Calling Manga Island: Comments and Suggestions wanted.

[chojinlocke]

Hi manga fans!

Tony Salvaggio here. I've been meaning to post this thread for a bit. In an effort to give you manga fans what you want in a column and perhaps get even more people reading and talking about manga here at CBR, I would love to hear from you about what you would like to see more of in Calling Manga Island. Several capsule reviews, more manga news, controversial topics such as censorship, scanlation, etc., or just a broader range of titles? Do you like reviews of older manga that you may have missed or do you want to see only the new new new?

Now's the time to let your voice be heard! I'm working hard on the column, fueled by my love of the medium (and a lot of caffeine) and a burning desire to find books that comics fans everywhere might enjoy, from the otaku to the casual manga fan, or the people who may think that manga is only "big eyes, naughty bits, battle monsters, and speed lines". I want to make sure that I am giving everyone what they want. Many of you have sent me emails about what you like and dislike and I appreciate that immensely. If I'm not moving and improving, then I'm not doing my job right! :)

And hey, if you dig the column, let me know too. Pass along the url to anyone who digs manga or maybe just wants to find out what the whole manga thing is all about. I really dig the discussions on this forum here at CBR and I think we have a cool community, I just want to make sure that CMI is adding to that community.

Feel free to post or drop me an email. I hope to see you every other Thursday at Calling Manga Island, and definitely here on the forums.

Take care and keep reading,
-- Tony Salvaggio
tony@comicbookresources.com

[Inkthinker]

We just had a whole thread that went back and forth (well, mostly back) on scans and their purpose, benefits and liabilities. You could probably mine a column out of that.

You could do a couple columns that focus on masters of a particular genre, like Action or Comedy, and analyze their visual techniques in order to dissect their application and versatility.

[apple pro]

I would prefer reviews of Manga. Their are plenty of great new manga out there. Some really interesting and different. I would like you to focus your column to that.

There is also some Manga that is very good, but along the lines of sterotypical manga. Like Naruto (ninja manga) and Bleach (spirit fighting). I would not mind capsule reviews of this type manga.


SO my perfect column from you would be:

60% of a review of a new, hyped up, worthy of tony salvaggio manga.
20% of capsule reviews.
10% comments and opinions of recent manga news. CBR does not do a great job reporting manga related news. maybe you can sum up recent manga news in your column.

i would also not mind if you made a rating system for your reviews.

[chojinlocke]

i would also not mind if you made a rating system for your reviews.

You mean like A, B, C, etc. rankings (or stars or numbers, etc) correct?

In the past CMI has been about reviewing things I really dig and that I think are worth reading, so everything is automatically an A- or better. I haven't had an interest in covering things that I didn't dig, but perhaps it is time to branch out and mix it up..

-TS

[Inkthinker]

I think if you're going to start reviewing several manga a month, then it would help to institute a ratings system. Stars is a classic, but you could also break it down beyond a general rating for the book and get into ranking story, art, presentation, etc.

[apple pro]

You mean like A, B, C, etc. rankings (or stars or numbers, etc) correct?

In the past CMI has been about reviewing things I really dig and that I think are worth reading, so everything is automatically an A- or better. I haven't had an interest in covering things that I didn't dig, but perhaps it is time to branch out and mix it up..

-TS

actually no... i think ratings system in the conventional manner can sometimes have a weird effect. a "7" may signify a decent comic many would enjoy but everybody dismisses it in favor of 8 and up.

I would suggest something unconventional like this:

Originality: B-
Overall Entertainment Factor: C
Overall Translation: B
Overall Presentation: B
Would I reccomend: No



I do warn you that if you review a comic like "Naruto" with a monster fan base and you don't like ninja comics — you're going to get hate mail up the wazoo.

Maybe a decent compromise is: you review a really good comic in the main article and in the capsule review, you do quick a summary with a "TS reccomends this" or a "TS reccomends you look at it for yourself in your comic store"

[jboncha]

A suggestion of a book to review, even though it hasnt been released in English as of yet, is Zetman.
A super-hero/sci-fi story that could become really good but I cant find any chapters past the second volume and he hasnt even really started being the Zetman yet.



J B

[The Xenos]

Well, you've already covered ones I like such as Ray, Beck, and the obscure Tomie as well as favorites Berserk, Planetes, and of course Blame!.

ACK! What's wrong with you!? STOP WATCHING ME!

At least you haven't covered Hellsing.

Actually, maybe you should cover some scanlations and mention a bit on the issue. Mainly find a good obscure one not picked up in the US and try to get it some attention to get picked up. I'm personally thinking weird as hell more adult (seinen, not porn) stuff like Gantz, Anne Freaks, or Freesia. You know, like those freaks over at Omanga like.

I also like the idea of manga news and mini/capsule reviews if you have the time for it.

-Xenos

[Guts/Batman]

What I had in my mind has already been said to no use in repeating it so I will add something else.

Saying something like: If you like (insert title), you might be interested in (insert title), etc.

I don't generally stray from my mangas because I buy lots of American comics. That gives me an idea for a thread...

[chojinlocke]

You rock people! I appreciate the feedback. Keep it coming, and spread the word. I'll be taking these things into account and trying to balance, time, effectiveness and what the manga reading public digs. Even though CBR is mostly geared towards non-manga comics, I really dig the vibe of the site and the anime board is always rockin. Thanks!
-TS

[LoneWolf21]

Ever thought of doing an article on Antarctic Press or oter American Manga companies? That might be something to try.

[Pikachu]

Another interesting topic would be why women in America read MANGA. This specifically means the majority, because there are those that read underground, and mainstream alike, but I personally would like to see an article on why manga has specifically picked up new female readers and accomplished this feat in less than a year. Whereas the American industry has floundered to bring mainstream women readers in for the past sixty years.

What does Shojo, Shonen-Ai, and Yaoi offer them that American comics don't? Also you could maybe interview some of the women who read manga and get their opinion on it first hand. That would be nifty!

Pika!

[apple pro]

Saying something like: If you like (insert title), you might be interested in (insert title), etc.

i like that idea.

i like shounen romance comics like Love Hina. I find it very helpful when somebody points out comics like this to me. I always make sure the quality is high enough so that it's not some harem manga turd but something interesting and original like Ai Yori Aoshi or Video Girl Ai.

[chojinlocke]

Those are both fantastic ideas! I have some ideas about those and they are noted!

As far as the Antarctic press stuff, I have been planning that for a bit. They are only an hour+ away from me and I talked to them a bunch at Comicon. They deserve a lot of respect for their 20th anniversary, I need to do a write up on them for sure. (great minds thing alike :) )

So, another question, would you dig interviews as well. I've been meeting a bunch of my fellow OEL people and I can probably get them to talk about their comics and such, are you interested in that as well. If I'm going to mix it up, that seems like a good way to go. It looks like the idea of a feature (news, interview, commentary, etc.) and a capsule review or two with a rating of at least "I dig it", or "I dig it but......" seems to be the way the column should head. It may take me a couple of more columns to switch formats (it takes a lot more time to synch schedules or do opinion pieces and gather news stuff).

Thanks everyone. (BTW good suggestions on all the manga people!!)
-TS

[chojinlocke]

ACK! What's wrong with you!? STOP WATCHING ME!
At least you haven't covered Hellsing.
-Xenos

HAHAHA I keep eyeing the Hellsing books on my shelf.. Little did you know about the secret Manga Island Satellite, once used to monitor manga and monster, now searches for likeminded manga readers and zooms in on their collections. BWAHAHAHAH... (insert sinister Berg Katse laugh here!)

[chojinlocke]

Originally Posted by Guts/Batman

Saying something like: If you like (insert title), you might be interested in (insert title), etc.
-------------------------------------------------------
I usually try to do that in my column to get people who haven't read manga they might like into the scene. Also I recommend Blackjack if you dig Ray, etc. But if that hasn't come across, I should maybe break it out more into a format of
Manga title --
Similar titles you might like --
Almost like the amazon (peopel who bought x might like y) but from my manga perspective. Even better would be:
Manga you might dig --
Non manga you might also dig --

[Sabrina_Fried]

Maybe do a series of 'genre' columns, for instance you could do a column or two on historical fiction manga, then a column on sf or fanstasy manga, then a column or two on humour manga, etc...

Sabrina

[chojinlocke]

good idea as well! I was thinking about how future columns could fall into this. Halloween with horror, family and comedy around Thanksgiving etc. Being bi-weekly I'll have to get a good gameplan out. I still want to cover new stuff that is being put out by various publishers, this could be a good challenge though. It will also allow me to get the word out about multiple publisher's books all in one column..

The challenge with all of this being not to tread into territory that most other manga review sites and columns are already doing. I approach things a bit different now with Manga Island, so I need to make sure that those points carry over into every other CMI column, regardless of format.

-TS

[jboncha]

Is there a Calling Manga Island column thats gonna be posted today?




J B

[chojinlocke]

Is there a Calling Manga Island column thats gonna be posted today?
J B

Should be up any time today. "King of Wolves" by Buronson and Kento Miura ("Fist of the North Star" and "Berserk" respectively). Hope you dig it. Its a quick read but has some neat historical stuff.

-TS

[Inkthinker]

I think interviews are always good. See if you can't get Felipe Smith, ever since MBQ hit I've been very interested in reading more about the creator.

[chojinlocke]

I think interviews are always good. See if you can't get Felipe Smith, ever since MBQ hit I've been very interested in reading more about the creator.

The one advantage I have is that I've been able to meet and talk to (and cover) a bunch of OEL creator's stuff. Felipe is a cool guy and one of the people I was going to tap for an interview if possible. So hopefully in a future column you will get exactly that (if all works out).

[apple pro]

This is sort of a idea for ya:

I was just sifting through my comic shop's website. I take a peek through all the comics and manga coming through this wednesday. I always notice some new manga come out I know nothing about. This week, I notice "Chikyu Misaki Vol 1 TP" — I have no idea what this is. So would all you CBR peeps dig it if TS kept track of new stuff on the horizon? I have no idea what series are hot in Japan so maybe it would be good?

[Guts/Batman]

How about a "spotlight" on a lesser known character or two?

[apple pro]

today's column was exactly what i wanted:

a new title (gacha gacha) that i had interest in and wanted more info on. TS delivered. I got a lil backround info, a little plot, a general sense about the feeling of the story. Will I buy this book? maybe. but when i go into the comic store next week, i'll make a informed decision.

thanks tony. well done!

[chojinlocke]

today's column was exactly what i wanted:

a new title (gacha gacha) that i had interest in and wanted more info on. TS delivered. I got a lil backround info, a little plot, a general sense about the feeling of the story. Will I buy this book? maybe. but when i go into the comic store next week, i'll make a informed decision.

thanks tony. well done!

aww shucks..Thanks! I'm glad you dug the column. I will hopefully be bringing more exclusive stuff and some editorials in the upcoming columns, as well as reviews of new and old stuff. keep checking back and thanks a million for checking out Calling Manga Island. If you keep digging it, spread the word!

-TS

[Madame Manga]

If you did do an item on American women who enjoy manga, be sure to get a range of opinions. Don't assume that women only (or even largely) go for shojo and shonen-ai. :) Most of the big shojo fans I know are grown men (and wouldn't THAT be an interesting study?) Personally, being as female as they come, I read seinin almost exclusively, and strongly gravitate towards titles whose male characters don't resemble teenage girls. Obviously, YMMV.

I do like the idea of genre columns comparing different manga with similar subject matter. It helps sort out the relative qualities of a group of titles and simplifies purchasing decisions. I don't mean rating them on a scale, since that's hard to apply to anyone but the rater. For instance, I know I prefer less chibi silliness and larger amounts of realistically ambiguous morality, where someone else might be looking for the exact opposite.

[chojinlocke]

If you did do an item on American women who enjoy manga, be sure to get a range of opinions. Don't assume that women only (or even largely) go for shojo and shonen-ai. :) Most of the big shojo fans I know are grown men (and wouldn't THAT be an interesting study?) Personally, being as female as they come, I read seinin almost exclusively, and strongly gravitate towards titles whose male characters don't resemble teenage girls. Obviously, YMMV.


That's a great point (and it would be a great study!). I've noticed tooling around online that more and more female comics bloggers seem to be excited about more shojo or shonen-ai comics. Whether or not this is an indicator of what is going on in actual sales... I have to do more research. My wife actually digs Witch Hunter Robin, and the like more than Utena and similar comics, so I can see where you are coming from. That is a great topic to do. I will have to get an idea about how to get a good sampling of of female manga readers and some good discussion going. I would love for more female manga readers to chime in and let their voices be heard. We certainly wrote Psy-Comm to apeal to a wide audience, I'd love to hear more about waht is being read and how manga is perceived by male and femal readers. Since manga is fairly new to the US (comparatively speaking) I wonder if we also will have more guys who like shonen-ai and yaoi manga. In japan it is mostly a female audience.. I'd be interested to see how the breakdown is here since there are very few non-indy alternative life style comics out there. This woudl make a great paper as well. Certainly it would be interseting to see how this artform is perceived outside its original geographic and cultural boundaries!

[apple pro]

today's article was another perfect hit!

to introduce a new OEL manga like this... I don't think it was possible to do this article as functional, efficent, entertaining and useful as you did right there...

GOOD JOB TONY!


(on another note, i dont particularly mind if the article changes in format every 2 weeks. i think depending on what info you get, what the circumstances are and if you can secure interviews — it's cool.)

[Pikachu]

I think more pics of the manga beneath the cover would benefit the readers when you're talking about "art style" and what not. When you get just the cover, it's just a color splash page, and it's hard to know what the real content will look like.

It would be nice to have 3 or 4 pics for every manga you review... if possible. Maybe the cover and 3 interior shots, just so the audience will have a better idea on the aesthetic value of the comic. Sometimes you open a manga with an amazing cover only to reveal not so amazing art. I'm sure you're only reviewing the best of the best, but everyone has different tastes and what not. If you could manage it, I think this would help boost the column even more!

Pika!

[The Xenos]

Dude.. STOP STALKING ME! The day I go and buy I Luv Halloween, I get back to CBR and see that's your latest column. Heh.

-Xenos

[chojinlocke]

Dude.. STOP STALKING ME! The day I go and buy I Luv Halloween, I get back to CBR and see that's your latest column. Heh.

-Xenos
Hilarious! I strike again!!! Who would have thought that my surveillance network would be so effective!

Applepro:
Thanks! I'm glad you dig the article. I will definitely be lining up more OEL interviews for sure. I wish I could interview more Japanese creators, but I have access to OEL creator much more readily, and overall my fellow OEL/OGN/comics creators have been way cool. I'm working on horror recommendations for Halloween proper. Spoooookkkkyy!!!!! :eek:

-TS

[apple pro]

Tony!

For japanese comics, it would be cool to interview an editor/translator who is representing the comic as the american publishing counterpart...

in my DelRey newsletters, they seem to be cool people over there. i dig it when they give some insight into the book. for instance, when they announced school rumble was licenced they said some things like: it's a japanese favorite, the anime is a hit and etc.

tokyo pop's editors are all over the back pages of their manga these days...

[chojinlocke]

Good points! I need to contact Del Rey and DMI and ADV. They have a lot of translation stuff, cultural notes, and other info in their manga. It is pretty cool. Del Rey is certianly taking the lead in this for sure. (
I have some issues with a few things in volume 3 of Genshiken, but I might leave that for a column or a post so it's not off topic.)

I need to dig through my business cards from Comic-con and get some editors interviewed. I don't want to be too Tokyopop centric, it's just easier to get hold of them since I talk to them for my book.

Apple Pro, you rule.

-TS

Tony!

For japanese comics, it would be cool to interview an editor/translator who is representing the comic as the american publishing counterpart...

in my DelRey newsletters, they seem to be cool people over there. i dig it when they give some insight into the book. for instance, when they announced school rumble was licenced they said some things like: it's a japanese favorite, the anime is a hit and etc.

tokyo pop's editors are all over the back pages of their manga these days...

[Ultraman Max]

With all the OEL Tokyopop is releasing it's hard to know just what's out there that might be of interest to me, so I'm wondering if it might be possible to have a running subfeature that focused a bit on one of the books? Maybe a split column focusing on one import and one domestic title?

[chojinlocke]

Maybe a split column focusing on one import and one domestic title?

I'll definitely be doing that in the near future.. I want to do more Seven Seas and Antarctic press (without AP I don't think I would be able to do what I do!! They were the originators [along with a couple of others, but AP is still around and rockin] ). The only problem is that the column is bi-weekly and I really need to cover a range of publishers, so look forward to more capsule reviews and such in the near future.

Thanks!!
-TS

[apple pro]

nice article today, i dig how the "pellet" reviews turned out. i'm not going to lie — i dont like any of this type of supernatural/dark manga. but i guess midnight opera has piqued my interest. atleast enough to make me flip through it.

anyway, what i really wanted was a PSY-COMM review! hahahaha i saw it on the shelves yesterday but didn't buy it. it looked solid from flipping through it but 3 of my fav manga came out yesterday, and i only picked up 2 of those (beck and genshiken, xxxholic will be bought next wednesday. TS, was your beef with Genshiken that is was noticeably thinner? i gotta send them guys and email!)

anyway, good job.

[chojinlocke]

Holy Crap man! I didn't think it was out until the 8th!
No, my beef with Genshiken was even more geeky. They actually got more literal than even I like on their translations. This a really nitpicky thing and it's actually a case of Del Rey doing an overly good job. When they translate Gundam names they use the literal translations so, a Gouf is a Gufu, a Ball is a Bouru,etc. (my copy is at home, so I'm going of of memory) It took me a minute to "get it" because even the models straight from Japan have the Gouf, Ball, GM (but in Japan gundam fans call these Jims) names on them. But this makes me seem geekier than the cast of Genshiken. They acutally did an overly good job, it feels dumb to nitpick.
I should be interviewing our artist for the next column, it seems kinda weird for me to review my own book.
Beck and Genshiken rock!

[apple pro]

hahaha, honestly — i am not a gundam fan, those jokes/translations went way over my head. please tell me why Sasahara's "gundam fortune" was perfect for him.

and jeebus, Beck is my current most favorite manga. i have no idea why this great manga takes a full four months and why others like ai yori aoshi take a mere 3.

[Guts/Batman]

and jeebus, Beck is my current most favorite manga. i have no idea why this great manga takes a full four months and why others like ai yori aoshi take a mere 3.

Who distributes it in the American market?

Dark Horse puts out about 3-4 Berserk and Hellsing months in a year. I wish they would let em out every two months.

[apple pro]

tokyo pop has the "Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad" license. unlike dark horse, translating and distributing thi stuff is all they do. i sent them an email a month ago telling them that they should concentrate on doing that rather than making those "cinemanga" and other side projects.

anyway, every 3 months = 4 books a year, and every 4 months = 3 books a year. so IMO, it's a big difference. everytime i finish the book, it feels sad because to get the next volume i have to wait a seriously long time. (IMO, 4 months "feels" close to 6 months. 3 months "feels" closer to 2 months.)

[Guts/Batman]

anyway, every 3 months = 4 books a year, and every 4 months = 3 books a year. so IMO, it's a big difference. everytime i finish the book, it feels sad because to get the next volume i have to wait a seriously long time. (IMO, 4 months "feels" close to 6 months. 3 months "feels" closer to 2 months.)

I've heard about Beck but never have thought about getting it.

I know how ya feel.

I am a Berserk addict. The next Berserk comes out in January. I get so pumped up for getting my Berserk that it feels like it's 6 monthes between volumes.

[The Xenos]

Just wanted to bump this because the column talks about JoJo. I know it from the fighting game and the anime. A friend raved about it and it was pretty cool. Finally I get to check out the manga, at least the newer series.

Also, from seeing the anime, I'm quite sure this is one of the shows that the Wachoskis were talking about when they mentioned they got some ideas from obscure anime series.

Also, I fell like I am obligated to bring up the "WRYYYYYYY!" meme going around the web from Dio in the JoJo fighting game.

It started here (click the last one with Dio):
http://qwerqwer1234.hp.infoseek.co.jp/mudah/mudah.swf

Then message and image boards ran with it:
Dio vs Trevor (http://cyborgcentral.dynip.com/~browren/flash/wryyyowned5%5B1%5D.swf)
WryyyyyyyyOwned 5! (http://cyborgcentral.dynip.com/~browren/flash/WRYYY%20owned.swf)
Wryowned Infinate (http://cyborgcentral.dynip.com/~browren/flash/wryownedinfinity.swf)

-Xenos

[apple pro]

The last few books the column has highlighted has not really been up my alley, I hope Tony can write about "Deathnote" and some other new books soon.

Actually, I would not mind if Tony expressed his opinion on "One Piece". The TV show on saturday morning is craptastic (and has given OP a bad reputation as a children's manga) but the manga it stems from is a fantastic sprawling pirate manga that is surprisingly touching, sentimental, funny and inspiring. I'm 25 years old and started reading it and am hooked.

[Chocolove]

Psy Comm's your book ? Haven't read the book, but from what I gleamed off TokyoPop it seems a bit like Gantz. How has the experience of working on 'American Manga' been for you ?

[chojinlocke]

I did a mini review of deathnote a couple off columns ago. It is so freakin good I can't help but tell everyone about it. I LOVE that manga. Everyone I have shown it to has went out to buy it or asked to borrow my copy and then got book 2. It just simply rocks. Jojo's is new to us, but I get where you are coming from, sorry I haven't really tickled you fancy with manga lately. I have some new stuff i got recently that are pretty cool. I il probably include mini revies of them along iwth my year end wrap up.

[chojinlocke]

Psy Comm's your book ? Haven't read the book, but from what I gleamed off TokyoPop it seems a bit like Gantz. How has the experience of working on 'American Manga' been for you ?

Yeah, I co-wrote Psy-Comm and we are starting on issue 2 now. It is quite a bit different than Gantz actually. It is much more straightforward closer to the 70's rollerball as far as the psychic soldiers and their hype go. I've received a lot of emails from people who really dig the world and the corp states the fact that it isn't entirely unbelievable.

So far working on American manga (OEL, MIC, whatever people want to call it) has been cool. It is hard sometimes to get hardcore otakus to take a chance on the book, but I've had a lot of emails from people digging the book, so that is nice. For our team overall Tokyopop has been great to work with. The distribution is good and they have been really supportive. We haven't gotten any sales figures yet, but we were #34 in last months top 50 manga on Diamonds charts. I don't know how much stake to put into that, but it is not bad I suppose. feel free to email me if you have any specific questions. If you get a chance you can check out some chapters online at:
http://www.tokyopop.com/mangaonline/series_page.php?seriesDir=psycomm&referringPage=current_issue.php

-TS

[apple pro]

I did a mini review of deathnote a couple off columns ago. It is so freakin good I can't help but tell everyone about it. I LOVE that manga. Everyone I have shown it to has went out to buy it or asked to borrow my copy and then got book 2. It just simply rocks. Jojo's is new to us, but I get where you are coming from, sorry I haven't really tickled you fancy with manga lately. I have some new stuff i got recently that are pretty cool. I il probably include mini revies of them along iwth my year end wrap up.

cool, i'll check out deathnote after next week!

dedicate your columns to whatever you see fit. the beauty of manga is that it's topics and genre are wide-ranging. for everyone who loves XXX, there are also some who love YYY. so give attention to whatever you feel is good.

[Pikachu]

Speaking of HARD CORE Otaku, I picked up Psy-Comm a week ago and enjoyed it.

It's art is steady, the style doesn't fluctuate, and the tone of the book remained consistent. There were some things I would have liked to see, as an avid manga reader, but over all it was a really strong 1st issue. Especially for an OEL Manga, which I hardly ever read. So to even get me to pick one up says a lot!

Good work Tony! I hope issue 2 blows my socks off! There's so many directions you can go with that awesome ending!

Pika!

[chojinlocke]

Thanks Pika. I appreciate the vote of confidence and the excellent comments you sent me. I wish more people would get past the semantics and just read the comics, but I kinda understand where they come from. Over all I write what I would want to see and read, and a lot of my influences happen to be manga and anime, the same goes for the rest of the team.
Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for checking out the book and letting others know that you dug it, esp. since you have pretty good tastes in manga and are pretty hardcore about it as well.

[Pikachu]

You bet! I think Psy*Comm is right up there in the as close as Americans can get to real manga catagory, without actually being in Japan.

I mean, I was browsing the OEL titles the other day and found to my disgrace, most of them don't utilize a strong background. I found some confusing to read, and almost all of them had no established world. The ones that did use backgrounds made them up, but neglrected to use photo references.

Psy*Comm on the other hand has attention to detail. There are established backgrounds. And instead of relying overly on the use of speed lines to fill in where some artists get lazy, Shane Granger actually takes the time to draw in a background. I can't epress how important this is, attention to detail and realism in setting is what makes manga so engrossing for the reader, because without a tangible world there is not stage for the characters to act upon. I think most OEL artists today should take a clue and follow your guy's lead. Because if one thing is for sure, you have one of the strongest OEL titles, if not the strongest on shelves now. All the while Psy*Comm remains close to its roots of manga influence and style.

Pika!

[Inkthinker]

I noticed CMX passed right by the publisher review this past week.

And what's up with the lack of love for Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita from Viz? I'm seriously terrified that Viz is just gonna drop the book, they already barely put out a trade more that twice a year and I rarely see anyone mention it at all... but its probably one of the absolute best action manga out there today.

[Buzz Dixon]

I strongly suspect James Cameron has BATTLE ANGEL ALITA the manga being held off the market until his movie is released.

[The Xenos]

I really don't see why or how Cameron would do that.

-Xenos

[apple pro]

nice column today. you've worked hard at making this column much better! i hope it grows even bigger and badder!

i am interested in Mai - The Psychic girl. did they release this in a new edition?

also, i want to add — i deliberately skipped over Ray because ADV published it, because i know they may never complete the series.

[chojinlocke]

Inkthinker:
Yeah, I don't think I have any CMX stuff in my collection. After the Tenjo butchering I just didn't have the heart to say much. Perhaps this year will change. Madara and Sword of the dark ones looks cool. I also dig Kikaider. I guess i should ask to have them send me some of those books.

Skipping Battle angel in the review wasn't a slight. I think I just take it or granted that it is so good, everyone must be reading it. If not GO READ FREAKIN BATTLE ANGEL!!! EVERYONE, NOW!!!!!!! That book rocks in so many ways. It's one of the few manga that our artist on Psy-Comm, Shane reads.

I know the Cameron team is blocking re-release of the Battle Angel DVD, but I don' think he had a hand in any manga cancellations. I don't know though. I'm guessing there will be some re-releases when the movie comes out.

Apple Pro:
Thanks! I appreciate the support.
Looking at the Viz store it looks like they've got new huge volumes of Mai. I really dig a lot about that series. It's still one I re-read from time to time.
Man, I am bummed about no release date on Ray 3. The first 2 were so freakin good!!!

[Buzz Dixon]

I think there will be special movie editions of the anime and manga when Cameron's film is released, and by pulling 'em from the market now they only build up fanticipation (hey, I just coined a new word! :D ).

[Inkthinker]

I really don't see why or how Cameron would do that.

-Xenos

Cameron wouldn't, but Viz might.

I don't really think they are, though... the English collection tend to come about 6 months after the Japanese ones do, and (unlike, say, Berserk), we're only one volume behind... we have vol. 6, they have vol. 7, and the current release in the antholgies is ch. 53 or so while vol. 7 goes to 43 (I like this series so much, I buy the uncut raw tanks whenever I can get one), so it's not too bad... I just want more, and I want it now.

I don't have huge hopes for Cameron's Alita, but I'm willing to wait and see what he does with it. I'm slightly encouraged by the fact that he's looking to cast an unknown into the role, but I just can believe they're not going to try and "improve" on the original concept, because that's what Hollywood does... check Aeon Flux for example.

But we shall see, I suppose.


Skipping Battle angel in the review wasn't a slight. I think I just take it or granted that it is so good, everyone must be reading it.


Yeah, you'd think so, but I can't shake the feeling that it's falling into relative obscurity, at least from my perspective.

I could be wrong, of course, but I don't think the series has been served well by Viz's reprints, which do return the series to it's original format but also attempt to shrink the material down further to fit the current "standard" for manga trades. Unfortunately they used the same files they printed the series from originally back in the 90's, so the result is muddier and plagued with moire patterns and lost details, and it just makes it look bad. I fear that new readers pick it up, see the muddy tones and so forth, and put it back.

Interestingly enough, the tankobon of Gunnm printed in Japan are of the larger format that we used to see more often here, and printed on high-quality stock that really makes the work shine.

[LoneWolf21]

Keen on the reference to Gold Digger, which I consistently love every month, but one thing I thought was too cool was the mention of Reid and Kantz's How NOT to draw Manga, which has some very, very funny stuff in it (it'd take me a good long while to list some of the stuff in it, but it's hilarious). I totally reccomend it, and the Tales from Darkwood books they do too.

[Pikachu]

About "Psy*Com,"

I was meaning to ask you about co-writing a series. When you do hash something out with another writer, it's a lot like brainstorming with a pal. I can imagine you both get into the excitement of creating something new that the ideas just flow! But what happens when it comes to actually puting it down on paper? How do you decide how to split up the writing chores? Does one do dialogue, and the other strictly hammers out the script? Or do you take turns on a page by page account? How much input does the artist have on the story when there are already two writers? These are questions I would like to know, and I'm sure many others would love this addressed.

Also, the pitching of your ideas to Tokyo Pop, what was the process behind this? How do you contact an editor and put together a creative team? These are things aspiring comic creators would love to know!

Pika!

[apple pro]

I like the latest article! (week of valentines day)

my favorite books always have some sort of romance in it and I think School Rumble is going to be my next new series. I like Cromartie High School but refuse to buy it because ADV publishes it — so i'm glad School Rumble continues the tradition!

peace — keep up the good work.

[chojinlocke]

Thanks!

My friends said that he's seen fansubbed School Rumble episodes and it is really good. He actually mentioned it before reading my article this week. I can't wait to see who picks that.

Sorry to hear you don't like ADV manga. I was reading Cromartie books 3 and 4 last week and there's TONS of funny stuff that isn't in the anime. I love that book so much. School rumble isn't as out and out funny as Cromartie, but i really dug it. I will be reading the future volumes for sure.

Thanks again for the support!
-TS

[apple pro]

I don't have a problem with ADV except that I don't trust them to finish a series that they start. My nightmare would be cliffhanger on volume 3 and then never finding out how it ends!

I've been hearing a lot of buzz from the manga community about School Rumble, probably even more than Cromartie — so I should be happy to add yet another quality Del Rey manga to my collection!

[chojinlocke]

Del Rey is certainly rockin my socks off with their manga! I love the notes and the care they take on their books. Amazing stuff. I wish Every company had that level of polish and care.

Hey, at least Ray 3 came out. Even though it sells bad. I talked at length with my contact at ADV manga at a convention and he says he loves the book, but it is does poorly in the market. It's drawn so well and the story is tight, I wish that my review had made a difference. It just rocks. I don't think they were able to license all 7 volumes though. I would have have to check on that.

[apple pro]

Ray, Yotsuba and Cromartie are 3 series I would be buying right now but since I got burned on Aria 2-3 years ago — I just can't seem to pull the trigger on their manga anymore.

Another thing I don't dig is their lack of print schedule. I like to expect when a book is coming out. Looking at their website — it screams "unprofessional". Manga seems to be their ugly stepchild compared to their anime.

[apple pro]

Hey tony, nice article this week. i am not a fan of Berserk because it looks sort of gore-y but claymore looks interesting! the other book is a possibility as well. i've heard so much about DGM, i'll be happy to flip through it!

___


Anyway — what did you think of Erik Larson's column?

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=20



I buy american and japanese but my friends seem t o have a love or hate attitude. I lent Deathnote to my buddy because the story was very American — but he disliked it for totally prejudiced reasons. Claiming he disagreed with "japanese attitude and politics" that the series dealt with.

it's kind of sad because he'll read any comics and love it except for manga

[The Xenos]

I too am one of these seemily freaks of nature who read both American and Japanese comics. I too am damn confused with those who read only one or the other. There are crappy comics and there are crappy manga as there are great comics and great manga. You can debate which overall system is better, as Larson talks about, but to write off all books of one type is simply prejudige and bigotry.

Yeah, I guess Deathnote does have some Japanese overtones. It's written in Japan, what the hell does your friend expect? I think I understand what he's saying, with the portayal of loose Japanese spirtualism as well as the role of law enforcement. I just take it into consideration. Lord help you if you can't read something written by someone with a different world view or the literature of another culture.

[apple pro]

Yeah, I guess Deathnote does have some Japanese overtones. It's written in Japan, what the hell does your friend expect? I think I understand what he's saying, with the portayal of loose Japanese spirtualism as well as the role of law enforcement.

that was around mid-february that I showed him Deathnote— now in DC's OYL comics; Nightwing has similar plot issues to Deathnote. Whereas one Nightwing is murdering criminals left and right. Nightwing has 1% of the intelligence that Deathnote has. I totally feel sorry for American comics readers who don't respect manga.

[jboncha]

Hey Hey

I was just wondering why the CMI articles have been more infrequent than in the past.



J B

[apple pro]

hard at work on Psycomm probably

[chojinlocke]

Hey!

Thanks for asking! It has been crazy lately. I had a minor flood at my apt. and it was a nightmare to get things back in order (staying at different places during the construction and such) and then some other life stuff came up, plus work on Psy-Comm and pitches and all that. I have submitted the next article and I have things streamlined to pick up the pace again. Sorry for the delay, I hate missing the column because I enjoy it so much. I appreciate all the support! Be ready for a more on track schedule from here on out.

Take care,
-TS

[apple pro]

cool. i read LITG and CMI when they come out. i like Larson's column because he's so bitchy.

[jboncha]

Hey!
I have submitted the next article and I have things streamlined to pick up the pace again. Sorry for the delay, I hate missing the column because I enjoy it so much. I appreciate all the support! Be ready for a more on track schedule from here on out.

Take care,
-TS

Do you know when CBR will actually publish that next article?
Also I was wondering if you had taken a chance to read Air Gear and if so can we expect to see that reviewed in an upcoming CMI?



J B

[chojinlocke]

Do you know when CBR will actually publish that next article?
Also I was wondering if you had taken a chance to read Air Gear and if so can we expect to see that reviewed in an upcoming CMI?
J B

I'm hoping that it will be any day now. Since I got behind because of all my personal stuff, it doesn't have as set a schedule on the site. My next one after that has Air Gear in it!! That book definitely lives up to the hype! Hehe, again we are on the same page about manga. Again, sorry it as taken so long, I will be turning in articles on a regular basis again so hopefully it will go back to a more regular schedule in the very near future.

Thanks so much for asking. It is nice to know people care. I love doing the column, and I love spreading the manga word. It starts some great discussions at cons, and I've had some awesome online chats as well.

Take care,
-TS

[apple pro]

Air Gear?

MangaCast reviews it:
http://community.livejournal.com/mangacast/307403.html

[jboncha]

When can we expect the next CMI?
I'm eager to see what you have to say about Air Gear.



J B

[jboncha]

???


J B

[chojinlocke]

Sorry, I haven't been on the forums lately. Expect it very soon.

-TS

[sschroeder]

I may be too tempted to buy and read these before seeing any reviews, but please consider covering:

Banya: Explosive Delivery Man
Satsuma Gishiden

[chojinlocke]

banyu is totally on my list, I have a couple of OEL articles to do, but that one in high on my list for sure. I will check out Satsuma as soon as I get some time.

Suggestions are always welcome. Thanks!

[shanejayell]

Read or DReam?
:)

Also a look at "Yuri" might be nice.