Cartoon Network Celebrates Anniversary of Toonami Jetstream With Expanded Show Lineup
[via press release]
Cartoon Network and VIZ Media Celebrate First Anniversary of Toonami Jetstream with A Power-Packed Expanded Show Lineup
Popular Series ‘Star Wars: Clone Wars,’ ‘Dragon Ball,’ ‘MegaMan Star Force’ and Others Join the Free Ad-Supported Streaming Video Site
ATLANTA, Ga. (August 7, 2007) — Toonami JetstreamTM, the online extension of Cartoon Network’s long running and successful Toonami action-adventure TV franchise, has wowed fans in its first year of offering full-length episodes of action and animé programs online. The popular site is celebrating its birthday by kicking off a new slate of fan-favorite programs including “Star Wars: Clone Wars,” “Dragon BallTM” and “MegaMan Star ForceTM.” July 17 marked the first anniversary of the 24/7 broadband partnership between Cartoon Network and VIZ Media. In just its first year, the site has streamed more than 115 million video segments and attracted an average of 1.7 million unique visitors each month.
Seven popular series are making their debuts on Toonami Jetstream throughout the summer and fall, nearly doubling Toonami Jetstream’s offerings:
Star Wars: Clone Wars (June 25) — This Emmyâ Award-winning series bridges the Episode II and Episode III movies following Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as they lead the Republic clone army in an epic struggle against Count Dooku, General Grievous and the Separatists.
Dragon Ball (July 2) — Dragon Ball began in 1984 as a weekly magazine series in Japan and has since become one of the most recognized series in animé. It follows Goku as he grows in both age and abilities in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. First in the series, Dragon Ball features an incredibly strong, monkey-tailed boy named Goku who joins the beautiful 16-year-old Bulma on her quest to collect the seven mystical Dragon Balls which, when brought together, summon Shenron the dragon, who will grant one wish.
MegaMan Star ForceTM (July 23) — Based on the popular CAPCOM game, MegaMan Star Force brings a new twist in this series: Radio Wave Conversion. When a young boy named Geo merges with an FM wave alien, Omega-Xis, they become MegaMan, the one hero who can protect Earth from an evil FM-ian invasion.
One Piece (August 13) — Based on a highly successful Japanese manga series, One Piece has spawned more than 300 episodes and eight movies in Japan. In the Great Age of Piracy, Monkey D. Luffy along with his motley crew of pirate friends hopes to use his magical stretching powers and endless optimism to find the legendary treasure of One Piece and become the Pirate King.
Dragon Ball Z (Sept. 10) — Dragon Ball Z made its U.S. debut on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block in 1996 and airs during the Toonami programming block Saturday nights. Continuing on from the Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Z takes on more of a serious tone, focusing on Goku and the Z Warriors protecting Earth from an endless string of bloodthirsty villains bent on the total domination of the universe. Dragon Ball Z sheds light on Goku’s origins as it follows him through adulthood with his family and friends.
Zoids GenesisTM (TBD) — Zoids Genesis is the fifth series for the Zoids animé franchise. A young excavator named Ruge awakens the mighty Murasame Liger Zoid and joins the fight to restore peace to Planet Zi from the militaristic nation of Digald.
Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (Nov. 5) — Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo strays from most animé shows with its ludicrous and often surreal comedy. Puns, breaking the fourth wall (speaking directly to the audience), and popular-culture references accent the action and adventure in this series. In the 31st century, Bo-BoBo harnesses his infamous Nose Hair Karate techniques to bring justice to the vicious Hair Hunters and to ensure the safety of hair everywhere.
“TV lovers are increasingly viewing the Internet as an integral part of their entertainment experience and young animation fans are no exception,” said Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager of Cartoon Network New Media. “We’re proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the site with a new lineup of popular action and animation shows that will surely please our viewers.”
“VIZ Media has been a leader in bringing top-quality Japanese animation to a broad and growing fan audience for more than 20 years,” said Daniel Marks, senior vice president of VIZ Media. “Toonami Jetstream is an extension of that leadership, and one that is enabling even more consumer discovery and popularity of the anime genre.”
Toonami Jetstream currently allows users to watch streaming episodes from a number of hit series such as NARUTOTM, ZATCH BELL! TM and POKéMON. In addition, the site offers 24/7 access to full-length episodes of international hit series HIKARU NO GO that is not currently offered on U.S. broadcast or basic cable television. Fan response to MÄRTM and THE PRINCE OF TENNISTM, which debuted exclusively in the U.S. on ToonamiJetstream.com, propelled the two shows to now air on Cartoon Network’s Saturday prime time block, Toonami.
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com
SOURCE: Turner internal web statistics