Comments on: Viz Signature Line Launches

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:57:25 +0000

I thought it was disappointing. I don’t much enjoy humor built on humiliating others.

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 11:17:49 +0000

What did you think of Flowers and Bees?

By: Tirwen

Tirwen — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 01:12:43 +0000

Psychological thriller would be a better description of Monster. The only thing I can think of initially to compare it to is The Fugitive… with maybe a few elements from Les Mis…

By: Johanna

Johanna — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 14:10:25 +0000

AH, you lead into a good point — the difference between male-targeted, female-targeted, and non-specifically targeted. When Viz specifically mentioned “targeted to appeal to … female readers”, I was looking for the second. The third is an interesting but separate category, to my way of thinking, and it sounds like much of what they’re doing falls in that bucket.

(Similarly, “medical thriller” is taken directly from the quoted piece — their description, not mine.)

I may take a look at Monster, based on the good word of mouth, but it’s not what their PR led me to expect and hope for.

Greg, I haven’t paid much attention to Phoenix, because I wasn’t drawn to the oversized format. Has there been any word about sizes or pricing for this line?

By: Greg McElhatton

Greg McElhatton — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 13:44:33 +0000

I can’t remember if you’re a fan of PHOENIX or not, but it’s also moving into the Signature line (along with Inoue’s VAGABOND biography of Musashi).

For what it’s worth, the first I’d heard of MONSTER was Alex de Campi’s raving about it over on the V; by all reports I’ve heard since then it’s amazing.

By: A. H.

A. H. — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 05:18:42 +0000

Monster is fantastic–calling it a “medical thriller” is a disservice to what it develops into. I don’t think it’s male- or female-oriented; rather, it’s designed for grownups of either gender. There are plenty of fascinating, strong characters of both genders to enjoy (I particularly like Eva Heinemann). I’d highly recommend it, if you were thinking of checking it out. :)

By: Johanna

Johanna — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 14:00:29 +0000

That’s a good question. I only read what’s been translated in the US in print, so I’m not really aware of what’s available beyond that.

I was excited when ADV announced Pale Pink, which sounded like a more mature female-oriented title, but that got cancelled during their cutbacks.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:30:02 +0000

I second the motion for a translation of Rose of Versailles. I’d also like to see Moto Hagi’s (sp?) works. Monster, if I understand right, is a thriller, with adult characters. I enjoy many of the books available now, but I would like to see main characters closer to my own age – which is WAY past 20. :) Unfortunately, my knowledge of manga is so limited, I wouldn’t even know what series to hope for. What’s on your wish list?

By: tangognat

tangognat — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:56:01 +0000

I wish someone would look into translating more josei or some classic shojo like Rose of Versailles. I am happy that older series like Golgo 13 are being translated.