I don't know if you have noticed this but I don't review shounen much here. Outside of the occasional IWJ! and Kekkaishi review, I tend to almost specialize in seinen. Sorry about that...

Today we look at two shounen titles. And they come from two sides of the Pacific ocean. One is a western and one is a fantasy-adventure. Guess which is from Japan and which is from North America...

---

魔砲使い黒姫
by: 片倉・狼組・政憲

Kurohime #1
by: Katakura Masanori

Rated: 16+
Price: $7.99
Viz/Shueisha/Shounen/action/western-fantasy

Young hero in training Zero wanders the wild west as a gunslinger. Why? Years ago he was rescued by a beautiful sharp-shooting witch named Kurohime. The princess of darkness, with her unique sense of justice, protected him as a child voluntarily and now he wishes to find her to pay his respects.
Well fate brings the two together in Kurohime. But the gods have switched the roles. Zero has to "protect" Kurohime now.

---

Undertown #1
by: Jim Pascoe & Jake Myler

ウンダータウン　#1
by:　ジム　パスコー　&　ジェイク　マイラー

Rated: 13+
Price: $9.99
TOKYOPOP/shounen/adventure

Like many kids, Sama is having a little trouble with his parents. Dad is always on his case and recently literally dad blew a gasket. Feeling sorry for his father, Sama decides to do a man's job and take responsibility for his family. He decides to embark on a journey to find a cure for his father. This journey takes him to Undertown. A mythical place where teddy bears come from. But once there he finds himself in the middle of a war. A war between furries and bugs!!

What side do humans fall under? And will Sama ever get back home?

Listen to MP3 Review Here:
As always, be aware that the review might contain spoilers.

This review was read by Ed Chavez for the MangaCast.
Subscribe to the MangaCast at

email us at mangacast[at]gmail(dot)com
Next episode: Variante, Disgaea 2, Coyote Ragtime Show, Ohikkoshi

October isn't yet a week old and some peeps are already talking about holiday season! What holiday are we supposed to celebrate... Leif Erikson Day, Columbus Day, Indigenous People's Day, Halloween, Veteran's Day...

With New Years is still more than 70 days away, maybe there is a birthday or anniversary you need to celebrate. Viz Media has a few recommendations for you from their Viz Books line. With new Ghibli, Naruto and Viz Fiction you can make plenty of your otaku friends and family happy this Ramadan.

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS ARRAY OF NEW BOOKS FOR 2007 HOLIDAY SEASON

Fourth Quarter Titles Feature Picture Book, Newest VIZ Fiction Novel and Beautiful Art Books - Perfect For Gift-Giving Season

San Francisco, CA
October 5, 2007

–VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will captivate fans this holiday season with a range of vividly illustrated new art and picture books based on popular anime and manga series and a new long-anticipated addition to the VIZ Fiction imprint.

Among the new titles are THE CAT RETURNS ART BOOK, NAUSICAÄ WATERCOLOR IMPRESSIONS, THE ART OF NARUTO: UZUMAKI, THE ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST 2, and the novel DRAGON SWORD AND WIND CHILD. Gift givers and their recipients can look forward to something special and out of the ordinary this year, as these selections are sure to captivate not only fans of anime, manga and pop culture, but also art aficionados. Each book is unique and can be picked up and enjoyed again and again.

THE CAT RETURNS PICTURE BOOK • Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $14.99
Available October 23, 2007

An adorable children's book based on the popular Studio Ghibli animated movie now available on DVD from Disney, THE CAT RETURNS PICTURE BOOK illustrates the story of a young girl and her exciting adventures in a magical feline universe using actual cel artwork from the original movie. The story follows a Japanese girl named Haru who saves a cat carrying a present from being run over by a truck. The cat turns out to be the Prince of the Cat Kingdom and, in return of the favor, the king decrees that the whole kingdom repay her kindness with favors, including catnip in her garden, dozens of boxed mice in her locker, and even marriage to the crown prince of Cat Kingdom that she definitely doesn’t want. Overwhelmed and a little scared, she contacts the Cat Business Office. Together with CBO's owner, the Baron, Haru enters the Cat Kingdom and the plot thickens as the pair tries to prevent her marriage.

THE ART OF NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND: WATERCOLOR IMPRESSIONS • MSRP: $34.99
Available November 6, 2007

From the vaults of Academy Award-winning director, Hayao Miyazaki, THE ART OF NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND: WATERCOLOR presents original and never-before-seen illustrations and concept sketches for both the manga and film versions of NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, released in 1984 and still regarded as one of the director’s best works. This full-color, over-sized softcover book with jacket also includes Miyazaki's earliest sketches that became the basis for some of his other notable works and gives a rare glimpse into the creative process of the most acclaimed anime director in the world today. NAUSICAÄ is ranked as one of the 50 greatest science fiction films by the Internet Movie Database IMDB. Set thousands of years in the future after a human cataclysm nearly destroys civilization, the world is a barren dangerous place overrun by a toxic jungle infested with huge new insect creatures. As humanity rebuilds and begins again in pockets of civilization, a spunky young princess attempts to hold her struggling people together against an invasion by a rival army. She must destroy a terrible new secret weapon that has the potential to wipe out what remains of humanity and bridge the gap between humans and the new creatures that have emerged in the aftermath. NAUSICAÄ is acclaimed for its innovative and beautifully portrayed story that also presents a subtle but strong humanitarian and ecological message.

THE ART OF NARUTO: UZUMAKI • MSRP: $19.99
Available October 25, 2007

NARUTO has become the most successful anime and manga property in North America. Fans can relish creator Masashi Kishimoto's artwork for the hit series in this new hardbound collection. Everyone’s favorite ninjas in training, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, and a host of other characters are featured in over a hundred pages of gorgeous full-color images. These images have never before been published in North America. The book also includes an extensive interview with Kishimoto, step-by-step details on the process of creating a Naruto illustration, 20 pages of notes from the author about each image in the book and a beautiful double-sided poster! This is not one to miss for any fan of the manga and anime series.

THE ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST 2 • MSRP: $19.99
Available October 16, 2007

A new hardcover art book featuring the characters and artwork from the top-selling and award-winning manga series by Hiromu Arakawa (published by VIZ Media). The new edition includes original color artwork and each illustration is presented in sequential order with added commentary from Arakawa herself. Also included are 9-pages of detailed character designs for the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST PS2 video game plus two pages of brand new manga panels. FULLMETAL ALCHEMSIT is a hit in North America with 14 volumes of the manga series now in print. This is an ideal companion to the manga and is sure to delight fans.

DRAGON SWORD AND WIND CHILD • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $16.99
Available November 20, 2007

VIZ Fiction offers a new printing with an updated translation of this acclaimed novel by Noriko Ogiwara. In the land of Toyoashihara, the forces of the God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness have waged a ruthless war for generations. But for 15-year-old Saya, the war is far away and unimportant – until the day she discovers that she is the reincarnation of the Water Maiden and a princess of the Children of the Dark. Raised to love the Light and detest the Dark, Saya must come to terms with her heritage even as she is tumbled into the very heart of the conflict that is destroying her country. The armies of the Light and Dark both seek to claim her, for she is the only mortal who can awaken the legendary Dragon Sword, the fearsome weapon destined to bring an end to the war. Can Saya make the dreadful choice between the Light and Dark, or is she doomed like all the other Water Maidens who came before her? Noriko Ogiwara was inspired to write by the classic Western children's books she read as she was growing up. Dragon Sword and Wind Child is her first book and part of the award-winning Magatama Trilogy.

Naruto is everywhere. He is partying with Geoffry the Giraffe. He is all over our Borders. He in your TVs and staring in best-selling movies.

Now Naruto is going to be joining a competitive eating competition?! The fishcake loving one will be joining the MLE in NY later this month for a ramen slurping showdown. Test out Naruto's newest video game and enjoy ramen at Nintendo World if you are around the NYC on the 27th.

... You know at first I didn't know what to think about this, but the foodie in me realized... Wouldn't it be cool to eat what Naruto eats!? You know Viz should try to make sure those bowls have naruto in them. They should also try to get fish cake with the video game logo dyed into it.

NARUTO Wii Launch Event in NYC October 27th

TOMY, DP3, NINTENDO and MAJOR LEAGUE EATING will be presenting this exciting event coming up in New York City

San Francisco, Ca
Oct 4, 2007

-Celebrating the NARUTO Wii launch they will be holding the FIRST EVER Ramen Noodle Major League Eating contest!

Read on for all the details, and for more information, interview or photo opportunities, please contact Kirk Green, kirk@gonzocom.com (949) 459-2165.

The best fighting game yet for the Wii™, NARUTO™: Clash of Ninja™ Revolution from TOMY and D3Publisher of America, will be the focus of a huge NARUTO Launch Event, Saturday October 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nintendo World® Store in New York’s Rockefeller Center. The Nintendo World Store will be filled with gaming stations, collectible card game areas and a professional Ramen Noodle Eating Contest (using chop sticks!) featuring some of the world’s most renowned competitive eating athletes in an event sanctioned by Major League Eating (MLE). Also featured during the NARUTO Launch Event will be game tournaments with prizes, costumed NARUTO characters, free give-away items and much more!

WHEN: Oct 27th 2007, 10am – 4pm (eating contest at 11.30am)
WHERE: Nintendo World Store, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY
WHY: NARUTO Wii LAUNCH PARTY
WHO: Presented by TOMY and D3P, Nintendo and Major League Eating

They said it couldn't be done. They said the world would turn their wallets away in fear. They said bookstores would balk at the notion of a new manga order... But Viz Media have won readers over and they have turned this country into a Naruto Nation!

33 slots out of the top 50 belonged to the Big V but more impressive are the 14 Naruto titles that placed. When the plan was announced many in the blogging community wondered about Naruto releases cannibalizing previous releases. Instead the first set of triplets have dominated the Nielsen charts and have revitalized the property as a whole. Sales of the first volume have seen a good jump and Viz's mook series - Naruto Anime Profiles - also got a nice push with the increased exposure. Bookstores are dedicating floor space to Naruto through their Naruto Nation displays. Naruto is celebrating with Toy's R Us. His DVDs are selling like crazy. People cannot get enough of the uzumaki'd one.

So that's the good news. Now the next question is... Is the rest of the manga industry getting a boost as well. It isn't Viz's job to help TP, DrMaster and Bandai Ent Manga, but it would be nice if they could help out readers with this success. Continued diversification of the Shonen Jump/SJ Advanced lines would be ideal (yeah Whistle!, Dr Slump, Ultimate Muscle and Slam Dunk will not break records but they are very important to Jump's history and this maturing manga culture). At the very least, I hope Naruto could help bring over more titles like Firefighter and Drifting Classroom.

VIZ MEDIA SWEEPS TOP SPOTS ON NIELSEN BOOKSCAN GRAPHIC NOVEL TOP 50 LIST

NARUTO Maintains Strong Lead While A Total Of 33 Of The Top 50 Listings Go To VIZ Media Manga Titles

San Francisco, CA
October 1, 2007

–VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that NARUTO manga volumes 16, 17 and 18 occupied the first, second and third positions on Nielsen BookScan’s noted Top 50 Graphic Novel list for the week ending September 23, 2007. The trio of latest volumes from the popular ninja action series has remained in the top three spots on the BookScan Graphic Novel list for four consecutive weeks. More than 2.3 million NARUTO manga volumes have been sold domestically since the series launched.

Further expanding the favorable manga sales news for the week of September 23, VIZ Media titles occupied a total of 33 of the Top 50 spots on the Graphic Novel list. Various NARUTO titles, including previous manga editions and a recently released NARUTO ANIME PROFILES: EPISODES 38-80 book, swept 14 of the Top 50 listings. Some other notable VIZ Media placements include BLEACH Vol. 20 (at number 10), DEATH NOTE vol. 1 (at number 11), THE BEST OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES: RED (at number 12), THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE † Vol. 3 (at number 15) and FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST Vol. 14 (at number 17).

Nielsen BookScan operates the world's first continuous retail sales monitoring service for books, with purchase information representing sales through a majority of the major retailers each week. In a typical week, sales of over 300,000 different titles are collected, coded and analyzed, producing complete market information for retailers, publishers and the media.

The impressive sale of so many NARUTO manga volumes helps to validate the continued massive popularity of the series among readers of all ages. Earlier this summer, VIZ Media launched NARUTO NATION, a broad campaign to bring an unprecedented increase in the frequency of publication of the wildly popular NARUTO manga series. In order to catch up to the present Japanese release schedule and to prepare readers for upcoming notable changes in the main character and story arc, VIZ Media will offer three new volumes of NARUTO per month from September through December 2007 – a first for any U.S. manga publisher.

“We are extremely pleased to see so many VIZ Media manga titles sweep the Top 50 Graphic Novel list and we’re especially excited to see 14 separate NARUTO volumes place so well,” states Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales VIZ Media. “The latest Bookscan list included a variety of VIZ Media shojo, action and kids’ titles aimed at the entire gamut of fans and readers and provides an even greater indication of the strong following that the manga genre, and NARUTO in particular, now enjoys across North America.”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Halloween is still a month away but Viz wants to let you know that they have a number of titles you should consider handing out as treats this Oct 31.

You should be familiar with two of these as Viz has previously released GYO and Uzumaki. But if you haven't had a chance to experience these modern horror manga classics, then maybe you should give these two a look.

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE CREEPS THIS HALLOWEEN WITH FOUR ACCLAIMED HORROR MANGA RELEASES, HOT NEW ISSUE OF SHOJO BEAT MAGAZINE AND A SPONSORED NIGHT AT A HAUNTED ATTRACTION

San Francisco, CA,
September 28, 2007

– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will spook mature-aged manga fans nationwide with an array of horror manga just in time for Halloween. Known for stories that blend the supernatural with the surreal, the horror genre of manga is truly one of the most unique and perhaps underrepresented, but definitely worthy of exploration. VIZ Media will offer four acclaimed titles that are guaranteed to scare this October under its Signature imprint. The titles include PORTUS, Vol. 8 of DRIFTING CLASSROOM and 2nd Editions of UZUMAKI and GYO.

UZUMAKI (2nd Edition) • Rated “M” for Mature • MSRP: $9.99 • Available
October 16, 2007

A new 2nd Edition of this unique horror manga from Junji Ito, UZUMAKI, depicts a town's creepy obsession with spirals. Slowly but steadily, people become variously fascinated with, terrified of, consumed by and ultimately killed by the countless occurrences of the spiral in nature - seashells, ferns, whirlpools in water, and whirlwinds in air. Junji Ito is one of Japan’s most acclaimed horror manga creators, winning the prestigious Umezu prize for horror. UZUMAKI was also turned into a live action film in 2000 and set off a run of popular Japanese horror films including Ju-On and Ringu. UZUMAKI will make an impression with the reader as the hapless town inhabitants are pulled ever deeper under the spiral’s spell, as if into a whirlpool from which there is no return. The 2nd Edition features a trim black cover with red lettering.

GYO (2nd Edition) • Rated “M” for Mature • MSRP: $9.99 • Available
October 16, 2007

Another horror masterpiece from Junji Ito offers a fishy horror tale that will guarantee a second thought before a trip to the seashore! From the mind of Eisner-nominated manga artist Junji Ito comes this diabolical tale of a peaceful town terrorized by waterborne monstrosities. Something is rotten in Okinawa as the rank odor of death floats over the island. A strange, legged fish appears on the scene and so begins teenager Tadashi's wild adventure into the horror (and stench) of the sea. The new 2nd Edition features a trim black cover with red lettering that complements the 2nd Edition of UZUMAKI.

PORTUS • Rated “M” for Mature • MSRP: $9.99 • Available October 9, 2007

Asami’s best friend Chiharu has stopped coming to school and isn’t answering her phone. It seems she has found something that’s a little more addictive than the school art club. But when Chiharu mysteriously commits suicide, all Asami finds in her room is a strange video game called Portus. With the help of two of her teachers, Asami hopes to solve the mystery behind her friend’s macabre death and the bizarre game. But is she prepared for the horrors of entering the twisted world of Portus, a game where, if you lose, death is your only option? Creator Jun Abe debuted with his manga Nedan wa Ii-yo in 1990, and followed with several other titles including The Yamada-ke and Miruo-Pon in Weekly Young Sunday, and Japanese Ahokko Kids in Monthly Sunday GX. PORTUS is notable for beautiful, precise illustrations reminiscent of the work of Takeshi Obata (DEATH NOTE).

DRIFTING CLASSROOM Vol. 8 • Rated “M” for Mature • MSRP: $9.99 • Available October 16, 2007

Without warning, a Japanese elementary school is transported out of the world they know, and into a nightmarish wasteland. Have they gone to another planet, or is this toxic world actually a vision of Earth's future? Soon, the students and teachers must struggle to survive in impossible conditions, besieged by terrifying creatures and beset by madness. Part Lord of the Flies, part post-apocalyptic Kid Nation, THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM (1972-1974) by Kazuo Umezu is a classic can't-put-down manga series that was also adapted into a Japanese live-action movie (1987). Volume 8 of the 11-volume series finds Sho, a 6th grader and leader of the marooned group of kids, forced into slavery by the crazed former cook of their school. Sho and a small band manage to escape and make it into the wrecked Tokyo subway where they encounter a world of horror, but also perhaps the answer to the end of the world.

“The Halloween season is a perfect time for the release of this collection of horror manga titles,” states Alvin Lu, Vice President, Publishing, VIZ Media. “Each of these stories is unique and we are pleased to offer an exceptional selection of content under our Signature imprint to make this year’s Halloween an especially scary one. Horror manga is not yet widely known in North America and we look forward to fans discovering this under-appreciated genre through these terrifying new releases!”

Manga on Film! GAHH!! At times I enjoy it so much its enough to drive me mad. I used to go to the Tokyo International Film Fest and volunteer just to get free opportunities to watch manga on the silver screens of Bunkamura and Roppongi Hills but with YaoiCon and winter comic events... ARGH!!! So damn jealous!!

Any whozzle!! Viz Pictures lead by Viz's Prez Seiji are some of the few studios that are really working that manga on film angle. Ping Pong, Densha Otoko, Uzumaki are just a few titles they have worked on over the years. Now they are coming on strong with some SJ live action in the form of two Noto Desu... I mean Death Note films scheduled for DVD release in 2008, with screenings across the States and Canada to be announced in the coming weeks. Personally I wonder how a tokusatsu director will handle this... I am hoping the shinigami scenes kick, nothing beats a actors in full body rubber suits, but that's just me.

Oh and has anyone noticed that Matsuyama Kenichi has been in a number of Viz Pictures titles... Taste of Tea, Linda Linda Linda, the Death Note-s... He was also in NANA...

Hmmm if there's a screening in SF... I guess I better set up another MANGACAST MOVIE MAYHEM night!! Maybe this year we won't get ripped off at CoCo Bang!! Small soju my ass! That was HUUUUGED!

VIZ PICTURES LICENSES THEATRICAL AND DVD RIGHTS TO LIVE ACTION DEATH NOTE FILMS

DEATH NOTE AND DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME Based On Popular Anime And Manga Series That Have Taken Japan And North America By Storm

San Francisco, CA
September 18, 2007

-VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced that it has licensed from Nippon Television (NTV) the North American theatrical and DVD distribution rights to the live-action feature film DEATH NOTE and its sequel, DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME, based on the DEATH NOTE anime and manga series which have gained massive followings in Japan and North America. VIZ Media is the exclusive North American publisher and distributor of the DEATH NOTE anime and manga series.

VIZ Pictures will open DEATH NOTE and DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME in a series of special screenings at Austin’s Fantastic Fest 2007, September 20-27, and at the 2007 Vancouver Asian Film Festival, November 1-4. Theater information follows at the end of this release and future screenings will continue throughout 2008. VIZ Pictures also plans to release DEATH NOTE and DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME on DVD in the summer of 2008.

“We are extremely proud to announce the license of DEATH NOTE and DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME,” says Seiji Horibuchi President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Both films were smash hits in Japan upon their initial release and the established popularity of the manga in the United States, combined with the highly anticipated debut of the anime series, will prime audiences for the excitement and tension that the live feature films bring to the story.”

DEATH NOTE is based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The live-action film, directed by Shusuke Kaneko, known as a director of popular monster film “Gamera” series, was released in 2006 and mirrors the manga’s story of Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects who is bored out of his mind. All of that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals mysteriously begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to investigate, and he is soon hot on the trail of Light, who must now reevaluate his one noble goal. Both Light and L believe themselves to be on the side of justice, and the two match wits trying to show exactly which of them is "good" and which of them is "evil."

The film’s sequel, DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME, was a hit in Japan, staying #1 for four straight weeks. While it closely followed major plot elements from the original manga series, several new key story differences were also introduced. Both films star Takeshi Kaga, who is widely known by North American audiences as the flamboyant host of TV’s Iron Chef.

DEATH NOTE and DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME will screen at:
Sept. 20-27: Austin, TX, Fantastic Fest 2007
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
1120 South Lamar, Austin, TX
For show times and tickets, go to http://www.fantasticfest.com

*DEATH NOTE will screen at:
Nov. 1-4: Vancouver, BC, Vancouver Asian Film Festival
For show times and tickets, go to http://www.vaff.org/
*Note this will only be a screening of DEATH NOTE

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each film release from a J-pop fan's point of view. HULA GIRLS is the fifth VIZ Pictures title following TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the most entertaining live action motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.

In this challenging Naruto loving world we live in, do you ever get lost in front of the manga stacks at Borders wondering... WHAT SHOULD I BUY?!

Well Viz editors, lead by Editorial Director Beth Kawasaki, want to tell you what too look for from the Big V. Want to try a Shonen Jump title that doesn't have Kamehameha blasts in it? Let Yurian and Joel give you some tips. Itching for a samurai manga well Beth and Yurian can tell you about the only one you really need to read! Looking for love, adventure, comedy... Let the experts point you in the right direction.

Oh and before you download... Just go buy Sexy Voice and Robo. SEINEN UP and enjoy!!

Sunday July 29th

VIZ Media: You Oughta Know... About These Manga
12:30-13:30

—Want to expand your manga reading list but don't know where to begin? Find out what the VIZ Media editors recommend. Editors will discuss series you've never heard of and series you may have heard of but aren't reading. Fans will also have a chance to ask questions about titles. Panelists include Joel Enos, editor of Naruto, Godchild, The Cain Saga, From Far Away; Nancy Thistlethwaite, editor of Absolute Boyfriend, The Gentlemen’s Alliance +, Ouran High School Host Club, Crimson Hero; Amy Yu, editor of Buso Renkin, Tail of the Moon, Muhyo & Roji’s Bureau of Supernatural Investigation; and Elizabeth Kawasaki, editorial director.

Download the audio recording of this SDCC Panel here: .

Subscribe to the MangaCast at

Previews again! And now coming to you on a new date and time. I hope Friday is a better choice since you might pass by a bookstore/comic shop over the weekend. That could be a good excuse to go walk the dog or maybe go on a date with the new boyfriend.

You should bring up the subject like this... "Hey Pete (or insert appropriate name there) lets go to Comix Experience and get you SEINEN'd UP!"

Your date should have a blank expression but ought to agree since they might experience guns, hot girls, bad boys and fast cars along the way.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yurara #1 - Preview
Viz - June, 2007

by: Shiomi Chika

There are two sides to every ghost story...
Yurara Tsukinowa is a quiet girl who can see spirits and sense their emotions. Not wanting to seem abnormal, she hides her secret until she meets Mei Tendo and Yako Hoshino, two guys who use their spiritual powers to ward off vengeful spirits. The dormant guardian spirit in Yurara arises and a strong-willed beauty with the power to release souls emerges!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gunsmith Cats Revised #3 - Preview
Dark Horse - Sept, 2007

by: Sonoda Kenichi

Guns, girls, hot cars, girls, crazy action, and more girls! Gunsmith Cats is so jam-packed with action, it's bursting at the seams, and now the seams are bigger! Continuing Dark Horse's run of fanatastic omnibus editions, Gunsmith Cats third volume of "Revised Edition" continues the frantic adventures of our favorite young, female bounty hunters. This time the volumes formerly known as "Bean Bandit" and "Kidnapped" comprise this 450+ page book.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Undertown #1 - Preview
TOKYOPOP - August, 2007

by: Jim Pascoe & Jake Myler

Meet Sama, a 10-year-old boy who is so sad that tears have literally stained his cheeks. Sama's father has had a heart attack...and doctors give him a month to live. With his teddy bear in tow, Sama crawls under his bed and finds a magical portal to a strange realm called Undertown. What is this dark new world? To find out, Sama begins a journey through the depths of Undertown...where he searches for The Sugar Stone, a magical object that might be able to save his dad!

Off the Shelf

Its been a couple weeks since the last MBC and sadly there might be some more prolonged breaks in the near future. But before that happens Jack and Brigid have some August news to share with you.

Apparently shelves are crowded. DUH!! The MangaCast has been saying that for more almost two years now. But members of the blogosphere cannot agree as to why that is? Is the market just saturated with too many new titles? Are 18 volumes of Naruto, 20+ vols of KareKano, 36 vols of Ranma squeezing out the Sexy Voice & Robos and Tanpenshu's off of shelves at Borders? Is digital distribution the answer or should comic shops take advantage of this as more of them morph into graphic novel shops.

Everyone is talking about the MIMC. The winner will be published in Kodansha's Morning 2 mag next month. What do Jack and Brigid have to say about the winners? Seriously what will Jack say?

And guess what Viz might be the capital of Naruto Nation, but the SF pub also publishes shojo. A number of Shojo Beat titles were announced at SDCC; listen to find out more about them.

Send your email to the MangablogCast(AT)gmail(dot)com.

Download the latest edition of the MangaBlogCast here: . Also available in .mp3 (coming soon)

This program was written by Brigid Alverson and read/recorded by Jack Tse for the MangaBlog.
Subscribe to the MangaBlog at

I don't like to joke about this but I generally have trouble with customs when traveling abroad. Actually most of my problems then to occur when I have to go through US customs. Passport is in order. I have all my visas and shots. I have never imported animals or plant matter but 2/3 times I am held up for some reason.

I come back from Japan last week and I didn't have an issue. Why? Naruto Nation. Never really left Japan or whatever land Naruto is from. And I guess everyone is accepted in Naruto's country because even I was allowed to enter. Maybe there is something to this project afterall?!

REMINDER FOR ALL THE NARUTO FANS FOR SEPTEMBER 2007!!!

it truly IS - NARUTO NATION -

The accelerated publishing begins next week with NARUTO manga vol. 16, 17 and 18 ALL releasing on Sept 4th ($7.95 each)
AND
Every third vol of each month will get a sheet of 4 NARUTO stickers (while supplies last)
(i.e. in Vol 18, 21, 24 and 27)


NARUTO Anime Profiles (episodes 38-80) releases on Sept 20th ($17.99)
AND
The long awaited release of ....

NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW - releases on September 4th ($24.98)

AND, and here's all the Exclusive offers: for NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW
BEST BUY - comes with a mouse pad ($24.98)
BGI (Borders and Waldenbooks) - Lenticular cover ($24.98)
TransWorld (FYE and Suncoast) - exclusive NARUTO lunch Box ($29.98)

NARUTO storyline
The general storyline of both the NARUTO manga and animated series depict the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of the nine-tailed fox demon sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right vs. wrong.

Descriptions for manga Volumes -

NARUTO Vol. 15 -
Twelve years ago, a giant fox demon with nine tails attacked the ninja village of Konohagakure. Defeated by the Hokage, the village champion, the mighty demon's soul was sealed into the body of an innocent orphan child, Naruto Uzumaki. Now Naruto is a 12-year-old ninjya in-training, struggling to be the best with his classmates Sasuke and Sakura.

NARUTO Vol. 16
Death in the village! When the dust settles from Orochimaru's attack, the shinobi find that not everyone has survived. While the ninja mourn, an unlikely candidate is chosen for greatness, a long-lost ninja returns with a dangerous entourage, and Naruto finds his life in more turmoil than ever before.

NARUTO Vol. 17
Who is Itachi Uchiha and what does he want with Naruto and Sasuke? As Jiraiya attempts to train Naruto to push beyond his limits, secrets of the past are revealed, and a mysterious shinobi who could change everything begins to take center stage.

One of the advantages to being in Japan is getting books on the cheap. There are too many factors as to why that is the case but let me say that novels are priced about the same over here as they are in the West. The advantage here is that there are plenty of great places to get used books in great condition at great rates. If you are an otaku there are plenty of shops that cater to those sensibilities. And if you aren`t then go down to Jimbocho or the outskirts of Ochanomizu and you can find some older books at prices that would make you want to turn into "the paper."

Brave Story is something I read around the start of the year. A little different from the other versions; this is a great read for a wide audience. I honestly think this might be the best thing Viz Fiction has relased since Battle Royale and in a way it might be just as good or better. And given how much I loved BR that`s saying something.

VIZ MEDIA PUBLISHES UNIQUE FANTASY NOVEL BRAVE STORY

Intriguing Fantasy Story About Adventure, Growing Up, Friendship, And Family Bonds Will Captivate A Wide Range Of Readers

San Francisco, CA
August 14, 2007

– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to expand its VIZ Fiction imprint with the latest publication of the novel BRAVE STORY by popular Japanese author Miyuki Miyabe. The book is offered as a hardcover edition at a suggested retail price of $23.99 and is now available through retailers nationwide.

BRAVE STORY tells the adventures of Wataru, a meek and unassertive 10 year-old elementary school student with mediocre grades and little aspiration. Things get worse for the boy when his father runs off with a mistress. Shocked and depressed, Wataru’s mother is hospitalized after a failed suicide attempt. Bewildered and seemingly alone, Wataru finds refuge in a half constructed building in his neighborhood that is supposedly haunted. But the building actually is the entrance to an alternate world called Vision, filled with fantastic creatures both fierce and friendly. Wataru must master magic techniques and collect hidden treasures on his journey to the Tower Of Destiny where a goddess of fate awaits, who it is believed, can make wishes come true. With winged dragons, corkscrew wolves and other intriguing life forms around every corner, Wataru realizes the task may be tricky. Before long, he acquires a band of loyal cohorts, including Kee Keema, a quirky lizard, and Meena, a circus cat. Only when Wataru has completed this journey and collected five elusive gemstones will he posses the Demon’s Bane, which is the key to unlock the future. And to complicate matters Wataru must
also outwit a merciless rival from the real world. Charity, bravery, faith, grace and the powers of darkness and light are the provinces of each gemstone and Wataru must learn important lessons about each during his quest. When finally brought together, the stones have the power to finally reunite Wataru’s family.

Author Miyuki Miyabe is renowned in Japan as a successful author of a diverse collection of science fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, social commentary and juvenile fiction. Her novel KASHA was translated by Alfred Birnbaum and published domestically as ALL SHE WAS WORTH in 1999. BRAVE STORY drew tremendous acclaim upon its publication, selling more than half a million copies in Japan, and was also turned into a critically acclaimed animated movie and RPG video game for the Sony PSP.

“BRAVE STORY is an intriguing fantasy tale about adventure, growing up, friendship and family bonds,” says Eric Searleman, Editor, VIZ Media. “Author Miyuki Miyabe has created a strange and fantastic world filled with bizarre creatures both good and evil and a plot whose purpose is to help the main character begin his journey to adulthood and ultimately reunite his family. The novel weaves themes of growing up and dealing with adversity into an adventure that will enchant a wide range of readers. We are excited to finally offer this unique title to domestic audiences through our VIZ Fiction imprint.”

The Osaka life-style is harsh my friends. The heat is intolerable. The food is unrivaled and the prices are just as good. You do need attitude to live in a place like Osaka but making an effort is what really counts (I mean how else could I survive here??)

Anywho, while I come down from a turtle ramen high let me give you some PR from Viz.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCED ARRAY OF UPCOMING ANIME AND MANGA TITLES AT 2007 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

Premiere Event For North American Comic and Manga Fans Set The Stage For Announcements Of More Than Twenty New Titles For 2008

San Francisco, CA
August 8, 2007

– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, made a series of notable announcements of several highly anticipated new anime and manga properties at the recent 2007 Comic-Con International. The convention, which is the premiere event for the comics industry in North America, drew more than 120,000 attendees.

On the anime front, VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP™ Home Video line will offer the DVD release of NARUTO™ THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW in September. DEATH NOTE, which is presently available for digital download, will be released on DVD in November with subtitles and newly dubbed audio, and a special limited edition will also be issued that features a collectable figurine of the shinigami Ryuk. Later volumes of the collector’s edition will include figurines of Light, L, Misa, and other popular characters. The first BLEACH™ DVD Box Set is set for release in October. VIZ Media’s newest anime acquisitions also expand the SHOJO BEAT imprint. It was announced that the NANA anime series is being prepared for domestic release and HONEY AND CLOVER has also been licensed. A trailer for HONEY AND CLOVER was screened for excited fans during the VIZ Media anime and manga panel.

Announcements were also made on a host of new manga titles for the coming year to be offered by the VIZ Media imprint, as well as the company’s SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT imprints.

Among the new VIZ Media imprint titles will be SWITCH, set to debut in March. The new series is an action crime drama centering on narcotics investigator Kai Eto, who looks like a squeaky clean kid but hides a violent alter ego and a dangerous past. Together with his stoic partner Hal Kurabayashi, the detective must track down and stop the distribution of a dangerous new drug, Dragon Speed.

NIGHTMARE INSPECTOR: YUMEKUI KENBUN will debut in April 2008 and will captivate fans with gothic shojo-style of artwork mated to a supernatural mystery story in the tradition of great comics like Sandman and House of Mystery/House of Secrets. For those who suffer nightmares, help lies in wait at the Silver Star Tea House, where patrons can order much more than Darjeeling. Hiruko is a special kind of private investigator. He’ll enter his clients’ dreams and rid them of their darkest visions – but only at the risk of exposing their darkest secrets!

THE RECORD OF A FALLEN VAMPIRE will launch in May and tells the story of a Vampire King that has lost his kingdom and his queen. A thousand years ago, humans took the queen hostage during an attempt to kill the king. Trying to protect him, the queen unleashed her power, nearly destroying the world in the process. Unable to kill the queen, the humans sealed her away and erected thousands of fake seals so that the king can never find her. The king’s search continues even today.

SHOJO BEAT was pleased to announce the forthcoming releases of paperback versions of romantic novels including KAMIKAZE GIRLS (Jan. 2008), SOCRATES IN LOVE (Feb. 2008), and BE WITH YOU (Feb. 2008), with a subsequent BE WITH YOU manga series also set to debut in February 2008.

New SHOJO BEAT manga series for 2008 will include HONEY AND CLOVER, a slice-of-life story set at a Tokyo art college, and MONKEY HIGH!, a story about a teenage girl that falls in love while dealing with a new school and family problems, both set for March release.

April will offer HARUKA - BEYOND THE STREAM OF TIME, a coming-of-age fantasy tale about a teenage girl named Akane who is sucked into a mysterious well that brings her back in time to the Heian period of ancient Japan! There, Akane learns that she is the Priestess of the Dragon God and the only one who can stop the notorious Demon Clan from taking over the capital city. Action—and romance—ensues when Akane meets the Eight Guardians: young men who have sworn to protect her as she completes her destiny!

May will bring the debut of Kaori Yuki's FAIRY CUBE. The popular creator of ANGEL SANCTUARY, GODCHILD and THE CAIN SAGA offers a new supernatural adventure story about a teenage boy who’s life is being taken over by a renegade evil spirit. Trapped in the mystical land of Faerie, Ian must figure out how to return to his own world and stop the lizard spirit from stealing his life, his family and his girl.

Also set for a May debut is B.O.D.Y. Everyone thinks 16-year-old Sakura has weird taste in guys because she can’t stop drooling over Fuji, the strong silent type who sits next to her in class. When she discovers he works for a host club—where women actually pay men to date them—will she finally wise up? Only one thing’s for sure in B.O.D.Y.—you can’t put a price on love! She could hire him to date her, but she’d rather win his heart.

VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT magazine was also pleased to welcome renowned manga creator Arina Tanemura for a special discussion on her work. Several new titles by the creator of popular shojo series like FULL MOON and THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE †, both published domestically by VIZ Media, will include I.O.N in April 2008. The series centers on a high school girl that meets the president of the Psychic Powers Research Society, and discovers when she touches a mysterious substance he made, that it gives her telekinetic powers when she chants the letters of her first name, I-O-N.

TIME STRANGER KYOKO will be released in July. The story is about a princess in the 30th century who has been happily living among the commoners until age 16, when she is supposed to ascend the throne. The king will let only Kyoko continue living as a commoner if she can revive her twin sister who has been trapped in time since birth. August will offer SHORT-TEMPERED MELANCHOLIC AND OTHER STORIES and, later in the year, a gorgeous presentation of THE ART OF FULL MOON, compiling a variety of Arina Tanemura’s vivid artwork from the series, will be released.

The SHONEN JUMP panel offered more news on DEATH NOTE, now one of the hottest manga and anime series in North America. New DEATH NOTE print titles for 2008 will include DEATH NOTE HOW TO READ 13 in February, which is the ultimate encyclopedia of all things DEATH NOTE. Readers will even discover the mysterious character L’s real name on a special trading card included with the edition. February will also see the release of DEATH NOTE: ANOTHER NOTE THE LOS ANGELES BB MURDER CASES. This is an original novel based on characters and concepts from the manga, anime and movie that takes place in Los Angeles with detective L working with a former FBI agent to help the LAPD investigate grisly
serial killer crimes.

New SHONEN JUMP manga will include the release of RAL Ω GRAD in February. The series features artwork by DEATH NOTE creator Takeshi Obata and tells the story of a young boy named Ral who was locked in a world of darkness for 15 years because the villagers were afraid of him. When Ral was an infant, a dragon-shaped Shadow named Grad living inside of him destroyed his village. Shadows have no form but when they emerge into the world of light, they take over the body of a living creature. Set free after the Shadows invade the kingdom, Ral is released into the world of light and quickly discovers women. He’ll do anything for them and his main goal is to protect every beautiful female in the world.

Other SHONEN JUMP debuts include GUN BLAZE WEST by Nobuhiro Watsuki (creator of RUROUNI KENSHIN and BUSO RENKIN) in April. A Wild West action and gunplay manga about a boy who befriends a vagabond in search of the sacred land named Gun Blaze West, where only the strong can set foot.

SHONEN JUMP rounded out its announcements with news of a special NARUTO™ Deluxe Box Set, going on sale the week of Thanksgiving, containing the first 27 volumes of the NARUTO manga series along with several limited edition premiums. In February, NARUTO: THE OFFICIAL FANBOOK debuts, filled with artwork created by the fans of the series. The new story arc for NARUTO also begins in March of 2008 with volume 28, which finds the main characters two and a half years older.

“This year’s Comic-Con International was a tremendous success for VIZ Media,” states Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. “Comic-Con is a major event for us and the opportunity to meet with the fans and preview forthcoming titles is always a welcome one. Thousands came by our booth throughout the show to sample the latest in anime, manga and related gaming titles, and we were also pleased to use Comic-Con to announce more than twenty exciting new series set for release in 2008. Our roster for next year will notably expand the VIZ Media, SHOJO BEAT and SHONEN JUMP imprints with some of the most innovative and compelling anime and manga properties yet. We look forward to fans discovering them!”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and
consumers of all ages.

Aftermath

AX, AKon and SDCC are done and after a week to recharge and detox the MangaSphere is just starting to get settled again. Its back to work and that means more to talk about for the MangaBlog. And considering what transpired over the last month with BroBooks partnering with CosMode, SquareEnix showing up in San Diego, and the launch of Yen Press there is no shortage of commentary.

Dark Horse possibly took top prize this summer and they didn't even have a manga panel in San Diego. They announced their new ManGettes project which will feature comics from the queens of manga CLAMP. Personally I thought manga was over the whole mangetsu deal years ago. You know that was before the manga revolution. I'd rather see anthologies, but if CLAMP does them they will be bought. Now I wonder how manly these will be considering that they are from Dark Horse?

If it were up to me, I'd say Viz was the big winner. Sure CLAMP is big and Viz has CLAMP in their catalog, but who can claim they have the most loved manga property of all time! Only Viz can say that now that they have licensed SLAM DUNK. After a while on the bench Sakuragi Hanamichi will return to the States and Viz promises the title will be a winner out here. Viz also announced their new Viz Big line. Everyone loves to take a ride on the omnibus train, so why not the Big V.

CMX had me talking them up all last week. The DC imprint revealed the first two titles from their deal with Flex Comix in San Diego. They also had Flex Comix execs on hand to demo early versions of the potential US port of the Flex Comix reader. People can go to Flex's site now to read their manga for free (Japanese only) but what you cannot find there is Crayon Shin-chan. That little rascal is also back after a brief hiatus and CMX isn't going to baby this long series. How they will handle the potty humor is still up for discussion though.

Plenty more SDCC coverage in this MBC. I would love to type some more but I got a train to catch and jetlag to get over. Sakai-shi here I come!! TADAIMA!!

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This program was written by Brigid Alverson and read/recorded by Jack Tse for the MangaBlog.
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