Press Release

Kizuna: Kazuma Kodaka Signature Edition DVD Slated for March Release

Passionate relationship between the two leading men put to the test in this dramatic tale

New York, NY (December 22, 2005) – Be Beautiful, America’s leading publisher of yaoi graphic novels, announced the release of the Kizuna: Kazuma Kodaka Signature Edition DVD which is based on the popular yaoi graphic novel series Kizuna: Bonds of Love by well known author Ms. Kazuma Kodaka. Kizuna, which will be available for the first time in English and Japanese with English subtitles, is a scintillating tale of romance, with intriguing plot twists and passionate conflict. This DVD will be priced at $29.95 SRP when it is released on March 7, 2006.

"Yaoi" is a popular Japanese publishing genre created by female artists and writers for the enjoyment of female readers, usually featuring relationships involving impossibly beautiful men, and diverse interpretations of the “pure love" concept. While Kizuna focuses on the male-male romantic relationship and presents it in traditional anime style, this very same type of relationship is presented in the critically acclaimed live action feature Brokeback Mountain, the epic love story about two cowboys.

This Signature Edition release will be the ultimate collector’s DVD as it will include an audio commentary and interview with the famed Ms. Kodaka as well as a collectible fold-out poster featuring the cover artwork from Be Beautiful’s collection of Ms. Kodaka’s graphic novels. In addition, fans will have a chance to win original comics created and autographed by Ms. Kodaka in a contest timed to the DVD’s release by simply registering on the Be Beautiful website (www.bebeautifulmanga.com). Once registered, fans will be eligible to participate in monthly drawings. All entries for the first drawing must be received by May 5, 2006 and the winner will be announced on the Be Beautiful website on May 8, 2006. Additional information about this drawing and the schedule for the future drawings will be posted on the Be Beautiful website.

This DVD will have an order date of February 7, 2006 and a street date of March 7, 2006.

Kizuna: Kazuma Kodaka Signature Edition
Based on the hit manga by Yaoi superstar Kazuma Kodaka

Based on the manga Publishers Weekly calls “a masterpiece” and The Village Voice calls "a romantic epic."

Ranmaru and Kei have a strong and passionate relationship built on years of trust, sacrifice and love. But when the mysterious son of a Yakuza boss begins to pursue Ranmaru's affection, tempers flare, and hidden emotions rise to the surface...especially when the stranger turns out to be Kei’s own half-brother! Will Ranmaru and Kei's love survive, or will the emotional conflict finally come to a head?

DVD Features: Creator Interview with Kazuma Kodaka, Director's Commentary, Q&A session at Japan Society with Kazuma Kodaka, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Warning: Contains scenes of violence, nudity and mild sexual situations that may not be suitable to those who find such content objectionable. Parental discretion advised.

About Be Beautiful:
Be Beautiful is America's leader in the publication of yaoi manga graphic novels, aimed at college age and older female readers. Yaoi manga are illustrated romantic graphic novels, featuring stories about love and relationships between impossibly beautiful men, written by female artists for female readers.
Be Beautiful is an imprint of fifteen-year old Central Park Media, one of America's oldest publishers of Japanese anime and manga.