Viz Media made a significant announcement during its panel at Anime Expo 2024, revealing the acquisition of the RWBY series following the closure of Rooster Teeth. With this acquisition, Viz Media now holds rights for future distribution, production, licensing, and consumer products related to RWBY.
Future Productions in Sight
Viz Media is actively exploring the production of new chapters within the RWBY series, signaling a continuation and expansion of the beloved franchise. Previously, Viz Media has been involved in publishing various RWBY manga adaptations, including works by Shirow Miwa and Bunta Kinami.
RWBY’s Legacy
RWBY, created by the late Monty Oum, originally debuted as a web animated series featuring four girls with unique weapons and abilities training to combat supernatural “Creatures of Grimm.” Rooster Teeth produced a total of nine volumes spanning 117 episodes, with the ninth volume concluding in March 2023.
Transition from Rooster Teeth
Rooster Teeth, known for RWBY and gen, announced its closure in March, attributing it to challenges in digital media and shifts in consumer behavior. Warner Bros. Discovery, Rooster Teeth’s parent company, is exploring future opportunities for its IPs, including RWBY.
Anime Adaptation and Streaming
Shaft’s RWBY: Ice Queendom television anime premiered in Japan in July 2022, streamed by Crunchyroll both in Japanese and with an English dub, showcasing the series’ international appeal and ongoing popularity.
FAQ about Viz Media’s Acquisition of RWBY
Q: What does Viz Media’s acquisition of RWBY mean? A: Viz Media now has rights for future distribution, production, licensing, and consumer products related to RWBY, following Rooster Teeth’s closure.
Q: Will there be new chapters in the RWBY series? A: Yes, Viz Media is exploring the production of new chapters within the RWBY series, expanding its narrative universe.
Q: What was Rooster Teeth’s role in RWBY’s production? A: Rooster Teeth produced nine volumes and 117 episodes of RWBY, concluding with the ninth volume in March 2023.
