Manga News, Reviews and Commentary
Yen Press surprised manga readers last Friday, when it announced that they had rescued the license for Fruits Basket, as well as two other titles by creator Natsuki Takaya, Liselotte & Witch’s Forest, and Twinkle Stars.
Yen Press recently announced through their Twitter account that they had licensed the fourth manga adaptation of Durarara!! known as the “Re; Dollars Arc” with new artist Aogiri.
Viz ends their digital year with two new Viz Select titles and some bundle sales that will only last as week. Crown of Thorns is a new license from the creator of Boys Over Flowers. It’s only two volumes and perfect for the line. Returning is previous Tokyopop license The Man of Many Faces, a CLAMP two-volume series as well. The flash bundle sale for this week is tailor-made for shojo fans, and I would jump in on so many of them if I didn’t already own just enough to make the sale pointless. But Chibi Vampire, Library Wars, Dengeki Daisy, Red River, and Voice Over? All great titles! And the bundle for Nana next week is fantastic too. Jump on them if you can!
It’s a question that’s been plaguing manga readers since Tokyopop quit publishing in 2011. Who would get the license to Fruits Basket? I don’t think there’s been much doubt that the title would be picked up again. It was Tokyopop’s license to print money back in the early aughts, and kept the company afloat throughout the decade. It was a Kodansha title, so that seemed a sure bet, but the last four years have been a wasteland of news. But Yen Press gave readers an early Christmas present by announcing the return of the shojo series. I missed it the first time around, so I will be picking it up.
Libraries are a major source of manga for many fans, especially teens who may not have the means of getting their favorite titles, so having a major publisher like Kodansha release their two biggest hits among other, on the most popular eBook library platform is a big win! At least it is for readers in areas where Overdrive has a wide selection. That is, unfortunately not my area, which I find surprising, since I live in the Southern California area. Hopefully some day soon that will change. If you have access to these titles through your library, give them a try!
Bookwalker, the manga website from Kadokawa added another 35 volumes spanning over 8 titles from Japanese publisher Shonengahosha.
Vampires seem to still be an “in” thing as Viz Media release its newest shojo series Bloody Mary. But don’t let the names of the main characters fool you. This isn’t your typical, “supernatural hero seduces human heroine.” Mary and Maria are both guys, but with a teen rating, don’t expect any Boys Love action. It’s gonna be all talk and no action, which is just fine by me.
Maybe “announce” is a strong word, since in 2 of the 3 titles announced in the last few weeks have been from fans discovering listings on Amazon. Only one was officially teased and announced at an event.
Looking for something to fill the wish list for the manga fan in your life? Viz Media has several suggestions including Box Sets, prose novels, and art books. You’re sure to find something to fill a spot on that list.
Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine revealed that the title Until Death Do Us Part will be ending in the 22nd issue out November 20, after almost 10 years of serialization.
On their Twitter feed this last Friday, Seven Seas teased they had more licenses to announce before the end of the year, and threw a bone to fans with their announcement of Monster Musume: I ♥ Monster Girls Anthology.
Viz Media has another big digital update just in time for the holidays. Two more titles are being added to the Select line, Zyword and Eureka Seven: Gravity Boys and Lifting Girls. There are new bundles, including all 20 volumes of Bakuman with Otter No. 9 oneshot special gift, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3 Stardust Warriors. It’s a great way to catch up! There is also a preview of their Cyber Monday sale. The pricing is so-so, but there are some great titles to get in on.
