A downside to larger cons is that panel rooms can’t always hold everyone who wants to attend. This was the case with me and the Kodansha Comics panel at this year’s New York Anime fest. A wait in a long, long line ended with me being told the room could hold no more – alas! I’d forgotten that Kodansha had brought the creator of Fairy Tale, Hiro Mashima, to the convention and his presence at the panel filled it to standing room only (minus any remaining standing room so I’m told!).
Internet and dedicated bloggers still ensured the news got out to the masses though, as well as two press releases. This means the news for you without the 1500+ words from me! You can read about their new license, upcoming omnibus editions and their digital launch under the cut.
Kodansha Comics had two licenses to announce, the first being Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama:
“Humanity has been devastated by the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming humanity. Seemingly unintelligent, they have roamed the world killing off humankind for years. For the past century, what’s left of mankind has hidden in a giant, three-walled city. People believe their 100-meter-high walls will protect them from the Titans, which are 10 to 20 meters tall. But the sudden appearance of an immense Titan is about to change everything.”
I’m not familiar with the title but I’m always up for trying a new manga so we’ll see if it catches my eye when it hits store shelves in June 2012. According to Kodansha’s press release, it even won Best Shonen Manga of 2010 in Japan.
The second new license was Miles Edgeworth: Ace Attorney – the sequel to their currently running series, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. As the name suggests, this sequel series follows the character Miles Edgeworth, courtroom rival of Phoenix Wright.
Along with the new titles, Kodansha announced they’ll be releasing omnibus editions of Genshiken and Kitchen Princess. Both these titles were released by Del Rey prior to their licenses shifting over to Kodansha Comics. The omnibus collections will be made up of three single volumes. The first volume of Genshiken will be released in May 2012, with Kitchen Princess following it in June 2012.
Lastly, Kodansha Comics revealed their entrance into the digital manga market with the Kodansha Comics app. To celebrate the launch, they’re releasing all volumes of Fairy Tale for $2.99 a book. Unfortunately Kodansha’s app is only available in the US iTunes store.
In more positive news, Sailor Moon sold so well they’ve had to double their printing numbers. They said 100,000 copies have been printed and it’s been selling strong since day one. Great to hear!
You can read more detailed info from the panel at MTV Geek and AnimeNewsNetwork.
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