Prepare for an interstellar grand slam! Viz has announced a groundbreaking new science fiction series, GalaXic Baseball League, launching digitally on July 2.
This ambitious project unites Viz with MLB Players Inc., OneTeam Partners, and the acclaimed Japanese artist Acky Bright. Exclusively debuting on the Viz Manga app, with a print volume following in October, GalaXic Baseball League promises to redefine America's beloved pastime, launching it into the farthest reaches of the cosmos.
Interplanetary Sports Action
In a distant future, baseball transcends Earth, becoming a high-stakes interplanetary competition. Teams from across the universe battle for glory. Amidst this cosmic arena, a sinister plot threatens galactic havoc. Legendary baseball players, alongside two unlikely heroes, must unite. Their crucial quest: save Earth and protect the very heart and soul of baseball. This unique blend of futuristic sports and epic adventure promises an unforgettable saga.
The Mastermind Behind the Art: Acky Bright
The visual brilliance of GalaXic Baseball League comes from Japanese visual artist Acky Bright, credited by Viz for both art and story. This marks a pioneering intellectual property featuring active baseball players, inspired by the intense 2023 World Baseball Classic final.
Bright's diverse portfolio includes projects for DC Comics and Marvel, demonstrating his global artistic reach. He founded Brightworks studio in 2002. His manga-style videos have even represented Japanese art to travelers at Narita and Haneda Airports since February 2021, chosen by Museum of Modern Art curator Paola Antonelli.
Beyond comics, Bright also designed merchandise for Hasbro's Transformers. He collaborated with BMW of Germany on 'Heroes of Rivalry,' featuring prominent e-sports teams like Cloud 9, FNATIC, FunPlus Phoenix, G2 Esports, T1, and OG Esports. More recently, his illustrations enhanced a limited-time WcDonald's campaign. Bright's involvement guarantees GalaXic Baseball League will be a visually dynamic masterpiece, merging action with his signature artistic flair.
Collaborative Powerhouse: MLB Players Inc. and OneTeam Partners
The series' unique authenticity stems from the involvement of MLB Players Inc. and OneTeam Partners. MLB Players Inc. is the business arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, representing professional baseball players across 30 Major League Baseball teams for collective bargaining and licensing. Their participation ensures a genuine connection to professional baseball, grounding the futuristic narrative in authentic sports tradition.
OneTeam Partners, a robust joint venture, further strengthens this collaboration. It combines the NFL Players Association, MLB Players Association, Women's National Basketball Players Association, MLS Players Association, and U.S. Women's National Team Players Association. OneTeam focuses on sports licensing, marketing, sponsorship, and media, offering unparalleled expertise in athlete intellectual property. This makes GalaXic Baseball League the first such IP to directly involve active baseball players, promising an unprecedented level of realism and excitement in a fictional sports universe.
How to Catch the Action
The countdown is on! Fans can immerse themselves in the cosmic diamond digitally starting July 2. GalaXic Baseball League will launch exclusively on the Viz Manga app, ensuring easy access globally. For collectors, the first print volume is slated for an October release. This dual approach caters to both digital readers and traditional print enthusiasts, allowing everyone to experience this exhilarating interplanetary baseball universe.
Dive into the Cosmic Diamond
GalaXic Baseball League is set to be a game-changer for manga and science fiction. With Acky Bright's visionary art and story, the authentic backing of MLB Players Inc. and OneTeam Partners, and Viz's strong distribution, this series will captivate baseball and sci-fi fans alike. Don't miss this epic journey as baseball rockets into the stars to save the galaxy. Be ready to explore a new era of sports entertainment on the Viz Manga app starting July 2!
