With the release of volume 15, there are 2 million copies of Fruits Basket in print. Manga-ka Natsuki Takaya’s response is typically noncommital:
That definitely flatters and pleases me. Thank you very much. As for a reason, I can’t clearly distinguish one, but if people read Fruits Basket and think ‘I like this,’ then that alone is enough to bring me joy.
Tokyopop’s press release was vague about what the 2 million figure refers to, but according to ICv2, it’s 2 million shipped, presumably in the U.S. since this chart shows the series has sold 11 million copies in Japan. Ed pays tribute at the MangaCast.
Meanwhile, volume 12 of Naruto debuts at number 147 on the USA Today Booklist.
We’re day late with the link, but the MangaCast crew posted their picks of this week’s new comics.
Jason Thompson asks “Why are there no less than five separate translated manga about girls who have crushes on guys disguised as female models?”
Tech talk: With all the talk about downloadable comics sites, David Welsh reminds us that Netcomics has been selling comics over the web (not downloads, though) for almost a year. Also, here’s a site repeating a rumor about a $50 e-book reader that Amazon may or may not roll out to compete with Sony’s E-Reader. (Via ComiPress.)
Wonder Woman watch: John Jakala links to a CBR Forum thread displaying mixed reactions to Tintin Pantoja’s pitch for a manga-style Wonder Woman. In the comments on his own blog, Jakala observes
The thing I found most interesting about that thread is that no one bats an eye when DC puts out a gazillion different Batman books (and not all in “real” continuity, either) but suggest one other Wonder Woman project and suddenly everyone’s baffled. “But I don’t UNDERSTAND. How would this fit in with OYL???”
I think we’re messing with their heads.
After Ellen has an interview with Megan Gedris, who just received a $1,000 grant from Prism Comics to publish her lesbian manga Yu + Me.
Anthology talk: Writer Caleb Monroe interviews the editors of four anthologies, including the Rising Stars of Manga series and Flight, about the advantages of the format and the sort of balance they look for when choosing entries. (Via Blog@Newsarama.)
Viz licenses Ichigo100% and the scanlation community breathes a sigh of relief. Ed has cover scans of this and several other new Viz titles. UPDATE: The titles aren’t confirmed, says Floating Sakura in comments.
Akito has a tutorial on scanning black and white artwork up at the Rush blog.
Test your manwha knowledge and maybe win some new books at the Netcomics Holiday Trivia Contest.
Previews: Jarred draws our attention to a preview of an older CMX series, Madara, that was written by Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service writer Otsuka Eiji.
At the MangaCast, Ed reviews three gender-bender manga, Kashimashi Girl Meets Girl, Tenshi Ja Nai, and GA BETA. Active Anime posts reviews of volume 9 of Phoenix, volume 2 of The Day of Revolution, and Del Rey’s version of Train Man. Comic Book Bin gets all philosophical about Rose Hip Zero. So nice they reviewed it twice: Toon Zone has two reviews of Ode to Kirihito; unsurprisingly, both are raves.
Hmmm… well, Viz hasn’t confirmed the licenses yet (more like they refused to do so when I confronted them, in a very nice and diplomatic “I-really-don’t-know-what’s-going-on-but-I-inform-you-as-soon-as-I-find-out” way). Although I do believe in this case it’s pretty much certain that Viz has licensed those titles, but amazon can make mistakes in some rare cases, which has happened before.
Psst… Same blog but actually Jarred posted it. ^_^
Ed draws our attention to a preview of an older CMX series, Madara,
I’m happy about Fruits Basket. Most would have to agree that girls dig this series and having lots of males and females buying manga oerall creates a healthy diverse marketplace unlike American comics.
I first discovered Fruits Basket in french, before the english version was released, and it’s a really engrossing work that a lot of people have embraced. Glad to see it’s continuing success.
FS: I put in a note. We’ll see how long it takes Viz to confirm or deny.
Ed: I fixed it.
Jack, Andre: Nice to see the guys like this as well. My kids got me hooked on it, and it’s so addictive that I’ve thought of buying the French edition, which seems to be ahead of the American in terms of volumes released.