Welcome back, manga fans! I know I say this every month but it was especially true for these Previews: I could not narrow down my list to only 10. This month is absolutely stacked. I could barely even get it down to 20.
To be fair, many in the bottom half are really the special re-releases and collectors editions I wanted to highlight but couldn’t justify bumping something else off in addition to some comics I’m not sure are good but did make me laugh/have historical importance. You’ll see what I mean.
20. This Entry is Made of Three Different Comics
Robotech, for the unfamiliar, was an 80s TV show made for the US by stitching together three different Mecha anime. It’s been stuck in lisencing hell for a long time, much like the shows it cannibalized. This is the American comic adaptation from that era, being re-released for the very first time. That felt like something to celebrate here, even if it technically falls out of the purview of the column. Titan has a bunch of these collections now and I’m glad this strange piece of history is being preserved.
Robotech Archives: Robotech: The Masters, Vol. 1
Written by Mike Baron
Illustrated by Neil Vokes
Published by Titan Comics
Titan’s Robotech Archives omnibus series continues with a huge collection of the classic Robotech: The Masters comics – which have never been collected before!
The Macross Saga is over and 15 years have passed since the war with the Zentraedi, but peace soon comes to an end when the Robotech Masters attack. Collects issues 1 to 11 of the Robotech: The Masters series plus the Robotech Special, ‘Dana’s Story’. Also includes a brand new foreword by writer Mike Baron.
19. I Wonder if the Glass Slipper is Padded
What a twist!
My Stepmother & Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Otsuji
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
Miya, an illegitimate child, has been living with the main Kounokura family since her mother unexpectedly passed away. With her stepmother and two stepsisters at her side, Miya experiences her fair share of firsts: visiting a department store, watching over the house alone, and even hosting a special guest! There are still many things about this new life Miya doesn’t understand… but luckily, her not-at-all wicked stepfamily is there to show her the ropes!
18. The Most Catholic of Sports
I mean, the title says it all, doesn’t it? Well, it leaves out the serial killer part. But that’s OK. There’s no room for nuance in BASKETBALL.
Love Murder Basketball
Written by Kurutta Hito
Illustrated by Tsunderuuu
Published by Tokyopop – LovexLove
As the son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan, Shoto Tanaka’s life has been anything but average. Then he meets the most popular athlete in Japan, Goro Nakamura. Goro is used to putting on a show for the public, and since he comes from a family of wealth and notoriety, he’s frequently in the limelight; Shoto, like many others, is captivated by his icy charisma.What Shoto isn’t aware of is that Goro is also the infamous “Animosity Serial Killer” of Japan. In what ways will Goro and Shoto’s profound devotion to one another and their various ideologies impact their complex relationship and those around them?
17. Isekaied by Cart-Kun
What do I even say to this one? He’s a pony! I can’t stop laughing at this descriptions goofy tone.
Ruthless Commander & His Reincarnated Warhorse
Written by Sakashima
Illustrated by Nomoto Narita
Published by Denpa Books – Kuma
A thirty-year-old Japanese male is teleported to Japan’s warring-era. But instead of being reincarnated as a samurai or ninja, he is now a pony! Cute and spry, he is enjoying is carefree new life but all that changes when he runs into a human who is fighting off a bear attack! The pony dashes and rescues the man, and thus begins his new life… as a warhorse!
16. What Could Have Been
Last year, I finally Read “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin.” If you haven’t, go read that immediately. Even if, like me, you don’t give any shits about Wow, Cool Robot, “The Origin” is a must read sci-fi comic. This…has nothing to do with that series but it is an adaptation of the alternate version of the movie that capped that saga off. “Gundam’s” a weird franchise y’all.
Continued belowMobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack Beltorchika’s Children, Vol. 1
Written by Takayui Yanase
Illustrated by Sabishi Uroaki
Published by Denpa Books
The legend of Armuro Ray and Char Aznable continues in a new adaptation of Tomino’s ground-breaking film. Their first battle changed the tone of the One Year War. Their last battle could be believed as the end of that war. Now more than a dozen years later, Aznable has emerged to lead a Neo Zeon and Amuro is ready to confront his rival once again. Created twenty-five years after Yoshiyuki Tomino’s original novels, Beltorchika’s Children is an alternative telling of the legendary film.
15. Washed Away Like Sand in the Waves
I genuinely have no idea if I’ve read this before, thus I don’t remember if I liked it or not. Asano’s work kinda blurs together in my head. Still, hardcover re-releases are something to note, especially for a celebrated (and very dour) creator like Asano.
A Girl on the Shore
Written and Illustrated by Inio Asano
Published by Vertical Comics
Eisner-nominated author, Inio Asano’s A Girl on the Shore is now in a hardcover, collector’s package! Koume Sato and Kosuke Isobe are two teenagers living in a sleepy Japanese seaside town. After getting used and dumped by her crush, the emotionally damaged Koume decides to start a relationship with Kosuke, without any emotions involved. However, they both soon discover that sex with no strings attached often leads to unexpected complications, not just for themselves but also the people around them.
9. Second Time Unlucky
I got halfway through my write-up before realizing I’d already highlighted this back in January. I’m leaving the listing for 2 reasons. One: I’m already cheating with 20 titles. Two: I’m really excited to read this.
I’ve been working my way through a bunch of the underground/literary Garo artists like Tsuge and “Nejishiki” has been referenced numerous times within them. In part, because his younger brother Tadao Tsuge is one of those creators. These titles don’t get as much attention as, say, the latest Shonen Jump release, so if I have to bend my list to bring it up, I’ll do it.
Nejishiki
Written and Illustrated by Yoshiharu Tsuge
Published by Drawn & Quarterly
Nejishiki unveils the most iconic scenes from Yoshiharu Tsuge’s highly respected body of work alongside his most beloved stories. Tsuge’s stories abruptly cross the threshold of conventional storytelling. Unassuming protagonists venture further into eerie symbolism against a shadowy, perceptibly dreamlike landscape easily mistaken for the real world. The angst that pervades postwar Japanese society threatens to devour his characters and their pastoral sensibilities as each protagonist’s wanderlust turns surreal.
13. King Crimson Vs. Spicy Lady
It’s the final volume of Part 5! Look at that AMAZING cover. AHHHHHHHHH. SO good. I can’t wait to read Part 6.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 5: Golden Wind, Vol. 9
Written and Illustrated by Hirohiko Araki
Published by Viz LLC
Giorno Giovanna, Bruno Bucciarati, and the surviving members of the gang have found themselves in the presence of the Boss, and his Stand ability appears to be invincible. After a long fight across Italy, after surviving so many battles and losing so many friends, the gang may not have a chance…but they haven’t given up yet, and they don’t plan to now. They’ll need everything they’ve got-and maybe even a whole lot more than that-to survive what the Boss has in store for them!
12. Get This Boy a Musical! Just Don’t Make it Jellical.
Another classic horror series getting a re-release, this time the long out of print “Cat-Eyed Boy.” It’s easy to forget that a lot of horror manga are stand-alone one-shots with recurring characters. Thanks to Junji Ito’s explosive popularity, other artists like Umezz are getting (re)discovered and getting these wonderfully beautiful releases. May the trend continue!
Continued belowCat-Eyed Boy Perfect Edition, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Kazuo Umezz
Published by
From the mind of Kazuo Umezz, undisputed master of Japanese horror manga and creator of The Drifting Classroom and Orochi, comes Cat-Eyed Boy! This deluxe edition contains five classic horror stories featuring a mysterious and dangerous cat-eyed boy who lives among humans, comes from the world of demons, and is despised by both. In four morbid tales, he interacts with humans and monsters to often-devastating ends. Then, in a final story, Cat-Eyed Boy must decide where his true loyalties lie-or if he has any loyalties at all.
11. Can’t Keep the Classics Down
I’m so happy to see more classic shojo titles get rescued from long out-of-print status and put into these affordable special editions. Only 4 volumes total too! Thank you Seven Seas.
Marmalade Boy Collector’s Edition, Vol. 3
Written and Illustrated by Wataru Yoshizumi
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
Miki loves Yuu, but she’s got plenty of competition! The newest person vying for Yuu’s affections is no less than the school president, Miwa Satoshi. Just how close are the two boys? And what’s the meaning behind that serious look Yuu gets on his face from time to time?
10. Yearly Dose of Antics
It only comes out once a year. I HAD to include it. Even then, though, it barely snuck into the top 10.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun, Vol. 14
Written and Illustrated by Izumi Tsubaki
Published by Yen Press
Today…is not the day. Although Nozaki maybe sort of noticed he might have certain
feelings, the actual shape of them is still pretty fuzzy. So in the meantime, Sakura’s
and Nozaki’s grand plan to help out Kashima and Hori spectacularly backfires…And
something is going down with Yukari and Ryousuke, while the Seo-surprise-streak
continues as usual!
9. Mushishi Lives!
“Mushishi” has snuck its way into my favorite manga of all time with its episodic, melancholic, and thoughtful approach to a historical-supernatural tale and this series has flavors of that that I’m excited to sample. I’m a little wary of the “fans of magical girl manga” selling-point as it seems to be at odds with the rest of the description’s methodical tone. That hasn’t stopped me before and it won’t here. Send up our souls and take the first step with me.
Alpi – The Soul Sender, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by RONA
Published by Titan Comics
FOR FANS OF THE MAGICAL GIRL MANGA – A COMING- OF-AGE STORY ABOUT YOUNG ‘SOUL SENDER’, ALPIIn Alpi’s magical world, divine spirits are the source of all life, communities living in harmony under their protection. However, when their lives end, a terrible curse drives them to evil, and these malign spirits must be sent to the afterlife by the Soul Senders. Alpi is one such girl, talented despite her young age, and assisted by her familiar Pelenai!
8. Focusing On What Matters
I’m a sucker for a good play-on-words title. Couple that with an intriguing exploration of young romance and you’ve got a winner on your hands. Hopefully the book doesn’t feel exploitative or overwrought. We’ll just have to see.
Depth of Field
Written and Illustrated by Enjo
Published by Digital Manga Distribution
Hey, Kon-chan. Why don’t we have sex?One day, in his secret after-school spot on the roof, Hayakawa met Konno. Some called Konno “hard to approach,” “scary,” or “intimidating,” but whenever he had his camera pointed at his latest subject, it was clear he was enjoying himself.
Respect, envy, jealousy, an inferiority complex… Hayakawa’s complicated feelings toward Konno, who has everything he ever wanted, continue to intensify…
A story of emotionally immature love, high school, routines heaped together, and conflicting focal points, from up-and-coming author Enjo.
7. The Cozy Universe Begins Here
I was really charmed by the art on the cover for this one. There’s something rustic and traditional about the vibe, maybe because the visual aesthetics are mid-century European chic. Anyway, I’m a fan of Iwatobineko’s previous manga, “The Country Without Humans” and I’m excited to read what seems like it’ll be a less heartbreaking story than that one. I already know they can bring the cute and have a strong sense of environmental design. Let’s see if they can bring the romance too.
Continued belowThe Invisible Man and His Soon-To-Be Wife, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Iwatobineko
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
Tounome, invisible man and private eye, is the owner of a detective agency and boss of a small set of essential employees. With his dapper suits and kind nature, the last person Tounome expects to be flustered by is his blind receptionist, Yakou, who can always tell when he’s near. Charmed by her, Tounome is determined to win her heart! They may be officially dating, but Tounome’s confident displays of affection have Yakou reeling!
6. Something’s Wrong With the Matrix
This is giving me strong Deh-noh Coil vibes. Considering I LOVE that show, and I really enjoyed “Lost Lad London’s” tight, character focused storytelling within a murder mystery, you just know I had to put this on the list. The refining of their art from that series while keeping the flat, Natsume Ono-esque aesthetic alive is a big win too.
And you wanna know the best part? It’s ALSO already got a definite ending! Score one for a mystery that actually ends.
Glitch, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Shima Shinya
Published by Yen Press
“Are you one of the ones who can see them?”
Minato notices something strange about their new town on their very first day of school, when they witness an eerie shadow. Together with their little sister, Akira, and their new friends, they set out to investigate what’s behind the bizarre visions plaguing them.
5. Ouran High School Bitch Club
I. Love. This. Premise. I’m dying. It’s gay, rated-X “Ouran High School Host Club.” What’s not to love? And I mean, come ON. Look at that cover. You can’t tell me you don’t want to read this.
Yarichin Bitch Club, Vol. 5
Written and Illustrated by Ogeretsu Tanaka
Published by SuBLime
In an extracurricular experience gone hilariously wrong, innocent Takashi Tono accidentally joins a club of young men who put the “dick” in “valedictorian.”At an all-boys’ boarding school deep in the mountains, hapless transfer student Takashi Tono joins the Photography Club, only to learn too late that the club’s main extracurricular activity is offering its sexual services to the student body! Now that Takashi’s surrounded by bedroom aces, can this virgin survive a day, much less the whole school year, as part of the school’s most lascivious club?
In a bid to stave off the sex quota required of the promiscuous Photography Club members, first-year Takashi Tono has protected his virginity by fake-dating fellow club member Yu Kashima. But while Kashima’s affections are real, Tono instead has a crush on his sweet-and-sour classmate Yacchan-as does club upperclassman Tamura! When confessions come to a head, hearts will break!
4. Round 2!
I said most of what I wanted to say about this comic when volume 1 dropped. This is just a reminder that “March” is a luminous work and you should read it.
March Comes in Like a Lion, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Chica Umino
Published by Denpa Books
Kiriyama is moving up the ranks and now he is even appearing on television. With the new exposure means, more unusual exposure to his friends, family and classmates. Suddenly everyone seems to know what he meant when he said playing Japanese chess is his profession. But that doesn’t mean he’s suddenly a celebrity. But being in magazines and on TV does have its perks, as well as its drawbacks.
3. Sci-Fi You Can Vibe To
“Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou” reminds me of a cross between “Saturn Apartments” and “Aria,” with the setting and character work taken from the former and the tone and aesthetic from the latter. If you were to custom make a manga for my tastes, it might just be this one. Look at those character designs! Cute, calm, and classic. Seven Seas did it again, bringing back long-unlicensed comics to the masses and I am so grateful.
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou Omnibus, Vol. 3
Written and Illustrated by Hitoshi Ashinano
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
A summer storm passes over the café, reminding Alpha that everything, even her memory, is changing all the time. She takes a tour through the seasons on foot, to record all she can in her memories. The days slide easily into the future. Enjoy chapters 53-82 of this beloved manga classic available in English for the first time.
2. You Gonna Make Me Repeat Myself?
I stumped for this series during our end of year coverage and here I am, standing once again upon my stump, to tell you to fucking read “Akane-Banashi.” I cannot understate how good this shit is. The best non-battle, battle manga from Jump in years. Fucking sits in a class of its own and I hope we get 30+ volumes of the series.
Continued belowBut if it’s so good, why’s it not #1? Well…
Akane-Banshi, Vol. 1
Written by Yuki Suenaga
Illustrated by Takamase Moue
Published by Viz, LLC
Akane unintentionally stirs up the specter of scandal when she’s discovered taking informal lessons from her father’s former teacher, Shiguma Arakawa. But she’s about to make even bigger waves, because her first step in climbing the ranks of rakugo performer from zenza opening act to shin’uchi headliner is exchanging her secret lessons for formal training. And she’ll still have to finish high school and navigate her relationship with Shiguma’s existing apprentices, all while learning that becoming a stellar rakugo performer takes much more than just being good at performing!
1. LET’S FUCKING GO
“nichijou” IS BACK BITCHES AND YOU ALL NEED TO READ IT. ‘NUFF SAID.
nichijou: my ordinary life, vol. 11
Written and Ilustrated by Keiichi Arawi
Published by Vertical Comics
The unexpected return of nichijou! Seven years from the last release, the quirky gang is back! For the die-hard nichjou fans or even those picking it up for the first time, this cute and outrageous gag comedy series is definetly going to have you bust a gut!
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Anything I missed? What are YOU looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!
