Viz's first PokΘmon issue (PokΘmon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1) in November '98 sold out immediately. Viz has published 9 printings in the past 9 months, selling a total of over 300,000 copies, with no end in sight. The first printings of The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1 are ranked by Wizard magazine (June '99) as the most collectible comic in America. The next 10 issues have continued this trend, with a total of over 2 million comics in circulation.

"Viz's comics still wait to be discovered by millions of PokΘmon fans, who will be hooked by the exciting stories and amazing artwork," states Oliver Chin, Viz Director of Sales and Marketing. "Parents and grandparents confess they enjoy them more than their kids do."

PokΘmon comics now sell at more retailers than ever before, such as Target, Blockbuster, Warner Bros. Studio Stores, Babbages, Hot Topic, Waldenbooks, 7-11, KayBee, and Toys 'R Us.

Comics Buyer's Guide calls the PokΘmon comic "loads of funàa rich fantasy with loads of appeal for both boys and girls." Soon Viz Comics will bring even more PokΘmon comics, books and videos to this swelling audience of eager fans.

Viz Communications, Inc. is the leading U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics (anime and manga) for English-speaking audiences. Founded in 1987, Viz serves a growing market of dedicated fans of all ages.

Based in San Francisco, CA, Viz publishes dozens of popular titles such as Ranma 1/2, Dragon Ball Z, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Readers and customers regularly visit Viz's home page at www.viz.com.