Manga Xanadu

Viz Media starts off 2016 with some new digital title and quite the selection of bundles. They’ve rescued two more former Tokyopop titles, Saving Life and Kannazuki no Miko, both of which are also considered mature titles and won’t be available in their app. They are certainly interesting pick ups by Viz. I would never have expected Kannazuki no Miko to be one. May it was part of a digital package deal. I love the bundles they have this month. I recommend Godchild. It’s a good deal for the whole series. I’d love to get the Nura:  Rise of the Yokai Clan entire series, and wish they would do some bundles for the latter half of titles. I have Vol 1-10 of Kimi ni Todoke already. What I could really use is a Vol 11-20 package.

With this final box set and epilogue volume, Viz Media gives a fond farewell to Naruto, one of their flagship titles of the 2000s. It’s hard to believe it is finally over, but Naruto‘s saga spanned 72 volumes, which is more than respectable for a shonen series. Even though I didn’t make it through whole series, I jumped off shortly after the time jump, I did enjoy the parts I did read. I wouldn’t mind going back to pick up where I left off. Though space constraints would dictate going digital.

There’s a lot of good stuff coming from Viz in the last two weeks of the year. If you haven’t been following the free chapters of Boys Over Flowers Season 2, then picking up the first volume is really the way to go, especially if the free chapters are limited. There are some really good bundles available this week. I highly recommend Cross Manage, and at $10 it’s a steal for the whole series! Also tempting are the Dragon Ball (the only good series) and Dr. Slump bundles. Next week, Otomen‘s first 5 volumes are up and also get a recommendation from me.

I don’t know what it is about them, but I’m drawn to titles that have delinquents who hide a softer side, so I’m looking forward to this release.  It’s got a lot of potential for misunderstandings, and mismatched friends. It’s a great way to start out the new year.

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!

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.

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.

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.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure was a series I could never get into. It was just too bizarre. But it seems to have found new life in this new century, as it is not only selling in digital and in print, but the print volumes are deluxe hardbacks, that even the staunchest of collectors can appreciate. Even though Viz has lost one of its flagship titles with Naruto, it is doing a stellar job at finding new (and old) titles to fill that void.

If you’re taking your favorite ghost or ghoul out trick or treating this weekend, be sure to check your local comic shop and see if they are participating in Halloween ComicFest. Viz Media has two samplers you can partake of; Fragments of Horror from the master of horror manga Junji Ito, and Yokai Watch, the new all ages series out next week. It’s the perfect selection so everyone can leave happy and spooky.