VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, offers something very special for pop culture, pop art and manga fans as it proudly announces the release of BLANC ET NOIR: TAKESHI OBATA ILLUSTRATIONS, a limited edition art book collecting the work of renowned manga artist Takeshi Obata. BLANC ET NOIR: TAKESHI OBATA ILLUSTRATIONS will debut on May 3^rd in an oversized slipcase hardcover edition under the Art of Shonen Jump imprint. This limited edition art book will be released in a print run of only 10,000 copies. BLANC ET NOIR: TAKESHI OBATA ILLUSTRATIONS will carry an MSRP of $99.99 U.S. / $119.99 CAN.

Experience a masterful presentation of legendary artist Takeshi Obata’s works from 2001–2006, including definitive illustrations from smash-hit series DEATH NOTE and HIKARU NO GO, as well as surprises (video game design!), original works created for this art book and rare novel illustrations. This gorgeous oversized art book is encased in a silver-stamped slipcase and is stuffed with 132 pages of full-color art, several massive foldout posters, deluxe paper stock and 12 pages of artist commentary, including a “how to draw” section. The edition also includes three large double-sided laminated posters.

“BLANC ET NOIR: TAKESHI OBATA ILLUSTRATIONS is an extraordinary art book with a beautiful, high-end treatment befitting its limited edition run. It will be a wonderful addition to any ardent DEATH NOTE fan’s personal collection,” says Hope Donovan, Managing Editor. “Takeshi Obata is one of Japan’s foremost manga artists and is internationally acclaimed for his elegantly designed characters and crisp style. We invite fans and collectors to savor this special release!”

Manga artist and illustrator Takeshi Obata first achieved international recognition as the artist of the wildly popular Weekly Shonen Jump title, HIKARU NO GO (also published by VIZ Media), which won the 2003 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize: Shinsei "New Hope" Award and the 2000 Shogakukan Manga Award. He went on to illustrate the smash hit supernatural crime thriller, DEATH NOTE, as well as the hugely successful manga series BAKUMAN。and ALL YOU NEED IS KILL. All three of these titles are published in print and digital editions by VIZ Media.

For additional information on Takeshi Obata and manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.