VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS NEW RUROUNI KENSHIN SAMURAI MANGA REBOOT IN WEEKLY SJ ALPHA

May 21, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

Digital Manga Updates for 2nd Half of May Include Continuation Of Monday 40% Promo on Select Volume 1 Titles, HONEY AND CLOVER Debut

VIZ Media rounds out the month of May with big news for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members as it debuts in today’s issue the new RUROUNI KENSHIN manga (graphic novel) reboot – RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION.

RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION will be serialized once a month in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA. To celebrate the upcoming live action movie, Nobuhiro Watsuki, the original creator of RURUNI KENSHIN (published by VIZ Media in North America, rated ‘T’ for Older Teens) reinvented his classic manga with all-new twists and turns. Action, romance, and historical intrigue abound in RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION, the tale of a wandering swordsman during Japan’s chaotic Meiji Restoration. Join Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and others as they take up their swords once again!

Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Single issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Each issue may be read on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly, and also on the updated VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, 4 Yu-Gi-Oh! cards throughout the year delivered to your door, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

VIZ Media also continues its special May manga promotion on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, offering a 40% off discount on five select Volume 1 digital titles (Reg. MSRP: $4.99, Sale Price: $2.99) each Monday through the end of the month.

Discount Manga Titles for May 21st Include:
HIKARU NO GO Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages
NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
ROSARIO + VAMPIRE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
TEGAMI BACHI Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Discount Manga Titles for May 28th Include:
BLEACH Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
CLAYMORE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
DRAGON BALL Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
KEKKAISHI Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
THE PRINCE OF TENNIS Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

Finally, in addition to updates to 19 other series, shojo fans can look forward to the debut on May 28th of HONEY AND CLOVER (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). Created by Chica Umino. the story follows Takemoto, a sophomore art student in Tokyo, who thinks his greatest worries in life are finding ways to eat more meat and getting to class on time. But with friends like his, life is never going to be that tame.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 55 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop PC-enabled computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. The free VIZ Manga App is the top application for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 40 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

May 20, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

It’s the battle that many have been waiting for… Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Ulquiorra Cifer in the battle to the death. Who will live and who will die? The battle begins in “Bleach” vol. 40. Recommended for “Bleach” fans!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 40

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: June 5, 2012

While the Soul Reaper captains deal with Aizen’s forces in Karakura Town, Ichigo faces Ulquiorra in Hueco Mundo. To match the powerful Espada, Ichigo will have to rely on his hollow powers. But will the darkness overwhelm him…?

For the past few volumes, we have read in awe as the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars have clashed in a magnificent battle of might, power and skill. With renegade Soul Reaper Aizen sending how his army of Arrancars to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura, the Soul Reapers have stood in battle, ready to fight and win.

There have been casualties on both sides, and while the focus has been primarily on the Soul Reapers and not Ichigo and friends, there has been a build up between this upcoming battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra.

And now, the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer begins in “Bleach” vol. 40.

For those who are not so familiar with “Bleach”, “Bleach” has a strong fan following and since its run began back in 2001, series creator, writer and illustrator Noriaki “Tite” Kubo has been hard at work, continuing to crank chapter after chapter for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and with the success of the series extending out to films, OVA’s, feature films and video games and other merchandise.

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

“Bleach” is a story about a guy named Ichigo Kurasaki who has a gift in which he can see spirits. One day, he saw a Soul Reaper (one who can govern the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife) named Rukia Kukichiki who has come to find a Hollow (a lost soul). She ends up being wounded in battle when she tried to defend Ichigo and so she illegally transfers her reiatsu (spiritual pressure) to him, so that he can defeat the Hollow. But during the process, he nearly takes all of her energy and becomes a Soul Reaper himself and defeats the Hollow quite easily. So, the first storyline arc features Rukia now powerless stranded in the human world until she has the time to recover her true powers, while Ichigo fills in and battles Hollows in her place. And with each fight, Rukia starts to notice something special about Ichigo’s abilities.

The second storyline arc of “Bleach” features the Soul Society wanting to sentence Rukia to death for transferring her powers to Ichigo. His friends also begin to develop special abilities. His childhood friend, Orihime Inoue, is given special abilities courtesy of her loving brother who has turned into a Hollow. Yasutora “Chad” Sato is Ichigo’s tall friend (who is half Japanese/half Mexican) who suddenly becomes aware of spirits and develops an ability to have a special armored right arm that has special abilities. And Ichigo’s rival/friend, Uryu Ishida, who is a desendant of a hollow hunting group known as the Quincy and are enemies of the Soul Reapers.

Through various chapters, the Soul Reapers learn that one of their own, Sosuke Aizen, is a traitor. It was learned that Aizen has been creating Visoreds, Soul Reapers who have obtained hollow powers (Hollowfication) and are known for their hollow masks (which look like skulls on a human’s face) and Arrancars, a stronger form of hollow which has acquired human form.

It is learned that Ichigo has a Visored that is manifesting within him that has great power. During a fight, this visored tries to take over Ichigo’s body but Ichigo is trying his best to control it and using this power wisely.

Together, Ichigo and his friends continue to increase and enhance their abilities overtime and to take on tough enemies which leads us to the Visored/Arrancar arc.

The Current Storyline

Ichigo and friends are now on a mission to stop the traitorous soul reaper, Sosuke Aizen who along with his army of Arrancars are preparing their plan to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura Town. Meanwhile, in order to protect Ichigo and her friends, Orihime willingly stays with Aizen’s group but Ichigo and friends will do all they can to save her. Meanwhile, the Thirteen Court Guard Companies head to Karakura.

In volume 38 & 39, the Soul Reapers go into battle against the Arrancars, and there are casualties on both sides.

In “Bleach” vol. 40, it is now Ichigo Kurosaki’s turn to take on an Arrancar, the deadly Ulquiorra Cifer. A powerful Arrancar with a second stage, not many know of the extent of his true power but Ulquiorra will do whatever he can to destroy Ichigo. But no matter what happens, Ichigo is determined to never give up.

For many readers who follow the “Bleach” manga series, there is no doubt that Tite Kubo has been trying to show viewers how massive this war between the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars is. Featuring so many characters engaged in battle, and many well-known characters suffering major injuries, many wondered “when will we see Ichigo and friends engaged in battle?”.

And with volume 40, it happens now. And this is an all-action manga volume featuring Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra and we also see Uryu and Orihime involved as well. But because the storyline focuses so much on this battle, I can’t really say too much without spoiling the series, but I will say that characters will suffer major injuries in this volume alone. And if anything, make you crave for what is to come in vol. 41.

As always, the artwork by Tite Kubo is fantastic but for those who prefer more story versus all-action, it’s a no-brainer that this war against the Arrancars will be more action-driven. The story is still good, that is if you care about the character’s special abilities and the fight that takes place.

But I can say that starting with this issue, the game will change from here on in for Ichigo and friends and Ichigo will not be the same after this battle. So, “Bleach” vol. 40 should not be missed. Recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naruto volume 56 by Masashi Kishimoto (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

May 19, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The Great Ninja war continues and more and more of the greatest ninjas have been resurrected by the evil Kabuto. Meanwhile, Shikamaru, Choji and Ino must fight their former leader, Asuma, who has been resurrected and they must fight to the death. Another action-packed volume that is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Naruto Volume 56

STORY AND ART BY: Masashi Kishimoto (岸本斉史)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: May 8, 2012

Naruto and the Allied Shinobi Forces battle Kabuto’s hordes of reanimated ninja soldiers. In the process, they come face-to-face with old friends brought back from the dead… plus enemies and weapons more fearsome than any they could have imagined!

The popular manga series “Naruto” has been going strong since its debut in Shueisha back in 1999 via “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine.

The manga by Masashi Kishimoto is about a young ninja named Naruto Uzamaki, a ninja of the Konoha leaf village who grew up facing prejudiced within his fellow ninjas because the evil nine-tailed fox was sealed inside him. But throughout the series, we have seen how Naruto is a kind-hearted boy who has worked hard in protecting his friends and staying true to his word with the goal of someday becoming the next Hokage of the village.

In the beginning, Naruto was part of Team Kakashi, alongside Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno and as a team, have grown up together taking on missions and also, joining with other teams of Team Konoha as well as other villages in taking on other major missions as well.

But now years have passed since those earlier years of Team Kakashi and Naruto and his friends are much older and his teammate Sasuke has left the village to pursue his brother Itachi for revenge of killing everyone of the Uchiha clan but worst of all, Sasuke is in search of the traitor of the Konoha village, the evil Orochimaru, in order to obtain more power.

During Naruto’s last confrontation with Sasuke, it appears that a black evil curse has consumed him. But as a promise to his teammate Sakura, Naruto will do what it takes to bring Sasuke back despite whether or not Sasuke has become evil.

In the previous volume of the “Naruto” manga series features the beginning of the Great War as the ninja villages have united to take on the dead, past Gokage and deceased Akatsuki members as well as the revival of deadly ninjas by Kabuto.

The dead know they have been revived but are not able to control their bodies (which is being controlled by Kabuto). The goal of capturing Naruto for his nine-tail powers continues, but the ninja villages were able to hide Naruto in a moving island. Meanwhile, Naruto is unaware of what is going on the outside world, as the Gokage have him fighting in an enclosed space and being trained from Killer Bee.

Meanwhile, as ninja units have been assembled on both sides, it’s a battle to the death as the ninjas of other villages must take on the ninjas that have been revived.

In volume 56, the Kage have been resurrected and Darui must take on the most dreaded ninja brothers of all time, Ginkaku and Kinkau a.k.a. The Gold & Silver Brothers. Two brothers who are not only powerful but having been eaten by the nine tails (and escaping it) and living within it’s belly and feeding off the Nine Tails inside, they were let out of the Jinchuriki’s body because of the harm they have caused and because they fed on the nine tails, they now have his chakra inside them. And Naruto is beginning to feel that something is wrong (and sensing his chakra on the outside).

Meanwhile, Mifune must take on the resurrected second Tsuchikage, Hanzo and also Asuma has been resurrected and now Shikamaru, Choji and Ino must fight their former master to to the death.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of “Naruto Volume 55″:

Number 525 – The Kage Resurrected!! – Kabuto resurrects the Kage!
Number 526 – D Unit’s Battle Challenge!! – Darui’s team must take on the resurrected Gold and Silver Brothers.
Number 527 – Forbidden Words – When Samui and Atsui take on the Gold and Silver Brothers, the brothers have a surprise awaiting them.
Number 528 – Transcendent Drab - The Gold and Silver Brothers now have their eyes on capturing Darui.
Number 539 – Golden Bonds – The ninja’s must work together in order to beat the Gold and Silver Brothers Jinchuriki transformation.
Number 530 – Choji’s Decision - Shikimaru, Choji and Ino must fight their resurrected leader, Asuma but can they kill him?
Number 531 – Team Asuma, Reunited! – The team must work together to fight the resurrected Jinchuriki.
Number 522 – Mifune vs. Hanzo, Decided!! – Mifune goes one-on-one with the resurrected Hanzo.
Number 523 – A Time for Oaths – Mifune reminds Hanzo of the words he once taught him.
Number 524 – Farewell, Ino-Shika-Cho – Shikamaru, Choji and Ino must work together in order to defeat their former leader.

“Naruto” vol .56 is a continuation of the Great Ninja War and one can expect plenty of action in these latest chapters.

And despite all ninja villages banding together for the war, Kabuto has revived legendary ninjas, swordsmen and former leaders of ninja villages, including the Akatsuki and he has complete control over them. No matter how hard the dead try to fight Kabuto’s control, they are unable to break it and must fight against their former rivals, family members and friends.

This volume focuses on Darui’s fight against the Silver & Gold Brothers, Mifune’s battle with Hanzo and Shikamaru, Choji and Ino’s fight against their resurrected leader Asuma.

While most readers will probably be familiar with the relationship between Shikamaru, Choji and Ino with Asuma and no doubt that their battle with their former leader will be emotional, the other two fights are quite exciting as Darui is put to the test against the Gold and Silver Brothers and it becomes a battle of wit and strategy. Mifune and Hanzo’s battle is also quite interesting because both follow a samurai code and both have fought for peace, but now these two must fight each other to the death.

And the manga ends with Naruto which will definitely set things up for volume 57.

Needless to say, this latest volume of “Naruto” is once again an intense, all-action fight-fes! And the war is captured amazing well in this latest volume as Masashi Kishimoto tries to capture the essence of battle between the ninjas as the village may have the numbers, but also the fear that hits all of the current ninjas with the resurrection of the greatest ninjas of the past. Resurrected ninjas who literally have no control over their bodies and also the resurrection of the Akatsuki. Strategy comes to play and who will win and who will lose but so far, this latest volume has been exciting and can’t wait to see how things go with the Great War in volume 57.

Overall, “Naruto” is an awesome manga series and for those who have appreciated the anime series first, I have no doubt that they will also enjoy the manga series as well. Once again, another thrilling, action-packed volume of “Naruto” the manga series. Highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE LATEST YU-GI-OH! ADVENTURES WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL MANGA SERIES IN JUNE

May 17, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

Brand New Action Adventure Series Follows A Young Boy’s Quest To Fulfill His Destiny And Become A Dueling Champion; Vol. 1 First Editions Include Limited Edition YU-GI-OH! Trading Card

San Francisco, CA, May 17, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, notably expands its bestselling YU-GI-OH! manga (graphic novel) brand with the forthcoming release of the newest series in the popular franchise. YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL launches on June 5th under the company’s SHONEN JUMP imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Volume 1 First Editions will also contain a limited edition collectable YU-GI-OH! trading card.

YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL is based on an original concept by Kazuki Takahashi with story by Shin Yoshida and artwork created by Naohito Miyoshi. The new series takes place in a futuristic city where augmented reality Duels are all the rage. Duelists, using devices called D-Gazers, can interact with their environment and their opponents as never before. With more awesome monsters and unbelievable cards, the future of Yu-Gi-Oh! starts right here! No one loves Dueling more than Yuma Tsukumo, but unfortunately for him, no one is worse at it! This isn’t going to stop Yuma from trying though. When Yuma calls on the memory of his parents during the Duel, a strange being called Astral appears, and the encounter is the start of Yuma’s amazing Duel journey!

“YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL is the successor to YU-GI-OH! 5D’s and takes the art of Dueling to the next level in this exciting latest saga of the internationally popular franchise,” says Mike Montesa, Editor. “The manga series, which is ongoing in Japan, closely follows the YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL animated show currently airing on North American television on the CW network’s Toonzai animated program block. With plenty of action and supercharged Duels featuring a colorful new array of monsters, manga readers won’t want to miss a single adventure as Yuma Tsukumo strives to become a famous champion and fulfill his destiny!”

Artist/author Kazuki Takahashi first tried to break into the manga business in 1982, but success eluded him until YU-GI-OH! debuted in the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1996. YU-GI-OH!’s themes of friendship and fighting, together with Takahashi’s weird and imaginative monsters, soon became enormously successful, spawning a real-world trading card game, video games, and three popular anime series including the two original YU-GI-OH! series as well as YU-GI-OH! GX.

More information on YU-GI-OH! is available at: www.viz.com/yu-gi-oh.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

One Piece: New World Volume 62 by Eiichiro Oda (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 29, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Two years have past since the Straw Hat Pirates broke up temporarily as Luffy focused on his training. But now they are back together in search for the “New World” and this time around, many pirates are wanting to exact their revenge. How will Luffy and crew prepare for their wild adventure to the bottom of the ocean? Find out in the latest volume 62 of “One Piece: New World”!

MANGA TITLE: One Piece: New World Volume 62

STORY AND ART BY: Eiichiro Oda (尾田栄一郎)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on May 1, 2012

Luffy and the Straw Hat crew board their trusted ship and head under the sea towards Fish-man island. However, getting in their way will be fierce pirates, underwater volcanoes, and a humongous sea creature!

The adventures continue in the latest exciting volume of “One Piece”. As the Straw Hat Pirates reunite two years later to venture out to the New World.

“ONE PIECE” is a popular anime series based on the popular manga series serialized in Shonen Jump by Eiichiro Oda. Suffice to say, “ONE PIECE” is the highest selling manga for Weekly Shonen Jump and its popularity has extended to various anime (via the TV series, OVA and films) and video games in America and also worldwide. The series is so popular, the episode count currently in Japan is over 540 episodes, one of the longest running anime series in Japan.

“ONE PIECE” is an adventure anime about a young man named Monkey D. Luffy who gained enormous strength (and stretching abilities) after eating a magical demon fruit. He eventually teams up with a group of pirates and have the name “The Straw Hats”. Luffy’s driven to one day obtain the most sought out treasure known as “One Piece” and eventually become the King of the Pirates.

In volume 62 of “One Piece: New World”, after the death of his older brother Ace, Luffy has since vowed to get stronger and learn more fighting moves. But in order to do that, he had to commit himself to training for two years. And now, the group have reunited in order to get to the New World.

But the New World may be a bit of a challenge since its literally in the bottom of ocean. The first half features The Straw Hats who are being chased by other pirates in order to get down to the ocean floor, while the second half features the Straw Hat Pirates reuniting with the mermaid Camie and being taken to Fish-Man Island. Unfortunately, The Straw Hats have come at the wrong moment as the antagonist Mer-Men known as Hody and Vander Decken have joined forces to crush Neptunes army and bring ruin to the Kingdom of Ryugu.

And as for the Straw Hat Pirates, the have problems on their hands as Sanji is in need of blood after a major blood loss after being surrounded by many beautiful mermaids. Can they get him help before he dies?

The Straw Hat Pirates consists of:

Monkey D. Luffy – A 17-year-old guy who is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and dreams to be a pirate king by getting his hands on the “ONE PIECE” artifact. When he was young, he accidentally ate a devil fruit which made his body rubbery and can stretch and blow up. An airhead of sorts, loves to eat but always believes and fights for his friends.

Roronoa Zoro – A 19-year-old skilled swordsman. A skilled and very strong fighter. Wants to be the greatest swordsman in the world.

Nami – The navigator of the group. The main female crew member and really good at weapons.

Usopp – A 17-year-old marksman. A talented inventor and artistic. Known by his long nose, his marksmanship with slingshots and weapons are great.

Sanji – The chef of the crew. A skilled fighter that uses only kicks in battle and is passionate towards Nami.

Tony Tony Chopper – A reindeer with a blue nose. Ate a devil fruit known as human-human fruit which makes him human in someways but keeping his reindeer look. Able to speak to humans, walk upright and also able to have transformations to become a huge beast. But his talent is his medical skills as he was trained by the Doctrine to become a doctor. Has very low self-confidence because he had been treated badly not only by his kind but also by humans and has not really had a friend but the Doctor and Doctrine.

Nico Robin – The former Vice President of Baroque Works who became a member of Straw Hat Pirates despite some of the crew not trusting her since she was a former enemy. Has the ability to use her body parts and project them elsewhere and other mysterious abilities not yet known.

Franky (aka Cutty Flam) – A cyborg who can rebuild his body using pieces of metal and his dream is to build a ship and become its shipwright and sail to the end of the world.

Brook (aka “Dead Bones”) – A musician and a skeleton who was resurrected by the Revive-Revive Fruit. An excellent musician and fencer.

For “One Piece” fans, the New World storyline is rather intriguing because it has been two years since the Straw Hats have been together and no one really knows what had happened to them within those two years and what new abilities they may have. Especially how far Luffy has gone with his training.

But with volume 62 of “One Piece: New World”, the most entertaining reason why fans will love this volume is that there are so many things going on! Not only is there plenty of action featuring underwater battles, ghost ships and monstrous beings in the ocean below, needless to say, it was going to be intriguing to see how the Straw Hat Pirates would get to the ocean below.

While the first half focuses on the group trying to reach the bottom of the sea while being chased by other pirates who want revenge, the second half is where things get very interesting as the group now find themselves in dire circumstances as their stay in Fish-Man Island, which had been peaceful and like being in Heaven (especially for the men because they are surrounded by beautiful mermaids), all heck breaks loose when two powerful Mer-Men have decided to destroy the kingdom led by Neptune.

So, for those familiar with “One Piece”, you know this is going to be a crazy adventure as the Straw Hat Pirates find themselves in another deadly predicament. But this time around, readers don’t know how powerful the Straw Hats have become within the two years. And the excitement is to see just that…how powerful are they now?

As always, Eiichiro Oda’s pages are like a smorgasbord of artwork. He manages to fill every scene with characters and sometimes plenty of destruction or beauty. He puts so much into his artwork for his manga series and that’s just one of the reasons why people love his work.

Also, with each major chapter conclusion, he answers mail from his fans with a humorous take and if anything, this latest storyline is delightful and fun! There is no doubt in my mind that “One Piece” fans will love this series!

If you have stayed with the “One Piece” manga series for this long, you’re going to love “One Piece: New World”, while those who want an opportunity to jump in to the series, will probably want to check volume 61 & 62 out as it continues two years after the group have temporarily broke up as Luffy focused on his training.

“One Piece: New World” volume 62 is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

PSYREN Vol. 4 by Toshiaki Iwashiro (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 22, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Toshiaki Iwashiro’s “Psyren” has quickly become one of my favorite manga’s of 2012. At first, the manga series seemed a bit banal with its action/alternate world storyline but the more the storyline progresses, you realize how deep, complex and enjoyable “Psyren” truly is. Volume 4 answers the question of what happened to future Tokyo and the people who are responsible for the destruction. This is one volume that fans will definitely not want to miss!

MANGA TITLE: PSYREN Vol. 4

STORY AND ART BY: Toshiaki Iwashiro (岩代俊明)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on May 1, 2012

Melzez’s Door Ageha’s fully aware of how little he understands his newfound abilities. But when a mysterious millionaire introduces him to a group of Psionist kids who also have powers, his training ramps up and his confidence grows. Has he learned enough to survive? A glimpse into the dark future has him not so sure.

What caused the epic disaster in Tokyo and when did it take place? These questions are answered in the latest volume 4 of Toshiaki Iwashiro’s hit manga series “Psyren”.

The manga series which is featured in Japan on Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine (as well as the American edition) and is reminiscent of manga such as “Yu Yu Hakusho”, “Gantz” and “Bleach” is full of action as a group of high school students are whisked into a futuristic, apocalyptic version of Japan. The only way they can get back home is by reaching a gate, but between that gate and their starting point are monsters and things waiting to kill them.

“Psyren” Storyline

“Psyren” focuses on Ageha Yoshina, a high-school student who is known to take people’s money (10,000 yen) to provide his service and he will take care of their problem. Known for getting into fights and being a troublemaker, helping people is his good side and even at times not charging the pretty students at school for his services.

But not so supportive of his fighting is his older sister Fubuki, his guardian who is a pretty strong fighter herself and will not put up with him being late or getting in trouble.

One day, while Ageha is coming home, he hears a payphone ringing. He goes to answer it but hears nothing, but sees a phone card inside with the words “Psyren” but thinks nothing of it.

The following day, he sees his old former childhood friend Sakurako Amamiya coming into class and thinks about the old days when she was popular, friendly, social and caring. But now she’s anti-social, often coming to class with bruises and cuts and he can only wonder what is going on in her life.

Later in the day, he sees a few female students stealing her stuff and hiding it. As he goes to see what they have hidden, he realizes that the girls stole her wallet which has her “Psyren” card. As he goes to return it to her, she notices that she was frantic. As Ageha reminds her that for 10,000 yen ($100 bucks) he can help her, she cries out “Save Me” which startles him.

The following day, Sakurako had stopped showing up to school.

His friends tell him that Sakurako has been caught up with the whole “Psyren” legend and that there is a secret society and people have been disappearing. He also learns that for anyone with an unused Psyren card, people are willing to pay 5 million yen for one.

Worried about Sakurako, Ageha chooses to use the card and suddenly he is asked all these questions. The next day at school, men posing as police men are going after him, men who want his Psyren card. As he fights these men, the two are overpowering him and he runs away. While running away, his cell phone rings and while he is being chased, he disappears and ends up in an unknown location.

While he walks around the devastated area, he sees a giant caterpillar going after a man who screams for help. As Ageha goes to help, Sakurako with her sword comes out of nowhere and defeats it.

But Sakurako is very sick and before she faints in Ageha’s arms, she tells him that they need to clear the stage before they can get back home. And she asks him to please clear the stage with her.

As Ageha carries Sakurako, he seeks shelter in a building where people are gathered. He quickly realizes that the people gathering are a bunch of punks who have been wanting a Psyren card for the purpose of making money.

And within this group, each seem as if they will kill each other for the sake of making money.

When the phone rings, the group are told that they need to find a gate and everyone except Ageha and Sakurako go out and search for this gate. But when Sakurako awakens and finds out that everyone has headed towards a dangerous area, she fears that all of them will be slaughtered and feels that they need to be warned.

So, now Ageha and a sick Sakurako must hurry and get to the group before they are slaughtered. Will they make it in time?

In volume 3 of “Psyren”, Ageha, Hiryu and Sakurako are joined by two more members, Oboro Michizuki and Kabuto Kirisaki. As Oboro is out temporarily due to him developing his Psy power, an unknown being and a large worm is standing in their way of getting to the gate.

The unknown being appears to be the classmate and best friend of Hiryu Asaga who was whisked into the world of Psyren, but it is not known if he is the same person, as the guy that Hiryu knew was weak-minded and not a good fighter. The person that is awaiting them has a weapon that charges on Psy power and he is quite deadly.

But as part of the game, Ageha and friends must find a way to get to the gate and study their enemy. But if this unknown person is Hiryu’s best friend Tatsuo…the person he has been looking for all this time, will they need to kill him?

Volume 4

In volume 3, Ageha managed to activate the power known as Melzez Door, a pitch black sphere of blast energy that consumes energy completely and can kill everything in its path. Knowing that Ageha can probably be killed (along with his friends), Sakurako goes to Matsuri Yagumo for help.

Meanwhile, as Ageha and friends are trained, during their next entry to Psyren, Kabuto Kirisaki looks for his uncle’s underground facility (which his uncle stayed in, as he feared of disaster hitting Japan). Because he was underground, Kabuto along with the others hope their may be details of what happened to Tokyo in the future and when the catastrophic disaster took place.

“Psyren” features the following characters:

Ageha Yoshina: The tough troublemaker in school who will help people with their problems for 10,000 yen. Although, he tends to not take money from pretty girls at his school. He lives with his sister Fubuki who is very tough on him. One day, while walking home, Ageha hears a payphone ringing and discovers a Psyren telephone card. Very good at fighting. He has shown amazing Psi powers, especially the devastating Melzez Door…but at this time, unable to control it.

Sakurako Amamiya: She was once a popular, smiling, sociable student. Now she has become anti-social, no longer smiling and comes to school looking as if she was beaten up. One day, a group of girls steal her purse and inside is a psyren card. Fortunately, Ageha finds it but when he returns it to her, he tells her that if she needs him, he’ll be there…for 10,000 yen. Her request to Ageha was to save her. Sakuro is the most knowledgeable when it comes to Psyren and is a powerful fighter.

Hiryu Asaga – One of the tough guys that Ageha meets when he enters the Psyren world. Hiryu has been searching for his friend and agrees to help Ageha, who saved his life in the Psyren world.

Oboro Mochizuki – One of the newer students whisked into Psyren and is developing his Psy powers. In reality, Oboro is a popular idol in Japan. Looked at as unusual by his teammates (wanting to hug them), he has the ability to cure them with they are injured.

Kabuto Kirisaki – One of the newer members in Psyren to join Ageha and friends, selfish unless it comes to helping a beautiful girl, Kabuto.

Matsuri Yagumo – A famous concert pianist and a veteran of Psyren. She was able to escape the final gate from Psyren and now tries to help those who are battling in Psyren. She is the person who helped train Sakurako and is now training the other members in controlling their powers. She wishes she can go back to Psyren.

Kagetora Hyodo – A friend of Matsuri and he adores her. He has the appearance of a yakuza member and is quite powerful. He takes part in the physical combat training of Ageha and friends. He is unaware of Psyren and was born with his psi powers.

Ian – A superior psi cure user but is not aware of Psyren. He is unfriendly and only cares about Matsuri.

Fubiki Yoshina – Ageha’s older sister and guardian. She is very strict with Ageha and doesn’t like him being late or getting into trouble. She is also a fighter and adores the idol Oboro.

Nemesis Q - A mysterious being that is sent from the future to find people worthy of using PSI and teaching them about the future and stop Psyren from occurring.

Elmore Tenjuin – A wealthy old woman and a clairvoyant Psychicer who’s husband Koper was disintegrated when he told her about Psyren. She now raises orphaned children with Psi abilities.

Shao – A Chinese boy who can track people and also sense their power level, as well as their true nature. He is being taken care of by Elmore Tenjuin.

Frederica – A spoiled young girl with the power of pyrokinesis. Ageha was inspired by her ability to control her devastating power. She is being taken care of by Elmore Tenjuin.

Mari – A shy girl who uses telekinesis. Often picked on by Frederica and is taken care of by Elmore Tenjuin.

Kyle – A mischievous but powerful boy who later looks up to Ageha (as they are both brash). He is being taken care of by Elmore Tenjuin.

Van – A quiet and kind boy who can heal. He is being taken care of by Elmore Tenjuin.

“Psyren” Vol. 4 is another exciting and possibly the most important manga volume series that fans should not miss!

Not only are a good number of characters (important characters) introduced in this volume but we also learn more about the disaster in Tokyo and who were responsible, but also who were involved in the rebellion against those who caused the catastrophic disaster in Tokyo.

While the previous volumes focused on the action and the characters in the Psyren world (future post-apocalyptic Tokyo), this volume focuses on the characters as they show their real lives but also the training and powers that the others have and also knowledge that other Psi users were born with their abilities and have no idea that Psyren exists (note: Anyone who goes to Psyren can not tell anyone about it or they will automatically be disintegrated).

But as this series starts to take shape, in the past, I have mentioned how this series reminded me of “Bleach” and “Yu Yu Hakusho” but you also now get a “Gantz” like storyline as the group are transferred to the Psyren World which there are those who use their Psi powers for evil.

So, this fourth volume is important as it introduces us to these people who were born with these powers and most likely will have an important connection to Ageha and friends as the storyline progresses.

Overall, “Psyren” continues to get better and better with each volume and while it does have slight similarities to “Gantz”, “Bleach” and “Yu Yu Hakusho”, I’m really enjoying the series and Toshiaki Iwashiro’s ability to focus on the character’s development and the actual strategy of the game and each battle. Each volume, the story gets better and better and it has now become one of my favorite manga’s of 2012.

If you are looking for a well-written, very cool action-packed manga series, “Psyren” is highly recommended.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN PUBLISHING LICENSES FOR NEW SHOJO MANGA SERIES STROBE EDGE AND DEMON LOVE SPELL

April 19, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

VIZ Media announces its latest manga (graphic novel) licenses with the acquisition of the domestic publishing rights to two new shojo series – STROBE EDGE, by Io Sakisaka, and DEMON LOVE SPELL, by Mayu Shinjo. Both titles are scheduled to begin publication later this year under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint.

Creator Io Sakisaka’s STROBE EDGE (rated ‘T’ for Teens) asks the timeless question, “What is love?” Ninako Kinoshita’s friends tell her it’s one thing, but Ninako wants to discover this mysterious emotion herself. When she meets Ren Ichinose, a handsome, enigmatic guy worshipped by all the girls at her school, she finds her heartbeat quickening with excitement! Is Ninako about to experience the many facets of love?

Celebrated manga creator Mayu Shinjo (AI ORE!, SENSUAL PHRASE) also returns with her new supernatural romance, DEMON LOVE SPELL (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). In the series, Miko is a shrine maiden who has never had much success at seeing or banishing spirits. Then she meets Kagura, a sexy demon who feeds off of women’s feelings of passion and love. Kagura’s insatiable appetite has left many girls brokenhearted at school, so Miko casts a spell to seal his powers. Surprisingly the spell works – sort of – but now Kagura is after her!

“STROBE EDGE has been one of the most requested titles that our readers have asked to be licensed, and the romantic coming-of-age story will be a perfect series for young teen readers in particular,” says Leyla Aker, Vice President, Publishing. “Mayu Shinjo’s new series, DEMON LOVE SPELL, will intrigue older teen readers and young adults with its fun mix of comedic supernatural romance and gorgeous artwork. We look forward to launching both series later this year and will be announcing more information on the forthcoming debuts soon!”

For more information on Shojo Beat manga titles, please visit: www.ShojoBeat.com

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 7 by Mitsuru Adachi (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 10, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Mitsuru Adachi’s highly-praised manga “Cross Game” vol. 7 returns to the baseball action as many members of Seishu Gakuin High School compete in their final high school baseball tournament and their last shot for Koshien. “Cross Game” is in my opinion of the better manga series released in America and if you are looking for something more realistic, heartwarming and enjoyable, this manga series is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 7 (クロスゲーム)

BY: Mitsuru Adachi (あだち充)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shonen Sunday

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2012

With his final summer in high school approaching, Ko and the rest of the team are right in the thick of the regionals to qualify for Koshien. They manage a win in their first game, but the next round pits them against Kurokoma, led by none other than Seishu’s infamous former coach, Daimon.

Seishu is cautious because they know Daimon would really hate to lose to the “Portables” twice. And as the team battles its way toward Koshien, Akane Takigawa is dealt a blow to her health and is hospitalized.

For Kyo and friends, this is their senior year in high school and their final tournament.

Kyo made a promise to Wakaba way back when he was a young boy, he would make it into Koshien (the finals in the baseball tournament) and for each baseball player of Seishu Gakuin Senior High School, they know they have what it takes to make it to the finals and now it’s time to prove it.

“Cross Game” graphic novel Vol. 7 features Seishu taking on various teams in order to get to the finals, but as Seishu is on the roll, how would Kyo react when he finds out that Akane will need emergency surgery for her health condition. Having lost Wakaba and Akane being the spitting image of an older Wakaba, will he still be ready to compete during the tournament? Find out in the latest volume of “Cross game”!

What is “Cross Game”?

The manga series by Mitsuru Adachi, one of the most highly respected mangaka in Japan.

He is also known for his manga that revolves around baseball and high school/grade school crushes. But Adachi’s most famous work is “Touch”, a baseball/romantic comedy and a winner of the 1983 Shogakukan Manga Award (his second consecutive award a year after his highly successful high school romantic comedy manga “Miyuki”).

The manga series for “Touch” was award-winning, the anime series is one of the highest-rated television anime series of all time and it was a story that literally made audiences cry as it featured a story of friendship, tragedy, loss, inspiration and hope.

Adachi would go on to feature other stories that revolved around other sports but one wondered if he would return to baseball (which is a very popular sport in Japan) and in 1992, Adachi would write a baseball-related manga series titled “H2″.

Over 13 years later, fans continued to clamor for another baseball-themed anime series and Adachi would return with the manga series “Cross Game”, similar to “Touch” would feature a romantic comedy that would feature friendship, tragedy, loss, inspiration and hope.

And with Adachi’s first baseball manga series “Nine” along with “Touch”, “H3″ and “Cross Game”, the goal of the baseball players and characters are to make it to “Koshien” which translates to “tournament” and in Japan there are the “National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament” held in the Spring and “National High School Baseball Championship” in the Summer.

In Japan, the final 17th volume of the manga series was released in Japan and now, “Cross Game” will be released in the US in graphic novel format (compiling several of volumes into one release). “Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 5″ compiles the manga volumes ten and eleven.

Cross Game Summary

“Cross Game” is a manga series that showcases the development of a Ko Kitamura, the son of a family that owns Kitamura Sports, during the time he is a 5th grader, a junior high school student preparing for high school and then later on in high school.

The story introduces us to a young Ko Kitamura, a passionate kid who loves baseball and his best friend Wakaba Tsukushima. Both were born on the same day, at the same hospital and share a unique bond with each other.

For Ko, he’s not so ambitious and for now, he takes turns delivering sporting goods to the Wakaba’s father who owns Cafe Clover and the Tsukishima Batting Center. With each delivery, Mr. Tsukishima gives Ko a chance to go batting at the batting center, something he has done since a very young age.

Living with Wakaba and her father is Wakaba’s older sister Ichiyo (who is the main cook of Cafe Clover), her very young sister Momiji and her sister Aoba (who is one year younger than her). Aoba is a tomboy who loves baseball, she has been practicing her pitching as a young girl and actually is quite talented as a pitcher. She also has a disdain towards Ko because he doesn’t respect the game as much as she does.

One day during the summer, Wakaba visits Ko and she tells him that she has created a birthday gift list, so he knows what to buy her all the way up to her 20h birthday (which she wrote down that when she turns 20-years-old, she wants an engagement ring from Ko). Also, she hopes to go to a festival with him after she arrives back from swim camp.

The night before Wakaba is to go to swim camp, she spends her time with Ko and reminds him about how she wants to go to the festival when she comes back and kisses him. A few days later, as Ko goes to visit the Tsukishima’s restaurant and batting center, he notices that its closed. Which was unusual.

When he goes home, he turns on a baseball game and a news update comes up. He hears that an 11-year-old died at the swimming camp at Minagawa Valley and her name was Wakaba Tsukishima. She died while trying to rescue a third grader who ventured out in the deep water.

For Ko, he has lost his best friend and for Aoba, she has lost her sister. And as the years have passed, these two individuals have an interesting friendship. For one, they share the passion of baseball and she wants Ko to be better. For Ko, he knows that Aoba is an excellent pitcher and baseball player, but because of her gender, she can never take part in an official high school game.

And as these two practice with each other, Aoba’s family and even their friends notice that these two are almost exactly alike. While deep inside, they do care for each other, it’s because of Ko’s past with Wakaba that Aoba never tries to get closer to him. And as for Ko, he looks at Aoba as a good friend but also a girl that constantly nags and picks on him. But he does respect her passion for playing baseball and her dedication to be good at it, despite not having the opportunity to compete in a high school game.

As Ko has made sure to fulfill Wakaba’s birthday gift, the one thing he needs to do next is make it to the Koshien tournament and win it.

In the last volume, a soba shop is opening next door to the Kitamura Sporting Goods store and Ko and friends are shocked to see the daughter of the family that owns the new soba shop. Her name is Akane Takigawa and she is the spitting image of Wakaba, as if she was older.

Everyone including Akaishi wonder if they are looking at a ghost, even Aoba and her family are shocked by the resemblance of Akane to Wakaba, as if she would be the grown up version of her. But for Yuhei, who has always saw a strong connection between Kyo and Aoba, he realizes that with Akane in the picture and the fact that she looks like Wakaba, will this mean that Ko will go for Akane?

As the guys know this is their final year to make it to Koshien, they try to make the best of it by training. Meanwhile, Akane and Ko seem to be getting closer and Akaishi does all he can to make sure it happens, for in his mind, Akane is like the return of Wakaba.

But Yuhei tries to figure out Aoba’s feelings. Does she care if Ko and Akane are getting closer? Does Ko care about Aoba at all? And it’s evident that as much as Ko admires Aoba for helping him at baseball, her attitude towards him has always been critical, so he puts his attention towards Akane.

And because of this, Yuhei decides to pursue Aoba.

Meanwhile, Akane wants to get a job (as her parents don’t pay her for working at the family soba shop), so she comes to work at Clover Cafe. How will the Tsukashima family feel about someone who looks like Wakaba working at the restaurant?

And as there is a lot of discussion of who will make it to Koshien, Junpei Azuma tries to propose to Ichiyo Tsukishima once again. But instead of saying “no”, she tells him that she will if Seishun makes it to Koshien and because of that, Junpei (a former star high school baseball player) will do all he can to ensure the team gets to Koshien.

And now, Seishu Gakuin Senior High School must take on various teams to get to Koshien. Vol. 7 focuses on those matchups.

With vol. 6 taking a breather from the baseball tournaments, we know that the national tournament would be coming and this time, with vol. 7 of “Cross game”, it’s the final try for Kyo Kitamura and his team to make it into Koshien.

While the majority of the pages focuses on baseball, we get to see the camaraderie of Kyo and his teammates but also to see how much they have gotten better this year. And for Kyo, it’s one thing to make it a goal to get into Koshien and win the tournament but also, the goal of him throwing a 100mph fastball doesn’t seem so far off, now that he is throwing over 95mph.

But while the majority of the pages focus on baseball, there is also an emotional underlying storyline as Kyo, Akaishi and others discover Akane’s health condition.

Having lost Wakaba a long time ago, we learn that Kyo may have hidden his emotions from everyone but for Aoba and everyone, they know that he has hurt after all these years. And with Akane, the girl with the spitting image of Wakaba now suffering from a medical condition that requires surgery, Kyo must do all he can to keep positive and a few of his friends mind on the actual game. But knowing deep inside, he’s hurting and knowing he doesn’t want someone he cares about to die on him. We learn that Kyo is a tough kid but people know that he tries to be strong in front of everyone and wants the team to be successful.

Overall, I am so happy that “Cross Game” has been released in the US and one can hope that with the success of the manga series, perhaps Viz Media will continue to release more of Adachi’s works outside of Japan. It’s definitely one of my favorite manga series at this moment.

“Cross Game” is an enjoyable, touching, inspirational manga series that I hope many give it a chance, even if it does touch upon sports, specifically baseball, Adachi makes the story quite enjoyable and easily accessible for non-baseball fans as well.

If you want an innocent, fun, dramatic and highly entertaining manga series that is not dark, doesn’t deal with supernatural elements, magical powers or big robots, “Cross Game” is a wonderful manga series worth reading and in my opinion, one of the best manga series being released today!

“Cross Game” vol. 7 is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 20 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 9, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Naoki Urasawa’s manga masterpiece…”20th Century Boys” just gets better and better. With vol. 20, the stage is set as it is leading viewers with what may be the final battle. There are a few twists and turns and a few surprises but fans will definitely enjoy what they read in this latest volume. Another wonderful volume of “20th Century Boys” worth owning!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 20

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on April 10, 2012

There once was a hero who stood against evil. He sacrificed himself to save the world, and everyone believed he died on Bloody New Year’s Eve. But eighteen years later, when the entire world is under the control of the enigmatic figure known as the Friend, the hero comes back!

Kenji is back and is heading for Tokyo, where the Friend is preparing his next horrific plan. Meanwhile, Kanna and the rest of Kenji’s group make their move toward the final battle! Could it finally be time for justice to rise once again?

Last volume, we saw the return of Kenji. But while Kenji Endo is making his return to Tokyo to finish what he started, his niece Kanna and his friends, who all think that Kenji is dead, have made their decision that they must kill the Friend ASAP and will literally be their final stand.

But still, questions have remained in Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys”. Who has now replaced the Friend? And what happened to Kenji’s sister (and Kanna’s mother) Kiriko, who was working on an antidote to fight the Friend’s virus?

One of these questions are answered in vol. 20 of “20th Century Boys”!

“20th Century Boys” is simply the masterpiece manga series created by Naoki Urasawa. Having created excellent titles such as “Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl”, “Pineapple ARMY”, “Master Keaton” and “Monster”, his manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” was the winner of the 2001 Kodansha Manga Award, Winner of the 2003 Shogakukan Manga Award and Urasawa was the recipient of the “Excellence Price at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival”.

The manga has been made into a live film, with the first film having been released as a part of a trilogy with a budget of 6 billion yen and will feature a cast of 300 people, it’s natural to say that the manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” will definitely be a manga classic. And now the the seventh volume of the popular manga series has been released by Viz Media.

Naoki Urasawa’s “20th CENTURY BOYS” follows a group of friends when they were as children and the present time as adults. When these friends were children, they played a group of super heroes who would take down evildoers. But first, they needed to come up with their own storyline and scenarios of the bad things the evil side would do and how they, as superheroes would have to conquer the evil bad guys.

This plot of what the evil group would do was written down in a little guide which they called “The Prophecy”. As for the group, they devised a symbol of their group. But now many years later, this symbol has re-emerged as the symbol of a religious cult who may be behind terrorist activities.

Kenji and friends tried their best to stop the Friends but something happened on December 31, 2000 and fourteen years later, Kenji and friends are seen as the terrorists and the Friends have now further permeated into society worldwide.

What we know of December 31, 2000… Many lives were lost and although Kenji and his friends did what they can to stop the Friend’s giant robot from killing people in the city. They were blamed for it and since then have been reviled as the terrorists who massacred innocent people (when it was actually “the Friends” who were responsible).

And over 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

But for friends of Kenji who survived that fatal day, they will continue to do what they can to defeat their friends in the honor of their friend Kenji and save the world. The last volume featured Kanna, who is now a teenager who will never forget her uncle and is investigating any details or leads to her uncle Kenji but also her mother and possible father.

In volume 20, as Kanna and Otcho have pretty much decided that they are going to go to war and try to kill the Friend, they reunite with their old friends. Who will fight with them and who won’t? Meanwhile, Maruo goes to visit one of the gang’s old friends and in the process, to find out if Kiriko Endo is alive and what she has been doing all this time.

Meanwhile, there appears to be a shift of allegiance in the FDP and Manjome, Takasu, Yanbo & Mabo are up to something devious and much more worse than what took place on Dec 31, 2000.

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Kanna Endo: The daughter of Kenji’s missing sister. She is now a 17-year-old teenager who tries to keep her missing uncle Kenji in her memories. In the Friend Era, she is known as the “White Queen”.

Chono Shohei – A freshman detective following his grandfather’s footsteps of being a great detective and to have the name “Cho-san”. In the Friend Era, he has abandoned his job to join forces with Kenji Endo and now is a wanted man.

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire and now tries to keep some of Kenji’s friends safe through his bowling building.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. He and Kanna want to stop the Friend immediately.

Yukiji – The only female member from the original Kenji faction, Yukiji raised Kanna after Kenji disappeared and looks at Kanna like her own daughter and will do all she can to protect her, as she had promised to Kenji.

Yoshitsune – The young and shy Yoshitsune has grown up to become the leader of the underground dissident organization.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

It’s a race against time as Kanna and Otcho feel they can’t wait any longer. The two with the help of Yukiji are determined to kill the Friend, meanwhile Yoshitsune wishes Kanna would wait until she talks to her mother, details which Maruo has found out some new details about her and is investigating it on his own.

Meanwhile, the FDP seem to have their own agenda, that maybe even the Friend knows nothing about…considering the original Friend was killed.

Who is this new Friend? What are the FDP up to? And what will happen to Kanna, Otcho and Yukiji as they have decided to make their assassination attempt against the Friend?

And that’s all I can say about vol. 20 of “20th Century Boys” because there are a lot of twists and turns, including some surprises. Fans and longtime readers will enjoy this volume when they see the final panel of the chapter but knowing that things are going to get crazy from this point on.

Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” just gets better and better and as we now are nearing the final stretch of the series, one can only wonder what Naoki Urasawa has planned. And I’m guessing that we are going to see a lot of deaths and possible demise of several main characters. So far, “20th Century Boys” has been edgy and hasn’t pulled any punches so far. So, anything can happen right now in this manga series!

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 20″ is another solid volume for the series and an important storyline as it definitely sets things up for these last final volumes of the series.

As always, Naoki Urasawa knows how to grab the attention of the reader. His artwork and how he is able to capture the sense of action and emotion through the pages is magnificent and so far, this series has been engrossing and highly enjoyable thus far.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and with this latest volume, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 20″ is a no-brainer, it’s a must buy volume and quite simply, “20th Century Boys” is a must buy series!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 19 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 6, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Naoki Urasawa’s manga masterpiece…”20th Century Boys” is simply awesome!!! With volume 19, the long asked question of what happened to Kenji Endo is finally answered! Fans of the manga series will not want to miss this latest volume! Highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 19

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on February 14, 2012

The man with the guitar heads for Tokyo and arrives at a rough-and-tumble border town with an ominous-looking checkpoint. Only those who have a pass may go through, and those who try to get by without one are summarily shot. Many have tried, and many are buried nearby. Who can change this horrific situation and get through the checkpoint? And who or what could be waiting on the other side?

Kenji Endo, the leader of the team that was to stop the “Friend” and the robot/poison attack in Tokyo had been missing and considered dead for nearly two decades.

His body never found, there are those such as his niece, Kanna, who hoped that her uncle was alive. But with the Friend in complete power and that reach of power extending to other nations, the fight against the Friend seemed hopeless.

But whenever she felt down, Kanna would listen to her Uncle Kenji’s music tapes and listen to a song that he would perform on the streets over and over. And she would share it with the people she knew.

And for these other people who became familiar with Kenji’s music, somehow they would hear that song elsewhere. Modified just a bit but the song was a glimmer of hope that perhaps Kenji Endo is still alive.

When a man with a guitar arrives in Japan and is going by the name Yabuki Joe, could this man be… Kenji Endo?

All is answered in volume 19 of Naoki Urasawa’s award-winning manga series “20th Century Boys”!

And over 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

In volume 18, we are learning that many people have heard of Kenji’s old song…but this time, a new revision with the words, “Gutarara Sudarara”. It was thought that Kanna was the only person who had access to Kenji’s music via cassettes, but how is it that people in Japan have heard of Kenji’s music today?

In this issue, Kanna’s police officer friend Chono decides to join with Yabuki Joe but as they head towards Tokyo, security only allows people into Tokyo with a permit. Anyone who submits a fake permit will be killed immediately.

Meanwhile, a mysterious man has been carefully watching Yabuki Joe’s return to Tokyo. Who can it be?

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Chono Shohei – A freshman detective following his grandfather’s footsteps of being a great detective and to have the name “Cho-san”. In the Friend Era, he is stationed to work and watch over farmers.

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. Now on the run during the Friend Era and was able to make it through the wall.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

It was a given that our main protagonist of the series would make his return. It was all about when? For so many issues, we have seen the past and the present, but more importantly how the people who joined with Kenji Endo to put a stop to the Friend’s evil plans had done in their lives after that fateful day.

No one knew if Kenji was a live or dead, but the fact that nothing has been heard of him for over 15 years, needless to say, anything pointing to him being alive seemed non-existent until now.

While mentioning anything about what happened to Kenji after all these years would be a spoiler, for the last three volumes, there have been hints that this Yabuki Joe character with a guitar and sings Kenji Endo songs is in fact Kenji. But typically any pages dealing with Yabuki Joe were small and we were given little hints that he may be alive. With volume 19, everything is confirmed and what happened to him after all this time has now been answered.

But while Kenji Endo now making his return, what will happen to Kanna Endo and team as they feel they must mount their attack against the Friend. Also, there is another mysterious question of who the true identity of the Friend truly is since Fukube was killed. Who is now donning the Friend’s mask?

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 19″ is spectacular! And I emphasize that this manga series is absolutely awesome. Every chapter in this volume just builds and builds to the final shot and you can’t help but be surprised or just excited for the next upcoming issue.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and with this latest volume, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 19″ is highly recommended and should not be missed!

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