Ed Sizemore and Johanna Draper Carlson discuss Bakuman, and then Erica Friedman joins in for a conversation about fan entitlement, in the latest Manga Out Loud podcast.
Poor Poor Lips
JManga has three new titles up this week: Vol. 1 of Japan Sinks, by Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito; I Love You, Chief Clerk, a yaoi manga; and the yuri title Poor Poor Lips, which was localized in partnership with ALC Publishing. At her blog, Okazu, ALC principal Erica Friedman asks readers to e-mail JManga and urge them to set up a global yuri portal—right now the manga is restricted to North American readers, and that’s just bogus.
AstroNerdBoy outlines his vision for Kodansha’s upcoming edition of Genshiken Nidaime.
Have you fallen behind on a series or two? Do you just feel like a manga binge? Either way, check out Barnes & Noble’s three-for-two manga sale, which runs through tomorrow. The deal is for online purchases only, and it can’t be combined with other discounts, but still… three for the price of two!
News from Japan: Details are still sketchy, but Bunny Drop creator Yumi Unita will launch a new series, tentatively titled Itohen, in the April issue of Feel Young. Meanwhile, the 10th and final volume of Bunny Drop will be out in March. Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond will resume serialization in Kodansha’s Morning magazine next month, after a long hiatus due first to Inoue’s health problem and then to his loss of enthusiasm for the series.
Reviews
Kristin on vol. 3 of Blue Exorcist and vol. 12 of Black Bird (Comic Attack)
Brad Rice on vol. 1 of GTO: 14 Days in Shonan (Japanator)
Lori Henderson on The Innocent (Manga Xanadu)
Animemiz on Wandering Son (Anime Diet)
Hi. I just felt like I had to say something, since I keep seeing the B&N 3-for-2 Sale! news getting spread all over.
Hastings is a bookstore. They sell new & used books. Their website, GoHastings.com, normally has *really* good prices on used manga—- and they normally offer coupons that make it even cheaper! Like, right now, the code ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH nets you an extra 30% off the already discounted prices! For example, I just got the Vampire Knight Fanbook used for $2.78, tax included w/ free shipping. I have ordered (probably literally) hundreds of used books from them, and I can attest to their quality. Most of them look Like New. And if for some reason you’re unhappy, returning the item is ridiculously easy. They have very nice & helpful customer service.
My main point, though, is that their normal price for most NEW Viz stuff is $6.61. Which means what? That they’re actually 5 cents cheaper than the B&N sale (which averages to $6.66 a book) , even BEFORE you calculate the shipping you’d have to pay at B&N. Books get free shipping on GoHastings.com! Their standard discount on Kodansha books is $7.41, 8 cents more than the 3-for-2 deal would make it, but still. That’s the everyday price, and as I said, there’s no free shipping quota you have to reach with GoHastings.com
I just. I’m a collector, and I hate to see people rushing up for a “limited time only, great deal” that really… isn’t all that?
(and honestly, guys, 30% off isn’t that spectacular. You should shop during a publisher sale at Right Stuf (+ Got Anime? discount) or wait until Midtown Comics has a 40% off Manga sale. Then you get the good discounts!)
…also, sorry for ranting on your blog. -_- This is just the fourth or so place I’ve seen mention this, and it’s really starting to get to me.
Unita Yumi is one of the most prolific, tireless manga artists in the business today. I often wonder when she sleeps. I know of three currently running series by her and I can only imagine that she’s got more I don’t know about!
There really needs to be a special award for her.