eiichi Sato (Full Metal Manic, Fortune Quest L), the reel features the original song "Broken Leash" that showcases the singer Skye starring as Princess Ai, backed by members of the indie-pop band Nude.
The publisher says that these additions to the franchise are "Ai-cing on the cake" to the array of Princess Ai merchandise available now, including dolls from Bleeding Edge, journals, T-shirts, stickers, postcards and all sorts of exciting accessories.
