TOKYOPOP has announce the will release Alien Stage: The Art Book in English on March 3, delivering a 320-page, full-color hardcover that spotlights the hit Korean sci-fi web series for the first time in North America .
Based on the globally popular animated project by creators VIVINOS and QMENG, Alien Stage unfolds in a dystopian future where human contestants, raised as pets by aliens, are forced into a high-stakes televised singing competition. The twist: the loser of each round is executed — often onstage and in front of the winner — amplifying the emotional weight of a story built on tragic romance, childhood bonds and unspoken feelings .
For fans of emotionally charged storytelling and striking visual world-building, this release offers a deep dive into one of the most talked-about Korean web series in recent years.
A 320-Page Deep Dive Into a Darkly Beautiful World
Alien Stage: The Art Book explores the series’ settings, character relationships and creative development, compiling production illustrations, concept art and behind-the-scenes insights . The volume also features character profiles, commentary on song production and interviews with VIVINOS and QMENG, offering readers an intimate look at the creative process behind the dystopian musical phenomenon .
The series itself has amassed millions of YouTube views, while its original songs have generated millions of Spotify streams, cementing Alien Stage as an international cult favorite .
Standard and Deluxe Editions Available
The art book will launch in both Standard and Deluxe editions, each spanning 320 pages and recommended for readers ages 13 and up .
Standard Edition: $49.99 SRP
Deluxe Edition: $59.99 SRP
The Deluxe Edition includes:
An 88-page “Drawing Book” featuring exclusive creator sketches
Six full-color character prints
A U.S.-exclusive holographic foil poster
Gilded holographic foil page edges
The English-language release marks a significant moment for international fans eager for expanded access to official Alien Stage content.
About TOKYOPOP
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP helped establish the North American manga market and played a pivotal role in bringing Japanese and broader Asian pop culture into mainstream Western publishing . The company continues to publish original and licensed graphic novels while expanding into live events and location-based entertainment.
Alien Stage: The Art Book will be available beginning March 3 through major retailers.
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Japanese illustrator Acky Bright has become one of the most exciting names in global pop culture, fusing his signature kawakakkoii (cute × cool) aesthetic into projects that bridge anime, gaming, music, and fashion.
Over the past two years, Bright’s work has exploded onto the international stage. In 2024, he spearheaded McDonald’s worldwide “WcDonald’s” campaign, designing manga-style packaging, original characters, and a digital manga series that brought anime culture into fast-food history. He also teamed up with chart-topping band ASTERISM on the Planet of Metal concept album, creating a 28-page artbook that expanded their musical world into visual storytelling. Fans of gaming saw his touch in the Monster Hunter Now × Ayase collaboration, where Bright’s illustrations powered an energetic crossover of music and monster hunting.
Characters Designed by Acky Bright (Left to Right): Mia, Carm, J, Flurry, Mr.Bev, Wicke, Burg, Midnight, Quart Sr, and the WcDizer 3000.
Planet of Metal concept by Acky Bright
On the fine art side, Bright’s “Studio Infinity” solo exhibition at Japan Society in New York blurred the line between gallery and studio. Visitors watched him live-draw massive murals and even join in on the process, highlighting his love for interactive creation.
At Anime Expo 2025, Bright delivered one of the convention’s most talked-about panels, mixing live art games like “Guess the Sketch” and the “3 Deck Challenge” with big announcements. He teased a major cross-industry project set for October 2025, showcased a prototype of his upcoming Underverse collectible figure, and reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to designing original characters.
Acky Bright’s journey demonstrates not only his versatility but also his commitment to making art that’s playful, edgy, and deeply personal.
Exclusive Interview with Acky Bright
We at The Kitsune Network had the honor of speaking with Acky Bright to discuss his recent projects, his artistic philosophy, and what fans can expect next,
Krystal:
You’ve worked with McDonald’s on some high-profile anime-inspired projects – from the global “WcDonald’s” campaign (complete with manga-style ads and even an immersive LA restaurant experience) to a viral McDonald’s Japan music video promotion featuring popular artists like Ado, YOASOBI, and Hoshimachi Suisei. How did you approach blending your manga-style art with such an iconic fast-food brand, and what was most challenging or rewarding about bringing these campaigns to life?
WcDonald’s iconic Manga paper bag, designed by Acky Birght.
Acky:
Regarding WcDonald’s, I found it incredibly cool that the actual McDonald’s launched a global campaign using the “WcDonald’s” parody—a concept long familiar in anime and manga. I was truly honored and excited to be selected as the campaign’s main designer. I also had a great degree of creative freedom, which made the entire experience genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end. Given my understanding of Western culture, I think I was able to deliver work that left both the client and fans highly satisfied. In Japan, McDonald’s campaigns are major cultural moments each year, and this one was led by a creative team composed of some of the country’s top talents, so it was a fantastic project to be a part of. I was also given considerable freedom in designing the characters, which made the process all the more enjoyable. One additional point: each popular artist has their own loyal fanbase. So when creating the designs, I considered not only the artist themselves, but also how to make their fans happy through the visuals.
Krystal:
At Anime Expo 2025, you surprised fans with a sneak peek of an upcoming figure based on one of your original designs. This is part of your partnership with collectible company Underverse to create high-end figures. How does it feel to see one of your illustrations come to life as a detailed 3D figure, and what can you tell us about the design or story behind this character? Are there more figures or plans in the works through this collaboration?
Acky:
As for the UNDER VERSE project, while I can’t go into too much detail as this was shown as a bit of fan service, I’m absolutely thrilled that a figure of mine is being produced as part of the “SEVEN STARS” series. The official setting is as follows: when the silicon-based civilization tore through the constraints of the “Three Laws of AI,” a torrent of machines was unleashed within the quantum matrix, issuing a final judgment upon human civilization and bringing it under machine rule. In response, humanity leveraged the “GAME” system—featuring rogue AI warriors that still retained remnants of the Three Laws—to ignite rebellion through a bounty-based mechanism. The first figure in the series is MONICA, once a member of the “Number 7s.” Originally created by AI as the perfect warrior to carry out humanity’s extinction, she now fights back—having lost those memories. The plan is to release more figures of these “Number 7s” warriors, and I hope the project will eventually evolve into something like an anime.
Krystal:
Your solo exhibition “Studio Infinity” at Japan Society in New York essentially turned the gallery into your personal studio – you were live-drawing on site, letting visitors watch and even participate as you created manga-style murals in real time. What was that experience like for you, performing your art live in a museum setting? Did interacting with visitors on the spot influence the pieces you created?
Acky:
This was my first solo exhibition in the U.S., and it was held at a gallery with more than a century of history—one that has hosted only world-renowned artists. It was truly an unforgettable experience for me. Some people came back to visit every week, and I was able to form real friendships with them. I imagine it’s unlikely that another artist will exhibit something similar at Japan Society in the future, which makes me feel incredibly grateful. I look back on this time with nothing but happiness.
Krystal:
Any plans on bringing “Studio Infinity” to Los Angeles?
Acky:
If the opportunity arises, I’d definitely love to do it again. There are many great galleries in Los Angeles, so I hope to make it happen someday.
Krystal:
Your art style is often described as kawakakkoii – a blend of “cute” and “cool” aesthetics. When designing characters, how do you decide what elements should be charming or adorable versus which should be edgy or “cool” to achieve that mix?
Acky:
I’m not the type of artist who draws based on theory, so I can’t say for sure how my style developed. However, the phrase “kawa-kakkoii” (“cute and cool”) has become somewhat of a signature descriptor for me. It actually originated from manga artist Yusuke Murata (of Eyeshield 21 and One-Punch Man fame), who once posted on social media that he had purchased my art book and used that term to describe my work. I’ve proudly adopted it ever since.
Krystal:
You’ve mentioned that you have a lifelong passion for creating your own original characters rather than working on pre-existing IPs. How has focusing on original designs (instead of fan art or existing IP) helped shape your career and identity as an artist?
Acky:
When I was in middle school and first dreamed of becoming a professional artist—with no real basis for that dream—I told myself: “You can’t become a true artist by copying others.” Of course, as we live, we naturally absorb influences from everywhere, and as professionals, it’s important to understand trends. But even within that, I try to maintain originality and focus on expressing what makes my work me.
Krystal:
What elements in daily life inspire you to create your own original characters?
Acky:
My inspiration comes from everything I see. In that sense, traveling the world and experiencing different cultures is an incredible source of creative fuel. I also make a conscious effort to absorb input—whether it’s watching all kinds of videos or listening to music—especially because when work gets busy, output tends to take over.
Krystal:
You’ve achieved so many collaborations across music, gaming, and even fashion – Looking to the future, is there a dream project or medium you haven’t tackled yet that you’d love to try next? Overall, what new goals or aspirations are you excited to pursue as you continue to evolve your artistic journey?
Acky:
My next goal is to build a studio in the U.S., where I can take on even larger projects as a producer, working with other artists from around the world. I want to go beyond just anime and games—live-action, too. My ultimate dream is to recreate the energy and excitement of 1990s shonen manga magazines, but on a global scale. I already have a concrete idea that might make it possible, so this may very well be my “dream project.”
Krystal:
As an artist who has overcome your own artistic challenges, What advice or messages would you have for those who want to pursue an artistic career?
Acky:
That’s why I want to encourage people to free themselves from comparing their work to others or measuring their value by the number of likes on social media. If you keep going, you’ll come to understand: once you choose the path of art, “creating” becomes a lifelong journey. So don’t get caught up in momentary praise, fleeting trends, or surface-level recognition. They don’t matter in the long run.
Acky Bright’s career is a testament to how art can transcend borders, industries, and mediums without losing its soul. From redefining global branding campaigns to reimagining gallery spaces a interactive canvas, he continues to push the boundaries of what manga-inspired art can achieve. As Bright himself reminds us, true artistry isn’t about likes or fleeting trends, but about the lifelong journey of creation. With October’s mysterious new project on the horizon, fans around the globe have every reason to stay excited: Acky Bright is just getting started.
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In a major move that further signals the growing demand for manga and webtoon content among younger readers, Random House Graphic has announced the launch of Ink Pop, a new imprint dedicated to English-language editions of manga, manhwa, and popular webtoons aimed at kids and teens. The line will debut in July, marking a significant expansion in the publisher’s global comic offerings.
Leading the launch isI WANNA BE YOUR GIRL, a poignant and inclusive coming-of-age story by Umi Takase, originally a hit webtoon that evolved into a successful manga. The English edition will make its print debut on July 1, 2025, with Volume 1 diving into the heartfelt relationship between Hime and her best friend—and longtime crush—Akira, who comes out as a girl just before starting high school. This tender exploration of identity, friendship, and allyship is already drawing comparisons to fan favorites like Heartstopper and Blue Flag.
Image courtesy of Penguin Random House (c) 2025 Umi Takase
“Ink Pop is our love letter to young comic fans who are hungry for diverse stories told through dynamic art,” said Whitney Leopard, Executive Editor at Random House Graphic. “It’s about celebrating global voices and giving younger audiences access to the kinds of stories they see themselves in.”
Following closely behind in the Ink Pop lineup is the YA manhwa MY LIFE AS AN INTERNET NOVEL, launching September 2, 2025. Created by Han Ryeo Yu and A Hyeon, this romantic comedy is set in a surreal world where a student finds herself living out the tropes of a fantasy web novel—complete with new schoolmates and unexpected love triangles.
The Ink Pop initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the rising demand for manga and visual storytelling among younger readers.
“We hear from parents, teachers, and librarians all the time about wanting more manga for young readers,” said Michelle H. Nagler, SVP & Publisher of Random House Brands & Graphic. “Ink Pop is our answer to that call.”
Both titles will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats, and additional releases from Ink Pop are expected to span genres from fantasy and romance to slice-of-life and comedy. The imprint’s mission is clear: to be a welcoming gateway for kids and teens into the world of global comics.
Stay tuned to The Kitsune Network for further coverage of Ink Pop and upcoming manga and webtoon releases.
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The beloved isekai series Noble Reincarnation ~Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power~ by Nazuna Miki has officially announced its anime adaptation. Followers of the series can look forward to a high-energy adventure following Noa, the thirteenth prince of the emperor, whose reincarnation gifts him with an infinite level cap and an unparalleled cheat skill that absorbs the abilities of others.
Thanks to all of you！ The anime adaptation of “Noble Reincarnation ~Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power~” has been decided! One of the concepts of this work is to “thoroughly pursue the ideal image of nobility in another world,” and I have always been anxious about whether this would be accepted. However, to all of you who read it on “Shousetsuka ni Narou”, to those who read the original novel, and to those who read the manga adaptation— It is thanks to your strong support that we have reached the point of an anime adaptation. With the best staff coming together for the anime, I am confident that it will be a wonderful work. I ask for your continued support for the anime “Noble Reincarnation.”
– via press release
Comment from the Character Designer, kyo
Congratulations on the anime adaptation of “Noble Reincarnation ~Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power~”! When the first volume of “Noble Reincarnation” was released, I had great conversations with Nazuna Miki-sensei and the fans about what it would be like if it were adapted into an anime, but I never imagined it would actually happen…! I’ve enjoyed the manga adaptation every time, and now that the anime is coming, it’s just the best! I am filled with gratitude to everyone who has read it. I’ll be looking forward to it and will continue to support it as well.
– via press release
About the Story
Noa, reincarnated into the prestigious imperial family, uses his exceptional abilities to navigate the complexities of aristocratic life. With over 1.5 million copies sold, this thrilling blend of action, strategy, and character-driven drama has captivated fans worldwide.
Stay tuned for more details about the anime, including airing dates and production updates, on the official website kizoku-tensei.com and social media platforms. Follow the adventure of the ultimate isekai prince as he redefines power and nobility!
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For over 25 years, Neopets has taught adults to care for virtual pets online. It’s one of the few games played exclusively on the internet, alongside Club Penguin and Gaia Online. Developed by Adam and Donna Powell, Neopets revolves around Neopia, where users care for and play with Neopets.
In comparison to Japan’s Tamagotchi, Neopets was solely online. Adam and Donna Powell created Neopets to entertain college students and generate advertising revenue. By the end of 1999, Neopets had over 600,000 registered users. From 1999 to 2005, Neopets was independently owned until Viacom purchased it for $160 million. Shortly after, Adam and Donna left the company due to creative differences.
In 2014, JumpStart Games bought Neopets. In 2017, JumpStart Games was acquired by the Chinese company NetDragon. Under this new management, new material was produced for the first time since the JumpStart purchase.
Currently, after a failed attempt to create a 3D version with NFTs called Neopets Meta, Neopets is led by former Neopets Meta CEO Dominic Law. Neopets is now independently owned by World of Neopia, Inc. Since 2023, the new team has been revitalizing Neopets with a new homepage and a mobile game, Neopets: Tales of Dacardia, among other upcoming updates.
At Los Angeles Comic Con 2023, I had the pleasure of speaking with Casey Sinclair, Project Manager and Senior Writer at World of Neopia, Inc. We discussed the newly released Neopets: Tales of Dacardia and reminisced about Neopets. Please note that this interview was conducted on December 3, 2023, so some information may already be outdated.
NEOPETS Interview with Casey Sinclair
Krystal Kitsune interviews Casey Sinclair at Los Comic Con 2023
Krystal: I’m here at LA Comic Con 2023, and I’m here at the NEOPET booth where they’re celebrating their 25th year anniversary. And I’m here with Casey. You are the senior writer and project manager, correct?
Casey Sinclair:Yeah, I work with a marketing team. My TNT (The Neopets Team) handle is TNTOneOfTwelve. You probably haven’t seen me. I’m not super active on the forums, but behind the scenes, work with a marketing team, work with narrative, work in licensing. And we’re really just here to grab the brand and really just engage with the community. We love our fans. We’ve got such an amazing reception here. It’s really great to just see people’s reactions with this amazing IP.
Krystal: -And at LA Comic Con, no less, you’re not only here celebrating the 25th anniversary, it’s also Neopet’s debut at La Comic Con, correct?
Casey Sinclair: This is our first LA Comic Con presence. We did San Diego and New York last year, but we figured, ‘yeah, we should show up at LA and see our fans in the Southern California area’.
Krsytal: We were discussing earlier about the positive reputation of Neopets and the longtime fans who played, such as myself, who played a long time ago, and now fast forward 25 years later, the Neopet brand is still alive, but some fans might be unaware of the, shall we say, rebranding of Neopets. Can you go into detail with that?
Casey Sinclair:Yeah, for sure. So I think it’s interesting in seeing people’s reactions today. We get everything from “Neopets?!”, “Oh, my God, this was so amazing to play in my childhood”, “You guys are still around?” “25 years?! you’re older than I am!” to, “oh my, Neopets! Are they still alive?” And we say, “yeah, they’re starving, but they’re still alive”, and I think that shows that there’s such a positive memory in the cultural consciousness of Neopets. People look at the logo on our booth and they just unlock those kind of core memories of Neopets. I think that’s what we’re about in terms of celebration, 25 years to speak to kind of the revitalization of the brand. So we have new leadership as of July of this year [2023]. And we’re really aiming to make a big push in terms of content, in terms of merch, in terms of engaging with the community and what the community has been asking for, fixing the site, introducing awesome new merchandise, introducing new plots. We have The Void Within plot coming next year [2024] and really trying to, like you said, bring those people back who may not be aware that Neopets is still alive in kicking.
Krystal: Are there any upcoming projects that you’re allowed to speak on? I know that the new CGI sort of game in the works, and I think it’s on the website. Is there something you can talk about that?
Casey Sinclair:Yeah. So, World of Neopets, we announced that back in July. It’s going to be a mobile game, kind of think hybrid, kind of animal Crossing, pet Sim style game. I have to say, with a disclaimer, it’s still tentatively in development. But we’re really trying to kind of have a different style of Neopets game where you can kind of be in the guise of a Neopet and kind of interact with Neopia, go around the world. But we still have a heavy focus on Neopets.com that’s like, mentioned the plot coming out next year.
We had almost every year during the 2000s, a plot come out that was so integral to Neopets, the storytelling. Right? And I work with a narrative team, amazing group of people. The storytelling was really important, and so we kind of wanted to bring it back to that. We’re also excited in that last year, in 2022, we launched Fairy’s Hope, a match three game. We kind of want to have something for everyone. But I was telling you earlier, it’s really important for us to have kind of this unified universe of Neopets games where people that want to play Neopets.com, we’re faithful to that. We support that. We introduce new content for that. We fix things that need to be fixed for that. But then anyone that wants to branch out and experience Neopia in new ways, they can do that as well.
We have Advent calendar going out right now that’s on the site. We have a little fun, little teaser at the end of that for people that played the fairy festival event earlier. We had a little comic at the end. Maybe they could expect something, who knows? And then we’ve already said in our live AMAs that happen every month, UC pets coming. Keep your eye out for that on the site. And then also, the last kind of pillar in our group of games is Island Builders. And Island Builders has been out for a while, but we have a closed beta going on right now where we’re prepping for the relaunch of Island Builders early next year. And we’re really excited about that new build. So revamped again, like, to scratch every itch for everyone that wants to interact with Neopia in different ways.
Krystal Kitsune interviews Casey Sinclair at Los Comic Con 2023
Krystal: To wrap this up, because I know you guys are busy for sure, it’s not only the games that are coming out, right, because at this convention itself, you guys had a panel in where you guys discussed a graphic novel. Can you go into detail with that?
Casey Sinclair:Yeah, so that’s only the games. We are partnered with Andrews McNeil that came out with our amazing cookbook earlier this year. Personally, one of my favorite products that we’ve ever come out with, it’s so faithful to the esthetic, the vibrant kind of pastel colors of early Neopets. So they have graphic novels in the works. We have our calendar here, our 2024 calendar. We designed that in house–
Krystal: –which, let me just add, seeing a Neopet calendar for 2024, it’s….amazing!
Casey Sinclair: Well, we wanted to kind of, like, pay homage to our 25th birthday. So we’re celebrating 25 years of Neopets. Our 25th birthday is in 2024, November 15.
Krystal: WOOO! Congratulations!!
Casey Sinclair:We’ve had 25 years in Neopets. We want to have another 25 years. So in addition to the games, we have the novels coming out, we have new products coming out. We have our neo hoods here today, new plush in the works. Can’t speak too much on that, but we’re listening to the community about all these kinds of things and kind of really want to, again, pay respects to the community and what the community has been asking for.
Krystal: All right, Casey, thank you so much for helping us catch up on Neopets on the 25th anniversary!
Casey Sinclair:Thank you so much and we want to just say a special shout out; Thanks for the interview, and thanks for our community for being here, and we’re happy to be at LA Comic Con!
Krystal Kitsune & Casey Sinclair at Los Comic Con 2023
We’re eagerly anticipating all the incredible updates coming to the world of Neopets! From exciting game updates to brand-new merchandise, the future holds endless possibilities. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
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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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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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Mark your calendars for November 28th as manga publish TOKYOPOP presentsLOVE MURDER BASKETBALL, a gripping BL release. This captivating story unravels a tense cat-and-mouse murder mystery against the backdrop of professional sports. Brace yourself for a gritty and thrilling experience like no other.
The upcoming series will be released through TOKYOPOP’s LoveLove imprint, showcasing an enticing collaboration between author Kurutta Hito and the talented artist Tsunderuuu. LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL is based on the popular OEL (Original English Language) webtoon that captured the hearts of over 360 million readers and amassed an impressive following of 45K subscribers. The print edition by TOKYOPOP will also be available in digital format, ensuring a wider reach for this captivating story; available for the first time completely uncensored! Get ready for a thrilling and immersive experience with LOVE MURDER BASKETBALL!
Love Murder Basketball Synopsis
As the son of one of the most infamous Yakuza bosses in Japan, Shoto Tanaka’s life is anything but ordinary. Then, he meets the most popular athlete in Japan, Goro Nakamura. Goro is used to putting on a show for the public, and since he comes from a family of wealth and notoriety, he is frequently in the limelight. Shoto, like many others, is captivated by Goro’s icy charisma.
What Shoto doesn’t yet know is that Goro is also the infamous “Animosity Serial Killer.” In what ways will Goro and Shoto’s profound devotion to each other and their conflicting ideologies impact their complex relationship and those around them?
This bloody BL thriller is for mature readers (18+) who enjoy dark psychological themes, suspense, and a side of horror with their romance.
Kurutta Hito | Author Comments
“Goro, one of the main characters, is of Japanese and Melanesia-African American heritage,” explains Hito. “His heritage is an important part of his narrative, and I wanted to explore what it’s like to be a multicultural kid growing up in a homogeneous culture.”
Hito continues, “During the early stages of the creation of his character, I had a distinct notion that he should be unlike anyone else in the BL community. I wanted him to be unique. I was also aware that it would not be easy to do. Every character in this series brings a smile to my face, and I sincerely hope that readers will develop the same sentiments regarding any of the characters that ultimately win their hearts. There is a character for everyone. Your readership of Love Murder basketball is appreciated.”
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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ABLAZE’s summer 2023 releases will include Manga, Manhwa & webtoons graphic novels. 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.
The adventures of the Brotherhood of the Tofu continue in a story that directly follows season 2 of the TV series! See the heroes of WAKFU ride again in the brand new manga series written by Tot, the creator of WAKFU & DOFUS, and illustrated by Said Sassine!
The TV series is based on the tactical turn-based MMORPG developed by Ankama Games of the same name. The game is a squeal to Ankama’s previous game, Dofus. The games series has attracted over 40 million+ players worldwide and is especially well-known in France.
As for the TV series, the first season of 26 episodes began airing on 30 October 2008, and new episodes would continue to air into January 2010. The third season of Waku premiered on Netflix worldwide on April 6, 2018, and featured an all-new English cast with Voice actors from Los Angeles. On May 7, 2020, Ankama announced that season 4, intended as the story’s final chapter, is currently in development. A Kickstarter campaign to fund its production was launched on June 8, 2020; the target was reached within an hour after the campaign was started.
Manga Synopsis
Yugo, Ruel, Percedal, Amalia, and Evangelyne are now living their lives, each on their own. The adventurers reunite at Alibert’s for Yugo and Adamai’s birthday, launching this latest saga when a party pooper comes to interrupt the celebrations and forces our friends to set off on the road once again for adventure! Available June 27th
Based on the hit Korean webtoon, this comic offers a complex, compelling story of an unlikely hero who is misunderstood and unappreciated for the good he does.
Written by Handong Woo and illustrated by Kojin Ho, this Manhwa series began serialization on the official Thai Webtoon on December 15, 2016. The series has two seasons, with a third season seemingly on hiatus. Currently, there is no official English release; however, ABLAZE will release a new manhwa series based on the hit Webtoon comic on June 27, 2023.
Manhwa Synopsis
Jungwoo Min has a special ability, one that lets him see when a path leads to a misfortune or disaster. He uses his “Eyes of Misfortune” to spot these unfortunate events and stop them. Disguising himself as a terrorist, he begins using his power to save people from certain danger. This leads him to become feared by the people he is looking to save. Soon he discovers that the more he saves others, the unhappier he becomes. Thus unfolds the story of a hero and his struggle between happiness and despair. And the unfortunate reality of saving the world, even while becoming a supposed terrorist…or TERROR MAN.
CENTAURS delivers a story of adventure and freedom inspired by Japanese mythology and features impressive art and character designs by Sumiyoshi, who created creatures for the bestselling Monster Hunter game series.
Manga Synopsis
Created by Ryo Sumiyoshi, best known for ASHIDAKA: The Iron Hero, this epic fantasy adventure is set in an alternate medieval Japan, where humans co-exist with the mythic half-man/half-horse beasts known as centaurs, or “jinba”. The centaur race was long revered as gods in ancient times; however, with the advent of the Sengoku (warring states) period, humans started to enslave and use them for military purposes due to their speed, stamina, and ability to communicate in human language. Centaurs living in the plains were rapidly subjugated; in contrast, large numbers of centaurs living deep in the mountains were still free due to their relative isolation.
A wild and proud samurai jinba from the mountains named Matsukaze, known as the redheaded rock tiger, is caught while protecting his son. He is traded to a feudal lord and taken to his land. There he meets another centaur named Kohibari, whose village was burned down as a child. He is a tame centaur who had his arms amputated when he was captured and has given up hope of escaping his human captors. If they can get over their differences and work together, they just might be able to return to the wilds as free centaurs. Available July 11th.
All these titles are available for preorder on Amazon.
About ABLAZE Publishing
ABLAZE is based in portland Organ, and according to their official website, The mantra of ABLAZE is quality first, with the goals of giving creators a platform, bringing new voices into the conversation, serving as diverse an audience as possible, and bringing some of the best content from all corners of the globe to readers. ABLAZE currently has published over 80 titles. For more information, visit their official website here.
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