A stunning fusion of cyberpunk culture and centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship is on the horizon. Japanese creative label U/M/A/A Inc. has announced the 2026 release of “TechnoByobu: TB-02 – The Ghost in the Shell,” a visually striking art piece that reimagines Masamune Shirow’s legendary Ghost in the Shell in the form of a traditional byōbu, or folding screen.
Rooted in the Greek word téchnē, TechnoByobu represents a convergence of art, technique, and technology. U/M/A/A’s concept brings together futuristic visual art, traditional Japanese craftsmanship (byōbu), and modern certification via digital technology. Each piece exists as both a collectible art object and a philosophical statement about the evolution of craft.
TechnoByobu x Ghost in the Shell
This marks the second installment in the TechnoByobu series, which fuses electronic aesthetics with traditional artistry using golden brass leaf—a foil technique refined over 500 years of Japanese craftsmanship. The announcement follows the success of the first TechnoByobu piece, “Electronic Fan Girl,” based on the iconic Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) album cover.
“TB-02” will feature Major Motoko Kusanagi and the Fuchikoma mecha unit from Shirow’s original 1991 manga, recreated in vibrant color on a brass-leaf folding screen. Blending cyberpunk visuals with traditional materials, the piece is crafted using a specialized multi-layered pigment transfer technique (Kasane Graphica) and archival pigment printing.
Technique: Kasane Graphica Multi-Layered Pigment Transfer Technique
The artwork will be a limited-edition release, complete with a serial number and digital certificate. Fans can register early interest via technobyobu.jp.
First Look At Design Shanghai 2025
The prototype for “TB-02” will make its global debut at Design Shanghai 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious design exhibitions. From June 4–7, visitors at the “Beyond Craft Japan” showcase (3F81, Hall 3) will be the first to experience the blend of cybernetic philosophy and traditional form in person.
Stay tuned to The Kitsune Network for more updates on this one-of-a-kind collaboration between anime heritage and high art.
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With the recent popularity of My Deer Friend Nokotan anime, we have decided to republish our interview with the mangaka, Oshioshio. My Deer Friend Nokotan was initially published in Japan in Shōnen Magazine Edge in November 2019 and later made available on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website.
The manga had its North Amoserican debut in 2022, and the English version of volume 3 was published almost a year later in 2023. During the same year, I interviewed Oshioshio to promote Pixiv’s Anime Expo 2023 booth.
This visual is protected by trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights owned by Seven Seas Entertainment or its subsidiaries, licensors, licensees, suppliers, and accounts.
OSHIOSHIO INTERVIEW
The interview was conducted via e-mail. Please note that the last question pertained to Anime Expo 2023.*
Krystal: Can you discuss your creative process and the influences you use for creating your artwork?
Oshioshio: I am influenced by everything I have experienced. The manga I read as a child, the anime I have watched, video games I have played, and the scenery I have traveled to, are all sources of my creativity. I will be drawing fan art of “Genshin Impact” at AX, and I have been very influenced by “Genshin Impact” recently. The beautiful landscapes and unique characters of Hara-Kami always make me think “I want to draw! I am always inspired by the beautiful landscapes and unique characters of “Genshin Impact”.
K: For fans, who might be reading this interview, what advice would you give them to become better artists?
O: Don’t hesitate to put in the effort. Keep drawing and keep trying. I believe that all the great artists I know are those who continue to practice these things. It takes courage to try anything, but people grow through repetition of trial and error. The results come when you keep trying, so let’s do our best together!
K: Your manga “My Deer Friend Nokatan” is currently being published in English; What inspired you to write the story, and why did you make Nokotan a Deer?
O: One day, by chance, I came up with the idea of a girl character whose antlers were stuck on a door. I thought this could be interesting, so I thought of a story and other characters, and the work “My Deer Friend Nokotan” was born. Nokotan was not just any creature with horns, but I wanted it to be familiar and new, so I decided on a deer. In Japan, there are tourist attractions where deer are famous, which everyone knows, so I thought it would be familiar.
K: You’re traveling to the U.S. for the annual Anime Expo; what are you most excited to see here in Los Angeles?*
O: This is my first time in the U.S., so I am looking forward to everything I see! I want to enjoy feeling the American air, food, people, and everything. I also love the Japanese Comic Market so much that I attend almost every year, and I am really looking forward to seeing Artist Alley, which has a similar atmosphere to Comiket. I am very interested to see how overseas otaku do their doujin activities.
Thank you for reading our interview with Oshioshio, you can read the full article from 2023 HERE, which also features an interview with anime illustrator, Modare.
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In a recent discovery that has caught many Pokémon fans off guard, it has been uncovered that Ash Ketchum’s beloved Pikachu had an actual name. Throughout the expansive Pokémon series, the unbreakable bond between Ash and Pikachu has remained a cornerstone, since the first episode of the Pokémon anime. Ash has always addressed his loyal companion simply as “Pikachu,” like any other trainer traditionally would refer to their Pokémon.
However, a interesting discovery to this customary practice came to light in the third volume of the Pokémon manga, The Electric Tale of Pikachu, which non-sequent, mirrors the Pokémon: Indigo League and Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands seasons of the anime. As published by ResetEra user Taco_Human, the manga unveils a scene where Ash reminisces about the names he has bestowed upon his Pokémon, including Pikachu who he affectionately name him “Jean Luc Pikachu,” a playful homage to the esteemed Jean Luc Picard from the revered Star Trek franchise.
Picture panel from The Electric Tale of Pikachu
further emphasis the Star Trek homage, the manga portrays Pikachu adorned with a Star Trek insignia upon its chest. Pokémon fans are debating weather or not the name is canon. The answer? Yes and No.
The Electric Tale of Pikachu is a four-volume Pokémon manga series created and illustrated by Toshihiro Ono. Originally serialized in Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic Special in 1998, its a loose adaptation of the Pokémon anime, incorporating unique elements and alterative storylines. Its character and Pokémon designs are not based on Ken Sugimori’s original artwork, giving fans a brand new look to both characters and the Pokémon from illustrator, Toshihiro Ono.
The Electric Tale Of Pikachu Comic Books by VIZ Media
The four-volume manga is officially part of the Pokémon franchise. However, due to notable differences between the manga and anime series, it is considered more of a “gag” work. In other words, while it’s an official part of the franchise, it’s not to be taken as seriously as canon material. Additionally, the manga includes scenes that may seem out of place in comparison to the anime series.
The Electric Tale of Pikachu V. Anime Series
Here is a list of the differences between the manga and anime series,
Character Portrayals:
While the core characters remain consistent with the anime, there are significant variations in their depictions. Notably, Ash often travels solo, with Misty and Brock occasionally popping in throughout the manga.
Several characters, including Ash, own Pokémon that differ from their anime counterparts. For instance, Ash’s Fearow.
Plot Differences
Some storylines from the anime are adapted for the manga but undergo alterations. For example, in “Play Misty For Me,” Ash’s battle with Misty for the Cascade Badge occurs, but instead of a traditional battle, Misty challenges Ash to retrieve his hat from her rather than a traditional battle.
Characters like Sabrina and Damian are portrayed differently in the manga. Sabrina is depicted as kind and caring, contrary to her cold demeanor in anime (maybe towards the end of “Haunter versus Kadabra” ep). Similarly, Damian undergoes a personality shift, becoming a nicer person who retrieves his Charmander after recovering from a coma.
Unique Elements
The manga introduces Gary Oak having a sister named May Oak.
Notably, Jessie and James are confirmed as a couple in the manga, ultimately marrying by the end of volume four.
Captured Pokémon are assigned ranks based on rarity, ranging from Rank D as the most common to Rank A as the rarest.
Ash’s attire varies throughout the manga, showcasing different clothing styles over time.
Ash’s Pikachu has a name, Jean Luc Pikachu.
The famous comics at SoCal Gaming Expo 2024Myself, holding said famous comic
There you have it! The name “Jean Luc Pikachu” is officially stated in a ‘gag’, Pokémon work, but its not canon at all. The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga offers a different perspective, if not, unique take on the Pokémon anime series. Adding further intrigue, manga itself was highly controversial due to its sexual content and character designs by Toshihiro Ono in the original Japanese release. It lead to censorship in the English version (Viz Media) and other translations. The changes involved altering characters’ appearances and removing scenes with mature themes, indicating differences in censorship across translations. Below are examples of the questionable artwork.
Original JP Release Misty ArtworkOriginal JP Release Jessie Artwork
(L) US VIZ Media Release | (R) Original JP Release
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Horror manga fans prepare for an exhilarating addition to your collection! ABLAZE Manga, a branch of the renowned comics and graphic novel publisher ABLAZE, is set to expand its library this summer with the eagerly anticipated September advance solicitation for “HAPPYLAND.” Written and illustrated by the talented creator Shingo Honda, “HAPPYLAND” tells the story of an extreme amusement park where nothing is as it seems and the horror that lies in store for an unsuspecting family that visits the park.
About HAPPYLAND:
Welcome to Happyland, an extreme amusement park! The Komiya family is not unusual is any way, two parents love each other and their two children, who are healthy, happy, and accomplished at school and with extracurriculars. In appearance, they’re an ideal family that has everything going for them!
At least… That’s what they believed until the father decided to take them to spend a day at Happyland Park. In this park with its extreme attractions, the most shameful secrets will emerge in the most literally explosive way possible! A horrifying and gory tale of survival begins in this first of two volumes by Shingo Honda!
Shingo Honda is best known for as author and artist of, Saiko Kuro (Saiko Black), Kiriko, Kiriko Kill, Crows Respect, Hakaijuu Vs. Mahou Shoujo of the End Vs. Earth, and Creature!.
HAPPYLAND will be published in-print and digitally. ABLAZE titles are distributed in-print worldwide by Diamond Comic and Diamond Book Distributors. Digital versions of ABLAZE titles are available via most major digital platforms.
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Renowned manga artist Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 at the age of 68, succumbing to an acute subdural hematoma, as published on his official website. The news has left a profound impact on the anime and manga community worldwide. Toriyama’s family has opted for a private funeral and has respectfully declined gifts, visits, interviews, and offerings during this period of mourning.
Toriyama’s groundbreaking work began with the his first serialized manga “Dr. Slump“ in 1980, which not only spawned two television anime adaptations but also inspired a string of successful films. However, it was his magnum opus, “Dragon Ball,” which ran from 1984 to 1995, that cemented his status as a true visionary. The “Dragon Ball” series continues to captivate audiences with its sequels, spin-offs, and anime adaptations, propelling Toriyama’s creations into the realm of global pop culture. “Dragon Ball” remains an enduring symbol cherished by anime fans worldwide.
Toriyama’s influence extended beyond the realm of manga and anime, and into the world of video games. He served as a character designer for acclaimed game titles such as “Dragon Quest,” “Chrono Trigger,” and “Blue Dragon“.
In his final years, Toriyama remained actively involved in shaping the anime landscape. His collaboration with the production team of the recently announced“Dragon Ball Daima,” the latest installment in the “Dragon Ball” series, showcased his unwavering creativity. Credited for the series’ compelling storyline and character designs, Toriyama’s impact on the medium continues to resonate with the franchise.
Moreover, Toriyama’s “Sand Land” manga received a recent surge in popularity with the release of an anime film adaptation in August 2022. A forthcoming anime series, slated for a worldwide debut on March 20, along with an accompanying game launching on April 26, stand as a testament to Toriyama’s enduring legacy and influence across multiple mediums within the anime industry.
As we bid farewell to a true titan of the industry, Akira Toriyama’s creative genius will forever inspire generations to come, ensuring his legacy remains immortalized in the hearts of fans worldwide.
For years, fans have incorporated McDonald ‘s-inspired “WcDonald’s” eateries into iconic movies and shows. Now, in partnership with some of the biggest names in anime, WcDonald’s is transitioning from fiction to reality. Starting February 26th in over 30 international markets, McDonald’s is bringing the creative otaku vision to life, expanding the WcDonald’s universe into the restaurants and beyond. Here’s what you need to know!
“Anime is a huge part of today’s culture, and we love that our fans have been inviting us into the conversation for years,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA. “The WcDonald’s universe is a reflection of what fans have created. It honors their vision and celebrates their creativity, while authentically bringing it to life in our restaurants for the first time ever.”
Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA
A Sauce That Packs a Punch
Experience a culinary adventure with WcDonald’s limited-time, Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce. Bursting with a fusion of ginger, garlic, soy, and a touch of chili flakes, this sauce will ignites your taste buds with its vibrant flavor. Mirroring the bold, dynamic spirit of your favorite anime protagonists, the sauce pairs perfectly with an order of 10-piece “WcNuggets” (Chicken McNuggets) or on the side of any of your go-to menu items.
Manga Packaging & More from Acky Bright
McDonald’s has team up with iconic Japanese manga artist/illustrator Acky Bright to design custom WcDonald’s packaging that takes you deeper into the world of WcDonald’s with every meal. For a limited time, fans receive manga-inspired packaging featuring WcDonald’s Crew characters, sketched by Acky himself.
“I had a great time partnering with McDonald’s to help make WcDonald’s a reality for manga fans who have a genuine love for the brand,” said Acky Bright. “From the details of the diverse Crew characters to the manga plot itself, I loved being able to use my artwork to bring to life the dynamic, vibrant world of WcDonald’s for people around the world.”
Acky Bright via press release
Fans also have the opportunity to scan the QR code on the packaging, granting access to weekly digital manga releases featuring a diverse cast of WcDonald’s Customers and Crew.
Meet Hashirune, a loyal WcDonald’s patron, Mr. Bev, the Crew’s resident joker, WcDizer 3000, WcDonald’s own mecha, and an array of other intriguing characters.
The First-Ever Official WcDonald’s Anime
YES. you read that right! Partnering with the renowned animation studio Pierrot, McDonald’s presents WcDonald’s the anime series. Consisting of four captivating episodic shorts, the series invites anime fans into the long awaited world of WcDonald’s, where each week unfolds a tale centered around the iconic WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets.
Here’s how to watch, beginning February 26th until March 18th, a brand new short will premiere every Monday, synchronized with new manga releases on WcDonalds.com or by scanning the QR code on the WcDonald’s bag. These shorts pay homage to four major anime subgenres: Action, Romance, Mecha, and Fantasy. Episode titles and description are as follow,
The Race to WcDonald’s (drops Feb. 26): A rivalry strong enough to withstand the test of time as our two heroes embark on an epic race to WcDonald’s.
Love from Across the Booth (drops March 4): Our two protagonists discover the WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets aren’t the only perfect pairing.
WcNuggets Space Frontier 3000 (drops March 11): A team of WcDonald’s pilots must protect the last WcNugget against an ominous force.
The Wisdom of the Sauce (drops March 18): Three women are transported to a distant land to unravel the mystery surrounding the elusive sauce before it’s gone forever.
Visit WcDonald’s In Person | An Immersive Dining Experience
Otaku can finally live out a long awaited dream, visiting a WcDonalds! Join the fun on March 9-10 for the first-ever WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience in Los Angeles, CA! This unique event, inspired by isekai anime, blends entertainment and food into an unforgettable adventure. Guests will be transported into the WcDonald’s universe through 360 projection mapping and immersive tabletop projections inspired by the four WcDonald’s anime episodic shorts – all while enjoying a set menu of WcDonald’s items. Fans can reserve their spot exclusively on OpenTable starting Feb. 28 by searching “WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience” on the OpenTable app or website.
A Celebration of Anime Fan Art
WcDonald’s recognizes the vital role anime fan play in shaping its identity. As a gesture of appreciation, the company is honoring three up-and-coming anime artists who’ve created WcDonald’s-themed artwork. Each artist will receive grants to fuel their future projects and will be celebrated at their local McDonald’s. Furthermore, they’ll have the chance to receive personal mentoring from the renowned manga artist/illustrator, Acky Bright.
Mark Your Calendars
On Feb. 26, get ready for an anime-fueled adventure that starts with, “Welcome to WcDonald’s, may I take your order?“
From savoring the delectable Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce to exploring manga-inspired packaging and exclusive episodic shorts, every aspect of this adventure promises excitement. Moreover, with collaborations between McDonald’s and esteemed anime creators, the boundary between fiction and reality blurs, bringing beloved characters and stories to life. So mark your calendars and prepare to embark on a thrilling escapade into the vibrant world of WcDonald’s, your ticket to a real life Isekai.
Screenshot from Elf Otaku (2024)
WcDonald’s in Anime
Here are some example of WcDonald’s in anime. Know of more? Send it to us at Contact@thekitsunetwork.net.
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Publisher TOKYOPOP is spreading the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting Manga SALE! In anticipation of the romantic holiday, the renowned publisher is launching a special manga sale NOW through february 19th, celebrating romance in all forms.
Manga readers can enjoy a generous 40% discount on all print titles available through the TOKYOPOP.com website, along with FREE shipping. As an added bonus, every order placed during the promotion will receive a special full-color 5×7 inch postcard featuring artwork from the webtoon series STAR CROSSED, created by Crimson Chains.
Explore a diverse selection of TOKYOPOP titles that embrace modern love in its myriad expressions. Among the highlights is CAPTAIN LASERHAWK: A BLOOD DRAGON REMIX – CRUSHING LOVE, is an original boys’ love manga inspired by the Netflix anime series created by Adi Shankar featuring alter egos of the handsome and hunky characters from hit Ubisoft video games in a highly referential homage to the early 90s.
For those seeking more unconventional romance narratives, TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint offers intriguing options like WE CAN’T JUST DO PLAIN LOVE, a multi-volume manga series delving into a kinky office love affair, and STAR CROSSED, a full-color BL webtoon unveiling the clandestine romance between a king and his loyal knight, while WHY I ADOPTED MY HUSBAND, presents an inspiring true story, showcasing how a gay couple in Japan navigated legal loopholes to formalize their union.
Advance pre-orders for print titles are also available now, a full 60 days before the print release, via the TOKYOPOP website. For the Valentine’s Day promotion, readers can purchase titles up to the April 12th launch date.
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Hazbin Hotel, the eagerly awaited series by Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop), has finally arrived, bringing joy to long-time fans. Collaborating with colleagues from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Vivienne dedicated almost two years (2017-2019) to bringing the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode to life. Prior to the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode, Vivienne gained recognition through the animated music video “Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video,” featuring Ke$ha’s song. This newfound recognition helped Vivienne with her early career and later assisted in the success of Hazbin Hotel.
Screenshot of Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video
Released on October 13, 2019, the pilot episode received acclaim for its originality in story and artistic direction, quickly going viral. This success led to the spin-off series “Helluva Boss,” premiering on November 25, 2019.
In 2020, film production companies A24, SpindleHorse Toons, and Bento Box Entertainment took over the production of Hazbin Hotel. However, some changes occurred, including a new cast and redesigned main characters. The series was initially set for a summer 2023 release but faced a delay due to the 2023 strike. A new release date was announced in late September 2023, revealing an Amazon Prime Video premiere, and it was revealed that the now 4-year-old pilot episode would be canon to the series.
The highly anticipated series had its Los Angeles premiere in Culver City on Wednesday, January 17th. Cast members, including Vivienne Medrano, Stephanie Beatriz, Erika Henningsen, and Amir Talai, attended the event, marking a significant moment for the Hazbin Hotel fandom. A Q&A, moderated by Joseph Deckelmeier, was held after screening the first three episodes with the aforementioned cast members and series creator Vivienne Medrano.
Given the success of both “Helluva Boss” and “Hazbin Hotel,” what lies ahead for Vivienne? Could an animated theatrical film be in the works? While that remains uncertain, one thing is clear – we’re all in for one HELL of a ride!
The following are highlights from the Q&A
Joseph Deckelmeier: How does it feel coming into a show that already has such a fan base that’s so strong and hardcore? Is that a little intimidating to step into?
Admir (Alastor VA): It’s funny. I had absolutely no idea until I was well into recording it. [. . .] I auditioned, thinking it would be fun. When I saw the scripts, I thought, “Yes, this is great.” It wasn’t until later, with the new voice actors announcement, that I realized it might be a big deal. Like being the new Batman, it’s definitely intimidating but exciting.
Joseph Deckelmeier: What were your first thoughts when you saw your characters rendered?
Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): We haven’t discussed this, but I love the throwback-y sailor Moon-y coquette bow, the skirt, and the stockings- I mean, some of my earliest queer awakenings were watching Sailor Moon at, like, 05:00 a.m. I remember watching it being like, some of these girls are gay, so I just love that it’s there, that’s like a little touchstone of it. I just absolutely adore it.
Joseph Deckelmeier: One thing that really stuck out to me was the chemistry that everybody had. It is incredible the way it seems like they play off each other, but they didn’t record together, so what was it that you found in the post-production process to kind of cultivate and create that chemistry amongst the cast?
Vivienne Medrano (series creator): I know what it was, the voice director. Richard Horvitz, and I have been working together for a while. He understands my taste and knows what I want, almost reading my mind for an amazing direction. During the pandemic recordings, he would read with everybody, retaining the essence of each performance. This makes a significant difference, and I’ve witnessed many actors express how much it helps them emotionally connect with the scenes.
Joseph Deckelmeier: The heart of this show is really Charlie and Maggie’s relationship. Can you guys talk about how we see that relationship explored throughout the course of season one? ‘
Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): One beautiful aspect of this series is its exploration of redemption, questioning if it’s possible to redeem a soul from hell to heaven and whether change is achievable. Sometimes, when you fall in love, you don’t really understand that you’re deserving of that love. You don’t really believe that you are the kind of person that somebody else could be in love with. When considering their (Charlie & Vaggie) relationship, they reflect the uncertainty of feeling deserving of love. Falling in love can reveal one’s true self, and in their case, they don’t seek to change each other, embracing each other’s baggage. Vaggie’s goal is to support her partner’s dreams, raising questions about love, redemption, and self-worth.
Before releasing the Hazbin Hotel pilot episode, we had the opportunity to interview Vivenne during Anime Expo 2019, before we knew what the future held for The Hazbin Hotel!
More recently, we had the opportunity to interview Edward Bosco, the original voice of The Radio Demon, Alastor. Discover what has happened since the pilot episode, why Edward is not returning for the series, and more in our exclusive audio interview! (Giveaway opportunity towards the end!)
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New series KATANA Beast by Akimine Kamijyo, known for creating “Samurai Deeper Kyo” and “Code: Breaker”, is scheduled to be launched concurrently in Japan and the United States. The English version of KATANA Beast is now accessible on the K MANGA service as a simulpub title. You read the newest addition to the K MANGA service here.
(C) 2023 KODANSHA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
KATANA Beats Synposis
The Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig. These twelve tribes, each boasting their own special powers, battled for hegemony over the nation until the Emperor, tired of these endless wars, instead proposed a “festival”—5v5 proxy battles for which each tribe must send a “beast blade” to fight on their behalf. Princess Ibusuki of the Rabbit tribe, the weakest clan of all, was searching for her own champion to whom she could entrust the fate of her people when she came upon Hijimaru of the legendary Lion tribe. Little did she know that this encounter would mark the beginning of something far greater! Welcome to the fantastical tale of the zodiac struggle!
What is K MANGA?
K MANGA is a digital, manga distributing platform created by KODANSHA. The company distributes simulpub titles in English with notable ones including A Sign of Affection, DEAD ROCK, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Clayman Revenge, Tune In to the Midnight Heart, and Chihiro-kun Only Has Eyes for Me. Before the end of 2023, K MANGA will have added over 100 additional titles to its service since its launch in May. K MANGA plans to continually add even more titles to its service for readers to enjoy.
Screenshot of K MANGA’s homepage. (C) 2023 KODANSHA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Akimine Kamijyo
Akimine Kamijyo is known for her work creating the manga series “Samurai Deeper Kyo” and “Code: Breaker,” both of which have been published in North America. “Samurai Deeper Kyo” was adapted into an anime in 2002, while “Code: Breaker” received an anime adaptation in 2012.
In a message to K MANGA readers, Kamijyo said,
“Inspired by the twelve zodiac signs which have been passed down since ancient times in Japan, this is a story about the main character, Hijimaru, and the twelve tribes. The ‘Festival’ where the beasts will fight each other with their lives by the blade is about to begin! I hope everyone in America enjoys it at the same time as Japan! Thank you!”
The Highly Anticipated English Language Debut of the International Bestselling Series That Inspired The Popular Disney+/Hulu Live Action Heads to Kickstarter Just in Time for Halloween.
Comics and graphic novels publisher ABLAZE, is launching a Kickstarter campaign for the highly anticipated English debut of GANNIBAL, a modern-day horror manga by Masaaki Ninomiya.
This bestselling 13-volume series, originally published in Japan by Nihon Bungeisha, has gained immense popularity worldwide, with translations in several countries including, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Brazil, Korea, and Thailand. Now, English-speaking audiences can look forward to its release through a limited edition hardcover version available on Kickstarter. Show your support for the project by visiting the Kickstarter page.
GANNIBAL, is a thrilling suspense manga series, has been adapted into a live-action TV show directed by Shinzo Katayama, known for the J-horror film “Missing.” The series is currently streaming on Disney+/Hulu and features an ensemble cast including Yuya Yagira, Sho Kasamatsu, and Riho Yoshioka.
ABLAZE describes the story,
The story centers around Daigo Agawa, a law enforcement officer who is stationed in the secluded mountain village of Kuge. Initially greeted with warmth by the villagers, Daigo embarks on a journey to unravel the village’s eerie enigma after the discovery of an elderly woman’s lifeless body. Gradually, suspicions arise within Daigo, hinting at the villagers’ possible implication in the sinister practice of cannibalism.
Rich Young, co-founder of ABLAZE said of the manga series,
GANNIBAL is a powerful and truly scary story, [. . .] Horror manga is renowned for its deeply affecting stories and GANNIBAL will definitely stay with readers long after the first reading.”
Rich Young, co-founder of ABLAZE Via Press Release
Masaaki Ninomiya is a renowned manga artist from Tokyo, Japan. Despite his relatively short career, he has garnered critical acclaim that has propelled him to achieve global recognition. Ninomiya has received an honorable mention at the 68th Chiba Tetsuya Award for his outstanding work “Revoltech Taniguchi.” Additionally, he was awarded the Second Grand Prize in THE GATE contest for his remarkable comic, “Domestic Bliss.” In 2016, Ninomiya published his first serialized manga story titled “Chousou no Babel,” and the serialization of his manga “Gannibal” began three years later in 2018. To date the Gannibal collections have sold more than 3 million copies in Japan. Gannibal will be his English language debut. FOLLOW ON TWITTER / X: https://twitter.com/enewtivojjrjqpo
ABLAZE provided us with a four page preview:
Masaaki Ninomiya will be receiving royalties from the reward tiers for this campaign. Your support of this campaign will benefit him directly. For more information on the Kickstarter project, please visit the official Kickstarter page.
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