one piece

My Favorite Anime Opening Themes From the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

It’s been quite a while since I last did a Top 5 list, but I came up with an idea for one and decided that I wanted to write this up and share it. This time around, this is a listing of my six favorite anime opening themes that came out between the 1970’s and 1990’s. Yes, I couldn’t limit it to just five.

Instead of publishing the list as a Top 5 list, I will be sharing my favorites by organizing them by alphabetical order. I will be using the song titles to alphabetize the list.

For whatever reason, WordPress is not allowing me to embed YouTube videos into my post. Instead, I have made the title of each song a link to a YouTube video.

Hironobu Kageyama – “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” (Dragon Ball Z)

Most readers should recognize this song as the first opening theme for the Dragon Ball Z anime. It’s hard to believe, but this theme song first came out in 1989, when the first episode of Dragon Ball Z premiered in Japan.

One thing I can say about this song is that it doesn’t sound dated at all. You can’t hear it and immediately go, “That sounds like something that was written and recorded in the late 1980’s.” It sounds just as fresh now as it did 31(!) years ago. And I can’t neglect to mention that this song is extremely catchy.

Yoko Takahashi – “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

When I watched the first episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion, this song grabbed me the first time I heard it. I love how catchy and upbeat this song is, but it doesn’t prepare you for the content of the series or how the story evolves over the course of the series. LOL!

In all seriousness, though, I like how the song starts out kind of slow and minimal, and then it explodes into such an upbeat and catchy tune. Unlike “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA,” though, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” does sound a bit dated when you listen to it now. While this sound worked for an anime theme song in the mid-1990’s, you wouldn’t hear something like this as a theme song in today’s anime. Sounding dated doesn’t make it a bad song, though.

Etsuko Nishio – “Don’t Make Me Wild Like You” (Ranma 1/2)

This was the first opening theme song for the Ranma 1/2 anime when it premiered in Japan in 1989. Sonically, this song works so well with the images that accompany it. Also, the sound of this song perfectly captures just how crazy and chaotic the Ranma 1/2 anime can get.

Of all the opening themes for the Ranma 1/2 anime, this one is by far my favorite. Sure, it sounds dated, but it’s still incredibly catchy and fun. You can’t help but move in time with it when you hear it.

Sasaki Isao & The Royal Knights – “Space Battleship Yamato [Opening Theme]” (Space Battleship Yamato)

This is the opening theme for the first Space Battleship Yamato anime in Japan, and this is the oldest song to appear on this list. Of course, I first heard this in the American version back in the early 1980’s when I watched Star Blazers as a kid. Years later, when I got to hear the original Japanese version, I loved the song even more.

Both versions utilize the same music, which has a sound reminiscent of a military march fused with a 1970’s disco feel. Between the English and Japanese versions, I prefer Sasaki Isao’s vocal performance over the English singer. Isao has a great voice, and you can hear why he continues to be a voice associated with the Space Battleship Yamato franchise all these years later.

Seatbelts – “Tank!” (Cowboy Bebop)

This anime theme song, composed by Yoko Kanno, is a standout for so many reasons. For one, it’s a jazz sound instead of the usual rock or pop sound associated with anime opening themes. And second, it’s an instrumental, which is on the unusual side for an anime opening theme song.

But it’s not just those differences that make this stand out. It’s also a great and catchy song in its own right. It’s really not surprising that “Tank!” is considered to be a standout anime opening theme song.

Hiroshi Kitadani – “We Are!” (One Piece)

“We Are!” is a song strongly associated with the One Piece franchise and has had several different versions used as an opening theme during its run, but the original version by Hiroshi Kitadani remains my favorite. It’s hard to believe that this song, along with the first episode of One Piece, premiered in Japan in 1999(!).

This song gets the viewer pumped and excited for what’s to come in the series. It’s just so catchy and so memorable, and it easily gets stuck in your head. Not that I’m complaining about this being an earworm, though. If I have to get a song stuck in my head, “We Are!” is one I wouldn’t mind hearing over and over.

You can also see what my favorite opening theme songs are from the 2000’s to the present.

FUNimation Entertainment Announces January 2021 Releases

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

FUNimation Entertainment has announced the January 2021 releases for Aniplex of America, Crunchyroll, and FUNimation.

Aniplex of America

  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Part 2 (Blu-ray) – 325 minutes – $64.98 – 1/19/21

Crunchyroll

  • Conception: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) (Essentials) – 300 minutes – $29.98 – 1/5/21
    Special Features: Textless Opening and Closing Songs
  • Chain Chronicle – The Light of Haecceitas -: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) (Essentials) – 565 minutes – $34.98 – 1/12/21
    Includes Episodes 1–12 and Movies 1–3
    Special Features: Chain Crown-icle!, Chain Chronicle Academy, Promo Videos, and Textless Opening and Ending Songs
  • Nanbaka: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) (Essentials) – 650 minutes – $34.98 – 1/5/21

FUNimation Entertainment

  • Case File nº221: Kabukicho Part 2 (Blu-ray) – 300 minutes – $64.98 – 1/26/21
    Includes Episodes 13-24 and OVA
    Special Features: TV Broadcast End Card Gallery, Character Promotional Videos, Web Previews, Textless Opening and Closing Songs
  • Dragon Ball Z: Season 6 Collection (Blu-ray SteelBook) – 685 minutes – $59.98 – 1/19/21
    4:3 aspect ratio
    Episodes 166–194
    Special Features: Inside Dragon Ball Z: Interviews with Eric Vale and Cynthia Cranz, Dragon Ball Z Trivia
  • Dragon Ball Z: Season 7 Collection (Blu-ray SteelBook) – 565 minutes – $59.98 – 1/19/21
    4:3 aspect ratio
    Episodes 195–219
    Special Features: Inside Dragon Ball Z: Interviews with Justin Cook and Nathanael Harrison, Dragon Ball Z Card Game: Past, Present, and Future, Textless Opening and Ending Songs
  • Fruits Basket: Season 2 Part 1 (Blu-ray/DVD LE) – 325 minutes – $84.98 – 1/12/21
    Episodes 26–38
    Includes Exclusive Replicas of the Snake and Horse Zodiac Figurines from Shigure’s home, as seen in the show, a high-quality Rigid Box designed to fit all five Blu-ray releases, and 3 Art Cards
    Special Features: Season 2 FunCon Panel, Textless Opening and Closing Songs
  • Fruits Basket: Season 2 Part 1 (Blu-ray/DVD) – 325 minutes – $44.98 – 1/12/21
    Episodes 26–38
    Special Features: Season 2 FunCon Panel, Textless Opening and Closing Songs
  • Meiji Tokyo Renka: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) (Essentials) – 300 minutes – $29.98 – 1/12/21
  • No Guns Life: Season 1 Collection (Blu-ray) – 300 minutes – $64.98 – 1/26/21
    Includes 2 art cards (while supplies last)
    Special Features: Promo Videos, Commercials, Textless Opening and Closing Songs
  • One Piece: Season 10 Voyage 4 – 350 minutes – $39.98 – 1/5/21
    Episodes 615–628
    Special Features: Specially Commissioned Cover Art, Textless Opening Song “HANDS UP!,” and Punk Hazard Arc Behind the Scenes
  • Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: Season 1 Collection (Blu-ray) – 350 minutes – $64.98 – 1/26/21
    Includes Episodes 1–14
  • Star Blazers 2202: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) – 650 minutes – $69.98 – 1/5/21
    Special Features: Episode Commentaries, Interview with Ken Meseroll & Christopher Wekhamp, Textless Opening and Ending Songs, Special Theatrical Trailer, and Star Blazers: Space Battleship 2202: Conversation with the Cast

One Piece Manga Takes a Break Until October 17, 2020 Due to Eiichiro Oda’s “Sudden Illness”

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

The official Twitter account for the editorial department of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine has announced that Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece manga will not appear in the 44th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump as planned.

The editorial department explained that the manga is taking a break due to Oda’s “sudden illness” and poor physical health. The department stated that Oda is currently recovering, and that the manga will return in the magazine’s 46th issue, which will ship on October 17, 2020.

One Piece also experienced delays in the spring due to COVID-19. Oda warned in May 2020 that more delays are possible, as his staff reorganizes the workplace to facilitate social distancing.

Source: ANN

Top 20 Selling Manga in the United States in August 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

NPD BookScan has published their list of the Top 20 selling manga for August 2020:

  1. My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  2. My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 15 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  4. My Hero Academia Volume 24 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  5. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Volume 7 by Akira Himekawa
  6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  7. Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate
  8. Venus in the Blind Spot Hardcover by Junji Ito
  9. My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  10. One Piece Volume 94 by Eiichiro Oda
  11. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  12. Tokyo Ghoul Volume 1 by Sui Ishida
  13. Uzumaki Hardcover by Junji Ito
  14. Komi Can’t Communicate Volume 8 by Tomohito Oda
  15. My Hero Academia Volume 4 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  16. My Hero Academia Volume 23 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  17. My Hero Academia Volume 5 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  18. The Promised Neverland Volume 16 by Kaiu Shirai
  19. Given Volume 3 by Natsuki Kizu
  20. My Hero Academia Volume 21 by Kōhei Horikoshi

Source: The Fandom Post

My Hero Academia Is at #5 on the NPD BookScan Adult Graphics Novel List for August 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

10 manga volumes appeared on NPD BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels list for August 2020:

  • My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#5)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#6)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 15 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#7)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 24 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#8)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Volume 7 by Akira Himekawa (#10)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#12)
  • Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate (#13)
  • Venus in the Blind Spot Hardcover by Junji Ito (#14)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#19)
  • One Piece Volume 94 by Eiichiro Oda (#20)

The BookScan rankings collect data sales from more than 16,000 locations including Barnes & Noble and other book chains, independent bookshops, and online purchases — but not sales at comic book stores, Walmart.com, and some other venues.

Source: ANN

VIZ Media Announces December 2020 Manga Releases

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

VIZ Media has announced the company’s manga releases for December 2020.

Shonen Jump

Chainsaw Man Volume 2
Story and Art by Tatsuki Fujimoto

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Now that Denji has found the noble goal in life of “touching a boob,” the rest is easy. He just needs to defeat a gigantic bat monster before he bleeds to death. Never underestimate a motivated Chainsaw Man. But will all his sacrifices actually be worth it?

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 7
Story and Art by Gege Akutami

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Despite the injuries and losses they suffer in an attack on the Goodwill Event by Curses and Curse Users, the students of Jujutsu High have little time rest as people start going missing under mysterious circumstances. Could these strange
disappearances have anything to do with Sukuna’s lost fingers?

We Never Learn Volume 13
Story and Art by Taishi Tsutsui

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Asumi Kominami is retaking her college entrance exam so that she can one day become a doctor. As a child, she always dreamed of taking over her family’s practice, but her father is finding it harder and harder to compete against the bigger hospitals. Will Asumi give up on her childhood dream?

Dragon Ball Super Volume 11
Story by Akira Toriyama, Art by Toyotarou

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: US $9.99

Moro’s final wish with the Namekian Dragon Balls causes a mass prison break at the Galactic Prison. Goku, Vegeta and the Galactic Patrol are forced to retreat, and in the face of their defeat, both Saiyans realize they need to become much stronger if they are ever going to take down Moro and his cronies. Goku and Vegeta go their separate ways for training while Moro’s goons set their sights on planet Earth.

Twin Star Exorcists Volume 20
Story and Art by Yoshiaki Sukeno

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Benio finally returns in the nick of time to join the raging battle against her twin brother. According to prophecy, two of the Twin Stars’ friends will not survive. And how will Rokuro respond when he learns his fiancée has transformed into the exorcists’ mortal enemy?

Spy x Family Volume 3
Story and Art by Tatsuya Endo

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Twilight has overcome many challenges in putting together the Forger family, but now all his hard work might come undone when Yor’s older brother Yuri pops in for a surprise visit. Can Twilight outsmart Yuri when he finds out Yuri is actually a mortal enemy of his intelligence agency—an Ostanian Secret Service officer?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 19
Story and Art by Koyoharu Gotouge

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

The Demon Slayers fight hard to get their blades closer to Muzan’s neck. To avenge her family, Kanao must continue to
battle Doma head-on, while Iguro and Kanroji find themselves slashing through the shifting rooms of Infinity Castle.
Elsewhere, Tokito, Sanemi and Genya come face-to-face with a villain who recognizes Tokito, but Tokito doesn’t know him. Who is this powerful adversary?

One Piece Volume 95
Story and Art by Eiichiro Oda

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

The Straw Hats are in serious trouble when Kaido and Big Mom form the ultimate alliance of evil. Can Luffy and his
allies convince enough citizens of Wano to fight on their side? They’ll need every warrior available if they hope to take down two pirate Emperors at once.

Shojo Beat

Skip Beat! (3-in-1 Edition) Volume 14
Story and Art by Yoshiki Nakamura

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $14.99

Kyoko desperately wants to be cast in a new samurai drama so she can work opposite her best friend in the entire world,
Kanae “Moko” Kotonami. But the producer in charge of the acting test kicks Kyoko out without even letting her perform.
Kyoko’s temporary manager, Yoshiro, isn’t worried, though. He knows a little adversity isn’t enough to stand in the way of Kyoko’s dreams. Still, her competition isn’t known for playing fair, and Kyoko’s professionalism is getting blasted away by waves of doubt and grudge demons. Her only chance to stay in the running is to channel her dark emotions into her acting, but how can she hope to control feelings about her special weakness, Ren Tsuruga?

Yona of the Dawn Volume 27
Story and Art by Mizuho Kusanagi

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Hak confesses his feelings to Yona, but how will Yona react in response? Later, Zeno suggests heading to Kuuto and getting closer to Hiryuu Palace so that the Four Dragons can heal their wounds. But what will they do when a Kai Empire army attacks the Fire Tribe?

Vampire Knight: Memories Volume 5
Story and Art by Matsuri Hino

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Ai tries to protect her little sister Ren from every danger, for Ren is despised by many of their kind who hate Ren’s vampire hunter father. Although Ren is not as strong as her pureblood sister, she finds she has her own gluttonous thirst for blood.

Queen’s Quality Volume 10
Story and Art by Kyousuke Motomi

On Sale Date: December 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Fumi and Kyutaro finally become sweethearts after they finish their training in Seichi. But while the two lovers are enjoying their life together, the Horikita family can’t help but worry about the snake that’s sealed within Kyutaro. Will Kyutaro be able to overcome the evil within him?

VIZ Media

Pokemon Adventures Collector’s Edition Volume 5
Story by Hidenori Kusaka, Art by Satoshi Yamamoto

On Sale Date: December 8, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $17.99

The Pokemon Gym Leader exhibition matches have begun. Trainer Gold and Trainer Silver both want to discover the identity of a masked man plotting to invade the stadium. But Silver might have an agenda too. And then, in the first chapters of the Ruby & Sapphire arc, Ruby wants to do what his Gym Leader father never did—win Pokemon Contests.

Collects the original Pokemon Adventures Volumes 13, 14, and 15.

How Do We Relationship? Volume 2
Story and Art by Tamifull

On Sale Date: December 8, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Miwa and Saeko have discovered that they are definitely physically compatible. But a gathering of the band clubs for
a weekend training retreat is an unexpected threat to their new relationship. Can their blossoming feelings survive each other’s constant company?

Super Mario Bros. Manga Mania
Story and Art by Yukio Sawada

On Sale Date: December 8, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $9.99

Join Mario and pals in crazy adventures inspired by the hit video games. In this collection of short stories, Mario and
Luigi go on adventures that showcase the fan-favorite characters of the Mario world in new, unconventional and
hilarious ways. This compilation, handpicked from years of Mario comics in Japan, has never been available in English—
until now.

VIZ Signature

20th Century Boys: The Perfect Edition Volume 10
Story and Art by Naoki Urasawa

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $19.99

A man with a guitar arrives at a barrier town outside of Tokyo. Anyone who attempts to travel through the town without a pass is arrested and murdered. As the days go by, the body count grows and grows. Who can change this horrible situation and break through the barrier town? And who awaits at their final destination?

Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition Volume 2
by Rumiko Takahashi

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $24.99

A year has passed since Kyoko Otonashi became the resident manager of Maison Ikkoku. Yusaku Godai, now a college
student, gathers his courage and asks Kyoko out on a date. But the meddling tenants have other ideas about how the two will spend their evening.

Blue Flag Volume 5
Story and Art by KAITO

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

It’s official. Taichi and Futaba are a couple, and Taichi excitedly breaks the news to Toma. But things quickly grow
awkward between the two friends, and Toma becomes more distant. Meanwhile, Toma’s friend Mami starts to get on
Taichi’s case about Toma’s change in attitude. But there is more to this girlie girl than meets the eye…

No Guns Life Volume 8
Story and Art by Tasuku Karasuma

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

Juzo was badly damaged in the fight with Io, the mysterious figure believed to be Tetsuro’s brother. To get Juzo back in shape, he will need access to military secrets contained inside Wunder Bender, a maximum security prison built for housing the Overextended. To add to the challenge, the only person who knows how to use those secrets to repair Juzo is Victor, who is currently being held in the prison. Olivia can use her connections to get Juzo and Mary into the facility, but once inside, they are on their own…

Levius/est Volume 7
Story and Art by Haruhisa Nakata

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

The championship fight between Levius and Oliver at the Southern Slam is in full swing. As Levius takes hit after hit and Oliver taunts him about being too soft to actually ever fight effectively, things also look dire for A.J., who has made a surprise sacrifice.

Golden Kamuy Volume 19
Story and Art by Satoru Noda

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Mature
Price: USA $12.99

Asirpa’s quest to find out about her father has led her to a Russian prison on the frozen coast of Karafuto in hopes of breaking out Sofia, a former revolutionary. Sofia was also the leader of the group that Kiroranke and Wilk belonged to and she may be able to shed more light on Asirpa’s father. But the truth about Wilk might ultimately be more than she can bear. Sugimoto and his party draw closer to catching up with Asirpa—and when they do, old scores will be settled.

Remina
Story and Art by Junji Ito

On Sale Date: December 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $22.99

An unknown planet emerges from inside a wormhole, and its discoverer, Dr. Oguro, christens the celestial body “Remina”
after his own daughter. His finding is met with great fanfare, and Remina herself rises to fame. However, the planet picks up speed as it moves along in its curious orbit, eliminating planets and stars one after another until finally Earth itself faces extinction… Is the girl Remina the true cause of the catastrophe? A masterwork of horror from Junji Ito, unfolding on a universal scale.

Shonen Sunday

Komi Can’t Communicate Volume 10
Story and Art by Tomohito Oda

On Sale Date: December 8, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Komi is starting her second year of high school, and she’s feeling a bit melancholy that all the good times of the previous year are now behind her. How can anything else compare? But when Komi runs into a new girl with outrageous fashion sense crying in the bathroom, she’s able to put all her wonderful experience in making friends to good use and reach out to another person in need. Komi has leveled up.

VIZ Media Announces September 2020 Manga Releases

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

VIZ Media has announced the company’s manga releases for September 2020.

SHONEN JUMP

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 16
by Koyoharu Gotouge

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Tanjiro goes to see the Stone Hashira, Himejima, who intends to prepare him for the battles to come. The training to become a Hashira—a high-ranking member of the Demon Slayer Corps—is intense and demanding, and earning Himejima’s approval seems impossible, but Tanjiro won’t give up. Meanwhile, the demon lord Muzan continues to search for the
location of Nezuko and Ubuyashiki.

Act-Age Volume 2
by Tatsuya Matsuki, Art by Shiro Usazaki

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

In order to meet the famous actor Chiyoko Momoshiro, Kei Yonagi tries out for the Death Island movie. For her audition, Yonagi must improvise being stranded on an island while struggling against other desperate survivors. As the pressure mounts, Yonagi utters a line that startles everyone and could very well hurt her chances of landing the role.

One Piece: Ace’s Story Volume 2 (Novel)
Original Concept by Eiichiro Oda, Written by Tatsuya Hamazaki

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Price: USA $10.99

After an undersea tangle with mermaids and fish-men, Portgaz D. Ace leads his Spade Pirates crew to the New World, a place where pirate masters and rookies battle for territory and treasure. As he flees memories of his secret past, Ace seeks pirating infamy so powerful it will change the world order. To achieve this goal, he sets his sights on one of the strongest fleets in the ocean—the Whitebeard Pirates, ruled over by dread pirate Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world.

Dragon Ball Super Volume 10
by Akira Toriyama, Art by Toyotarou

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

The Tournament of Power is over and Goku and Vegeta have embarked on a new adventure… in space. The Galactic Patrol
experiences its worst prison break ever, and the evil Moro—a planet-eating monster—escapes! Moro’s goal is attaining the Dragon Balls of New Namek, and it’s up to Goku, Vegeta and the Galactic Patrol to stop him! But what can they do when Moro can drain them of their energy just by being near them?

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Volume 16
by Aka Akasaka

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Will Kaguya and Miyuki ever go beyond making out and make it to officially going out? What game is Miko playing when
she interferes with Yu and Tsubame’s fledgling intimacy? Meanwhile, Kaguya tries to choose the perfect gift for Miyuki,
his dad goes into the fortune-telling business, and Kobashi takes off her glasses with… expected results.

Spy x Family Volume 2
by Tatsuya Endo

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Twilight must infiltrate the prestigious Eden Academy to get close to his target Donovan Desmond, but does his daughter
Anya even have the academic prowess to get in to the school? But perhaps the truly impossible mission is making sure Anya becomes a school scholar and befriends Donovan’s arrogant son, Damian.

Dr. Stone Volume 13
by Riichiro Inagaki, Art by Boichi

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Kohaku plans to fool the island’s ruler in order to infiltrate his harem and steal the petrification weapon, but first Senku and the gang need to retrieve the mobile lab to give Kohaku a total scientific makeover. However, the island’s fiercest warriors have taken over their ship, so the Kingdom of Science might need a little help to pull off this heist.

Haikyu!! Volume 40
by Haruichi Furudate

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

With the game between Kamomedai and Karasuno seesawing back and forth, Azumane is left feeling guilty and useless
because his shots are being constantly blocked. How will he get past Hirugami, who has learned how to shrug off the
pressure and play using his full ability at all times? Karasuno’s ace comes to a quiet realization and finally awakens to his true strength.

SHOJO BEAT

Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 9
by Sorata Akiduki

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Shortly after Shirayuki and Ryu’s arrival in Lilias, a mysterious ailment breaks out. Now the two herbalists find
themselves in a race against time to uncover the cause of the illness and find a cure before it spreads throughout the city. And what will Zen and friends do when they catch word of this outbreak while on their way to Wirant?

Daytime Shooting Star Volume 8
by Mika Yamamori

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Suzume has moved to Tokyo and is living with her uncle. Mr. Shishio’s change of heart causes Suzume to shut herself up in her room. When Suzume’s mother returns to their hometown for a brief stay, Suzume makes the sudden decision to return home. But Yuyuka and Suzume’s other Tokyo friends are determined to bring her back.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Volume 6
by Waco Ioka, Original Story by Midori Yuma,
Character Design by Laruha

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Aoi has been asked to cater an anniversary dinner for a royal couple, and she’s overjoyed at what this will mean for her restaurant. She and Ginji head to the Eastern Lands to do some grocery shopping at a fancy imported food market. But before she can find the perfect ingredient, Aoi is abducted. Locked in a crate without her tengu fan, Aoi has no chance of making it back in time to cook dinner for the royals. But missing a good business opportunity is the least of her worries when water begins to flood her prison.

Love Me, Love Me Not Volume 4
by Io Sakisaka

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Love and friendship have become quite complicated for these four friends. Rio’s kiss is the result of being unable to rein in his feelings after he discovers Akari has fallen for Kazuomi. Akari, who is working to keep the family together, and Yuna, who loves Rio, are shocked. Can Yuna help Rio understand what’s at stake?

Not Your Idol Volume 2
by Aoi Makino

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

“This is exactly why she got herself stabbed by a fan.”

Heartbroken Nina Kamiyama is a former idol. She’s decided to live her life by keeping her past identity a secret, but her situation intensifies when another discovers who she really is. Who can she trust?

Skip Beat! Volume 44
by Yoshiki Nakamura

On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Kyoko thought she’d be able to relax now that she’s secured the role of Momiji, but various romantic misunderstandings are making her life more stressful than ever. How can she focus on being an amazing actress when a photo of Ren kissing a famous adult actress just leaked.

VIZ MEDIA

Yo-Kai Watch Volume 15
by Noriyuki Konishi

On Sale Date: September 8, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $9.99

Nate and his Yo-kai pal Jibanyan are leading an expedition in search of hidden treasure. Get ready for a new adventure full of serious exploring and serious fun that’s also a little bit of a tearjerker.

Pokemon: Sun & Moon Volume 8
by Hidenori Kusaka, Art by Satoshi Yamamoto

On Sale Date: September 8, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $4.99

It’s a showdown in Vast Poni Canyon to repel the invading Ultra Beasts. Sun and Moon must gain control of Legendary
Pokemon Solgaleo and Lunala before Faba can use them to take over the Aether Foundation. And then a Trainer and
Pokemon get dragged into a wormhole.

Splatoon Volume 10
by Sankichi Hinodeya

On Sale Date: September 8, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $9.99

Team Blue’s next opponent in a game of Splat Zones is the Iromaki Rangers. Meanwhile, Team Gloves goes up against the superstrong X-Blood team. And waiting in the wings… the S4 is back. Plus, Marina herself draws a bonus manga for you.

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20th Century Boys: The Perfect Edition Volume 9
by Naoki Urasawa

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $19.99

Darkness covers the world as the forces of evil take control. The Friend has become the President of the World and rules with absolute power behind the giant wall of the city of Tokyo. Most of the world believes that the Friend is their savior, but below the surface, a resistance group led by “The Queen of Ice” begins to make its move. The only one capable of ending this nightmare, she plans to rise in arms on August 20, but then a ray of hope shines from an unexpected corner.

BEASTARS Volume 8
by Paru Itagaki

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

Gray wolf Legoshi begins training with giant panda Gohin in order to better protect his friends, but he faces an ethical paradox when he is told he must eat meat to grow more powerful. Meanwhile, herbivore red deer Louis is choking
down the flesh of beasts to maintain his status as the leader of a carnivorous lion gang. Yet when he runs into Legoshi
carrying a bag of meat, Louis feels betrayed. Legoshi continues to train, becoming more powerful in some ways yet weaker in others—and then his grades begin to drop. Even worse, dwarf rabbit Haru is mad at him.

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Volume 4
by Yuji Kaku

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Mature
Price: USA $12.99

The beings known as Lord Tensen are beyond comprehension. These rulers of the mysterious island are deathless, ferocious and nearly invincible. Can Gabimaru the Hollow and his Yamada Asaemon executioner Sagiri survive long enough to achieve their goal despite being forced to contend with immortal monsters?

Ping Pong Volume 2
by Taiyo Matsumoto

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $29.99

Things have changed since the last inter-high tournament. Peco has quit the game, and “Smile” Tsukimoto’s desire to play is gone. Even “Demon” Sakuma has been kicked off the Kaio team. But Coach Koizumi isn’t going to let all that talent go to waste and launches a plan to get Tsukimoto back on the team and into top condition. Every great athlete needs a great rival to push them past their limits, and Peco and Smile—friends since they were children—must now challenge each other to become the heroes they always dreamed they could be.

Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition Volume 1
by Rumiko Takahashi

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $24.99

Yusaku Godai didn’t get accepted into college on the first try, so he’s studying to retake the entrance exams. But living in a dilapidated building full of eccentric and noisy tenants is making it hard for him to achieve his goals. Now that a beautiful woman has moved in to become the new resident manager, Godai is driven to distraction.

Levius/est Volume 6
by Haruhisa Nakata

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

It’s Levius versus Oliver in the championship match at the Southern Slam, the top tournament in Mechanical Martial Arts. Before the fight, Levius learns that the champion’s life may be in danger due to steam syndrome and that only he can save him. No sooner does the starting bell ring, however, than Levius finds out just how dangerous Oliver can be—steam syndrome or not.

No Guns Life Volume 7
by Tasuku Karasuma

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

When you are a tool of a megacorporation, can you ever escape their grip? Juzo hasn’t got an answer just yet, but he’s
determined to live his life for himself. Too bad for Juzo that the agents of Berühren have other ideas. A man claiming to be Tetsuro’s brother wants to test a new version of Berühren’s Harmony device, and Juzo and Tetsuro are the guinea pigs. Survival means Juzo will need to unleash his full capabilities as a Gun Slave Unit, but this time it may not be enough.

The Way of the Househusband Volume 4
by Kousuke Oono

On Sale Date: September 15, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

On what begins as just another shopping trip, Tatsu has a run-in with a thief—of the feline persuasion. When the gangster-turnedhomemaker gives chase, yakuza are quickly drawn into the fray, and chaos erupts in the streets of the shopping district. Even everyday errands can turn treacherous when you’re the Immortal Dragon.

SHONEN SUNDAY

Fly Me to the Moon Volume 1
by Kenjiro Hata

On Sale Date: September 8, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

From the day his parents named him, Nasa Yuzaki has been destined for outer space… or so he believes. But while trying to join the space program, he is thrown for a loop when an accident introduces him to Tsukasa, a mysterious girl with strange powers. Is she an alien, a moon goddess or something else? Since she insists on marrying him, Nasa has plenty of chances to find out.

RIN-NE Volume 35
by Rumiko Takahashi

On Sale Date: September 8, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Rinne takes a plant-sitting job, but it turns out the spiritpurifying tree he’s responsible for is far more than it seems. Sakura Mamiya, Rinne’s crush and the cool-headed half of the duo, gets dragged into the arboreal drama, and, as usual, Rinne’s moneymaking scheme ends in paranormal hijinks.

One Piece Anime’s Dub Episodes 588-600 to Debut in August 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

FUNimation announced during its panel at FunimationCon 2020 that it will launch episodes 588-600 of the One Piece anime’s English dub digitally in August 2020. The release marks the continuation of the anime’s “Punk Hazard” story arc.

The company released episodes 575-587 of the dub digitally on Microsoft and Amazon Prime Video on April 28, 2020, which marked the return of the company’s English dub. The anime’s Season Ten, Voyage 1 DVD shipped on June 9, 2020 with the same set of episodes.

Source: ANN

VIZ Media Announces August 2020 Manga Releases

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

VIZ Media has announced the company’s manga releases for August 2020.

SHONEN JUMP

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 4–Diamond Is Unbreakable Volume 6
by Hirohiko Araki

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $19.99

Yukako Yamagishi still loves Koichi Hirose, despite how their last rendezvous turned out! She’s so desperate for his love that she may make a drastic decision in order to win his heart—a decision that could have disastrous consequences when a new Stand appears. Is this an enemy Stand, or is it going to help her in her quest?

My Hero Academia: Smash!! Volume 5
by Hirofumi Neda, Original Concept by Kohei Horikoshi

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

News flash! Parody series are pretty embarrassing to the main series’ protagonists. And this final volume of the My Hero Academia parody series goes Plus Ultra with its Gag Quirk to explore new horizons of humiliation. If nothing else, you gotta check out Bakugo’s pretty boy makeover. But if he’s not amused, will anyone get the last laugh?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 15
by Koyoharu Gotouge

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Tanjiro finally chases down the main body of the upper-rank demon Hantengu. However, dawn is approaching, and the rising sun is a threat to Nezuko. Tanjiro’s concern for his sister is a distraction from the focus he needs to fight Hantengu, and if he hesitates it could be the last mistake he ever makes. Elsewhere, Tamayo ponders the nature of Nezuko’s curse and how she could be so different from other demons.

Blue Exorcist Volume 24
by Kazue Kato

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Rin bears witness to the fateful Blue Night when his mother, Yuri Egin, gave birth to both Rin and Yukio. Rin never wanted to see—or even know about—his birth, but now he has learned something about himself that he may need in the coming conflict. Meanwhile, aboard the airship Dominus Liminus, the Illuminati and Lucifer move forward with their plans to bring forth Satan and return the world to nothingness. Lucifer has welcomed Yukio as an ally, but Yukio has other ideas.

We Never Learn Volume 11
by Taishi Tsutsui

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Fumino Furuhashi is truly gifted when it comes to literature, but not so great when it comes to the sciences… much to the disappointment of her father. Can they find common ground and repair their relationship before it’s too late?

Naruto: Naruto’s Story–Family Day (Novel)
by Shin Towada, Original Concept by Masashi Kishimoto

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Price: USA $10.99

To celebrate Family Day, Konohagakure’s new holiday, Naruto and his daughter Himawari are on the hunt for an elusive must-have item. Hinata wants to make the day memorable for her family, and even Sasuke makes special time with his daughter, Sarada, and his wife, Sakura. At the end of the day, will Family Day be a success?

Twin Star Exorcists Volume 19
by Yoshiaki Sukeno

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

The battle against Yuto rages on, but without Benio, Rokuro can’t access the power of the Twin Stars. Or can someone
replace her? Then, the ominous reason Yuto became a Kegare is revealed.

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 5
by Gege Akutami

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Everyone’s surprised (and not necessarily in a good way) when they find out Itadori survived, but there’s not time for a heartwarming reunion when Jujutsu High is in the midst of an intense competition with their rivals from Osak. But good sportsmanship doesn’t seem to be in the cards after the higherups plan to eliminate the Sukuna threat once and for all.

Black Clover Volume 22
by Yūki Tabata

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

With the help of the first Wizard King and the leader of the elves, Asta and Yuno now might have a chance against the Devil’s unlimited power. But in order to put an end to this long battle, the two young mages will have to show strength that they’ve never shown before.

One Piece Volume 94
by Eiichiro Oda

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

The Straw Hats’ adventures in the samurai kingdom of Wano keep getting crazier. And when they learn the horrible truth
about the Smile fruits, their fury explodes. Meanwhile, Luffy’s still stuck in the labor camp with a whole army trying
to kill him. Can he use this opportunity to get even stronger?

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Volume 9
Story by Masashi Kishimoto, Art by Mikio Ikemoto, Script by Ukyo Kodachi

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

The battle between Naruto and Delta heats up as Boruto watches on from the sidelines. But when Delta starts using some despicable tactics, the kids may be forced to join the fight. Naruto is strong, but can he fend off such a fearsome foe while protecting others?

The Promised Neverland Volume 16
Written by Kaiu Shirai, Art by Posuka Demizu

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

In order to locate the Seven Walls, Emma and Ray find themselves trapped in a mysterious world. Can they escape this labyrinth and make the promise that will finally bring peace to this world? Meanwhile, Norman has his own plans.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Volume 3
Written by Masashi Kishimoto, Art by Akira Okubo

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Hachimaru has survived the attack of the deadly assassin Ata, but he’s not out of danger just yet. When the moon starts
plummeting toward the planet, Hachimaru will have to use his master’s powerful technique in order to save everyone. But in order to save the entire galaxy, the other samurai keys will have to be found. What kinds of trouble await Hachimaru as he leaves his home for the first time?

SHOJO BEAT

Kaze Hikaru Volume 28
by Taeko Watanabe

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Warfare between the Choshu and the Bakufu factions seems inevitable. Will Sei and the Shinsengumi be drawn into the hostilities as well? Meanwhile, Captain Harada Sanosuke’s first child is born in Kyoto. While the Shinsengumi members
are overjoyed, trouble arises when Sanosuke names the child.

Ao Haru Ride Volume 12
by Io Sakisaka

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew.
Kou no longer wants to hold back how he feels about Futaba. He’s determined to keep trying long as he has even a sliver of a chance with her. Meanwhile, Futaba has decided to be more honest in her relationship with Toma, but is her heart still in it?

Shortcake Cake Volume 9
by Suu Morishita

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Ten wants to know everything about the boy she likes, so she asks Shiraoka about Riku’s past. But the truth that lies hidden behind Riku’s smile is devastatingly painful.

Fushigi Yûgi: Byakko Senki Volume 1
by Yuu Watase

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

After the Great Kanto earthquake strikes, Suzuno and Takao are trapped in their burning home. Takao has only one chance
to save his young daughter, and that is to send her into The Universe of the Four Gods.

Yona of the Dawn Volume 25
by Mizuho Kusanagi

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Yona comes face-to-face with Su-won and tells him that waging war against the nation of Xing would be disastrous. Later, she rushes back to Princess Kouren, but assassins and more dangers await in Xing. Will the Four Dragons be able to protect Yona from all who threaten her life?

Oresama Teacher Volume 27
by Izumi Tsubaki

On Sale Date: August 4, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

It’s time for the Midorigaoka school festival, and rumors abound that Mr. Maki has some trouble planned for the event.
Mafuyu escapes from the Hanabusa mansion and heads to campus in her Natsuo disguise, while Takaomi welcomes a posse of Midorigaoka alumni and some of Mafuyu’s delinquents from Saitama. With the troops all assembled, the only thing left to do is wait for Mr. Maki to make his move.

VIZ MEDIA

Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition Volume 10
by Hiromu Arakawa

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $19.99

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. But before the Elrics’ personal tragedy, a bloody, unjust war caused suffering for many of their friends and allies.

Pokemon Adventures Collector’s Edition Volume 3
Written by Hidenori Kusaka, Art by MATO

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $17.99

Trainer Amarillo del Bosque Verde, while on the hunt for the famous Pokemon Trainer, Red, continues to gather other
Trainers, Gym Leaders and even a few enemies to fight against the team known as the Elite Four. And rival Trainers Gold and Silver put aside their differences to battle Team Rocket.

Collects the original Pokemon Adventures Volumes 7, 8 & 9.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Volume 7
by Akira Himekawa

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

Link’s battle with his dark alter ego leaves him wounded and exhausted. With Midna gone and Link unable to harness the
power of the Master Sword, his quest seems doomed. Visions of a grizzled warrior also haunt his dreams, but who is it? And what can this warrior teach Link that he will need to defeat Ganondorf? Certainly Link will need the Master Sword again, but only a true hero can wield the power of that legendary weapon.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow Volume 4
by Makoto Hagino

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

A sudden fever keeps Koyuki from participating at the Aquarium Club open house during the Nanahama High School culture festival. After a successful solo amberjack show, Konatsu stops by to wish Koyuki well and teasingly compares her to the salamander from a short story. Now Koyuki can’t stop thinking about how Konatsu once compared herself to the frog from that story. As school obligations keep them apart, Koyuki and Konatsu start to realize just how important they
are to each other.

Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution
by Ryo Takamisaki

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA $9.99

Adventure explodes into action with the debut of Mewtwo, a bioengineered Pokémon created from the DNA of Mew, the rarest of all Pokemon. After escaping from the lab where it was created, Mewtwo is determined to prove its own superiority. It lures a number of talented Trainers into a Pokemon battle like no other—and of course, Ash and his friends are happy to accept the challenge.

Ash’s excitement turns to fear and anger when Mewtwo reveals its plan for domination, creating powerful clones of our heroes’ Pokemon so it can even the “imbalance” between Pokemon and their Trainers. Despite Ash’s protests, Mewtwo refuses to believe that Pokemon and people can be friends. But faced with the determination and loyalty of a young Trainer, Mewtwo just might live to reconsider… especially when pitted against the power of the mysterious Mew.

VIZ SIGNATURE

Blue Flag Volume 3
by KAITO

On Sale Date: August 18, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $12.99

Toma gets seriously hurt diving in front of a car to save Taichi, leaving Taichi racked with guilt over not only getting his best friend hurt, but also stealing Toma’s last chance at making the summer baseball tournament. Guilty, angry and hurt, the two boys clash in an emotionally raw argument. Futaba, worried about both of them, invites Taichi to a certain spot to hopefully cheer him up.

Urusei Yatsura Volume 7
by Rumiko Takahashi

On Sale Date: August 18, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $19.99

Princess Kurama the crow goblin is bound to marry the man who awakens her with a kiss—but please, let it be anyone but
Ataru. Hoping to replace Ataru with a different suitor, Kurama decides to return to her enchanted slumber. On a sunny
afternoon, her capsule descends toward Earth once more… but will she land the man she truly wants?

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers Volume 17
by Fumi Yoshinaga

On Sale Date: August 18, 2020
Age Rating: Mature
Price: USA $12.99

Prince Kazu is not the consort shogun Iemochi was expecting, but the young ruler is determined to make their relationship a good one. And despite her initial distaste for Edo and everything about it, Prince Kazu find herself warming to her spouse. But the world beyond the safety of the Inner Chambers is a cruel one, and the secret of their fragile marriage is under constant threat from of discovery.

Golden Kamuy Volume 17
by Satoru Noda

On Sale Date: August 18, 2020
Age Rating: Mature
Price: USA $12.99

While Sugimoto races north by dogsled, Asirpa crosses the border with Kiroranke into Russian territory. Kiroranke was
once involved in the assassination of the Russian Czar Alexander II, and the Russians, tipped off by Tsurumi that
Kiroranke was heading into their territory on Karafuto, have set an ambush at the border. The dark pasts of Asirpa’s
traveling companions are now coming to light, along with the secrets of her own father.

Venus in the Blind Spot
by Junji Ito

On Sale Date: August 18, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $22.99

This ultimate collection presents the most remarkable short works of Junji Ito’s career, featuring an adaptation of Rampo Edogawa’s classic horror story “Human Chair” and fan favorite “The Enigma of Amigara Fault.” In a deluxe
presentation with special color pages and color illustrations from his most recent long-form manga No Longer Human, every page invites readers to revel in a world of terror.

SHONEN SUNDAY

Komi Can’t Communicate Volume 8
by Tomohito Oda

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA $9.99

It’s time for the school trip to Kyoto. Komi has never been on a school trip before, but she’s not worried. After all, she’ll have Tadano and her friends at her side. But then she’s assigned to be buddies with two girls she doesn’t even know who don’t seem very nice. Is Kyoto ruined, or will Komi be able to make new friends all on her own?

Hayate the Combat Butler Volume 36
by Kenjiro Hata

On Sale Date: August 11, 2020
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA $9.99

Ruka has thrown down the gauntlet. By confessing her feelings for Hayate and going in for a lip lock, the idol singer
turned manga artist puts our hero in danger of actually getting a girlfriend. To stop this unacceptable slackening of
romantic tension, Nagi makes an offer Ruka ca’’t refuse. Now Hayate’s fate rests on the outcome of a manga drawing
competition between the two aspiring artists. Does Hayate have any say on which girl he ends up with? Ha ha, of course
not.

Anime DVD Review: One Piece Collection 16

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

One Piece Collection 16 packages the One Piece Season Six Voyage Four and One Piece Season Seven Voyage One releases together. Between the two sets, there are 24 episodes included. Episodes can be watched with either the English dub or with the Japanese audio with English subtitles. It should also be noted that in addition to watching episodes or using the “Play All” option, there is also a marathon feature, which allows you to watch all the episodes on a disc back-to-back without interruption. In the marathon feature, the opening credits only play once, there are no next episode previews.

One Piece Collection 16
English Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
Format: DVD
Release Date: June 28, 2016

The first half of the set focuses on finishing the Thriller Bark arc and giving the audience backstory for Brook. There’s also a couple of filler episodes that feature Foxy and a couple of the other Foxy Pirates. The first three episodes in this half finally wrap up the fight with Gecko Moria and bring about a happy outcome for those on the island who lost their shadows because of Moria. Unfortunately, this happiness is short-lived, because Bartholomew Kuma (one the Seven Warlords of the Sea) has been ordered to kill the Straw Hat pirates. There are a couple of episodes of Zoro fighting with Kuma, and Zoro undergoes an ordeal that he tries to keep a secret from the rest of the crew. Even though Zoro is badly beaten up, he won’t tell them what happened. I have the feeling that this is going to become an important plot point later on in the series.

We then get to see Brook’s backstory. In the previous set, he mentioned that he and the pirates he was with had made a promise fifty years earlier to a character the audience met much earlier in the series… the whale named Laboon. One of my favorite parts of Brook’s backstory was seeing Laboon as a baby whale. He was so adorable!

Unfortunately, these wonderful backstory episodes are followed by the filler episodes featuring Foxy. I can’t stand Foxy, and I think he’s one of the most annoying characters to appear in the One Piece franchise. Can we please never have to see Foxy again after these two episodes? Please?

There is also one more episode in the first half that feels like filler to me. It’s an episode where Brook is trying to fit in with the rest of the Straw Hats, but he’s constantly making mistakes or getting in other people’s way when he’s trying to help. Most of the time, I could figure out what mistake Brook was going to make before he made it.

The second half of this set begins the Sabaody Archipelago arc. At this point, the Straw Hats have reached the Red Line, which is on the other side of the world from where they entered the Grand Line. The group is trying to get to Fish-Man Isle, and in the process, they meet a mermaid name Camie and her starfish pet, Pappagu. When Camie learns her fish-man friend has been kidnapped by Iron Mask Duval and the Macro Gang, Luffy and the others join her in going to rescue their friend. But Luffy and the others are shocked to discover that Camie’s friend is Hatchan, a former member of Arlong’s crew. Luffy and the others must work to overcome their dislike for Hatchan in order to help their new friend. An interesting, yet hilarious, discover is made concerning Iron Mask Duval. Duval was definitely intended to add some comic relief to this arc, as the tone of the arc becomes darker as we progress through the remaining episodes in the set. Themes of human trafficking, slavery, and abuse are introduced in this arc and take on a personal meaning for the Straw Hats when Camie is kidnapped and sold to a slave auction.

I find it quite fascinating that the previous arc (Thriller Bark) had a dark environment and atmosphere, since those who lost their shadows will disappear if they go into the sun. So for a lot of the episodes in the arc, the backgrounds were dark and the colors were more subdued. And then the next arc (“Sabaody Archipelago”) has such dark themes running through it. Thematically, I would say that this arc is the darkest in tone that the One Piece franchise has had. No wonder a comic relief character like Duval was introduced in this arc. I applaud the series for tackling such a dark subject as human trafficking in its story. The next set will definitely continue this story arc, and I can’t wait to see how it progresses.

There is at least one bonus feature on each disc in this set. The first disc contains commentary for Episode 377, “The Pain of My Crewmates Is My Pain! Zoro’s Desperate Fight.” Disc two includes “In The Galley With the Straw Hats,” which is a roughly 27-minute interview with four of the cast members of the English dub and the ADR Director. You can tell the actors and ADR director have a good rapport with each other, and it was fun to watch the interactions between them. There’s also commentary for Episode 384, “Brook’s Great Struggle! Is the Path to Becoming a True Comrade Rigorous?,” a textless version for the opening that appears on this set (the ten year anniversary edition of “We Are!”), as well as trailers for other releases from FUNimation Entertainment.

Disc three contains commentary for Episode 387, “The Fated Reunion! Save the Captive Fishman.” Disc four includes “Villains and Fishmen: A Peek Behind the Curtain,” which is a roughly 22-minute interview with ADR director Joel McDonald, along with two new voice actors who are voicing Duval and Macro, two of the new villains introduced in the Sabaody Archipelago arc. It was nice getting to see a couple of newer voice actors to the One Piece franchise, as well as hearing thoughts about these new villains. There is also commentary for Episode 393, “The Target Is Camie!! The Looming Clutches of a Professional Kidnapper,” textless versions of the two opening themes that appear in this half of the set (the ten year anniversary edition of “We Are!” and “Share The World”), as well as trailers for other releases  from FUNimation Entertainment.

If you’re a One Piece fan who wants to own the series on home video, but don’t want to spend the time and money to track down each individual set that’s been released, these Collection sets are a good way to go.