ComiPress translates a Japanese article about the manga market in 2006 and reports on a new manga imprint that will be publishing a new seinen magazine.
David Welsh asks if anyone has read Kino no Tabi, and what they thought of it.
Elae points to an article on the Yaoi Press blog about backlist, which makes a pretty good point: Backlist books don’t sell—unless they are part of a multivolume series. Then they do quite well:
The Yaoi Hentai series was an eye-opener for me. When Yaoi Hentai 2 was put in the face of buyers, sales of volume 1 went from fizzle to boom. I had to scramble out a second printing. Now with volume 3 coming out in January I see the effect again on volume 1 and 2.
The upshot: Yaoi Press won’t be considering one-shots from unknowns. They want creators who either have “name power” or will make the commitment to a multivolume series (or, presumably, both).
Andre finds some cover art for upcoming books at Amazon.ca.
Bookslut checks out the best book covers of 2006, and Abandon the Old in Tokyo makes the list:
There’s just something so cool and noir about this cover — so noir it’s beige. Not to get all J. Peterman about it, but this looks a bit like the book that you would be reading on the bus shortly before being drawn into a complex set of seemingly unrelated circumstances, that would eventually involve you having to stab someone with the knife concealed in your inconspicuous-looking plaid umbrella. This is also one of the few editions of Japanese comics that, to American eyes, will not make you look like someone who spends a lot of time at home composing personal ads expressing one’s interest in Asian women.
Gee, thanks!
MangaCast has the latest doujinshi ratings.
Reviews: Kethylia reviews volumes 1, 2, and 3 of The Drifting Classroom. It’s career day for Tangognat, who reviews Banya, the Explosive Delivery Man and Hayate, the Combat Butler. Mangamaniaccafe reviews vol. 13 of Red River. AoD’s Matthew Alexander reads vol. 1 of Trinity Blood. At Active Anime, Holly Ellingwood has an advance review of a new title that looks pretty cute, Crazy for Dogs. I have a feeling we’ll be picking that one up.
I’ve not read Kino no Tabi, but the anime version is one of the best anime series I’ve ever watched. It’s deep and thought provoking; some chapters shocking. I’m not sure some parts of it are appropriate for 13 years olds without some parental guidance. People who watched it will know what I’m talking about. One of those stories which stick with you for a long time afterwards.
I read the first two chapters, and so far I don’t think there’s anything my 13-year-old couldn’t handle. Watching the anime would be a different matter, though. I’m really enjoying the book so far.