NEW YORK, NY – July 28, 2007 – Del Rey Manga, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, announced today the English-language rights acquisition of the manga series PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY, inspired by the award-winning video games from Capcom.

The PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY series chronicles the further adventures of the two main characters of the popular video game: Phoenix Wright, an ambitious young defense lawyer with more enthusiasm than experience, and Miles Edgeworth, his handsome and ruthless prosecutor rival. Fans of the courtroom-based video game will learn more about these characters’ rich back stories while following their latest adventures. Originally printed as a four-volume series in Japan, PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY will be published in a unique 2-volumes-in-1 format for the Del Rey Manga edition. Volume one will be released on March 25, 2008.

Del Rey Manga associate publisher Dallas Middaugh says, “PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY is a fantastically funny and entertaining game, so is it any surprise that the manga should be the same? Fans of the game should storm their local book stores when this manga hits and demand their Phoenix Wright!”

“As an industry leader, Capcom is dedicated to expanding the world of PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY to give the fans a greater overall experience.” said Jack Symon, director, product marketing, Capcom. “The bestselling video game drew praise with its unique gameplay and plot twists and turns, and now the manga will help expand the PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY universe and provide back story that fans have been hungry for, while introducing new fans to Phoenix’s world.”
 

ABOUT PHOENIX WRIGHT: ACE ATTORNEY:
The Ace Attorney series of adventure games focuses on a prominent defense attorney attempting to clear his clients of false charges in the courtroom by relying on his wits and deductive skills. Since the release of the first game in October 2001, the popular series has gone on to ship a total of 2 million units worldwide (as of April 26th, 2007). Ace Attorney is known for its cast of unique and charming characters, engaging story, and original puzzles that appeal to both male and female players of all ages.
The third installment of the popular Nintendo DS series, Phoenix Wright™: Ace Attorney™ Trials and Tribulations will be released in North America in September 2007 by Capcom.

ABOUT DEL REY MANGA:
Del Rey Books (http://www.delreybooks.com) was founded in 1977 as an imprint of Ballantine Books, a division of the Random House Publishing Group, under the guidance of the renowned Judy-Lynn del Rey and her husband, Lester del Rey. Del Rey publishes the best of modern fantasy, science fiction, and alternate history. Ballantine Books is an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, which is a publishing group of Random House, Inc, the U.S. publishing company of Random House, the trade book publishing division of Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's leading international media companies. In 2004 it expanded by launching Del Rey Manga (www.delreymanga.com), which has grown to be a major force in the U.S. graphic-novel field. Bestselling titles include Tsubasa, Negima, xxxHolic, and The Wallflower.

ABOUT CAPCOM
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices.  Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Devil May Cry. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan.  More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com.

Capcom, Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney, Resident Evil, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries.  Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc.