Kodansha’s Fall Manga List Brings More Classics Back Into Print

Kodansha’s summer lineup consisted of significant carryover from the previous Del Rey line. Then came the Sailor Moon announcement, and fans began to get excited about out-of-print titles returning. Kodansha’s Fall line includes two reprint series, repackaged in omnibus format, and two sequel series that are new to the US. Press release follows:

Kodansha USA Publishing is excited to announce the addition of four series to their fall 2011 list. Two are reissues of popular classics, and two are new to the U.S. market. They join a stellar fall list for Kodansha Comics that includes Sailor Moon, Codename: Sailor V, and Negima!

Love Hina returns in omnibus form this September. Ken Akamatsu’s classic manga tells the story of Keitaro Urashima, an unemployed and uneducated slacker. To make things worse, his parents have kicked him out of his house. Fortunately, his grandmother owns the fabulous Hinata Lodge and has agreed to take Keitaro in as caretaker. What he doesn’t know is that the lodge is actually a girl’s dorm, and he’s the only guy around! Most guys would kill to live with five sexy ladies, but if Keitaro’s not careful, this job will kill him. The first omnibus will contain volumes 1-3 of the original Love Hina series and will be priced at $19.99. This edition of Love Hina features an entirely new translation.

Tokyo Mew Mew, a shojo classic, also returns in omnibus form in September. Ichigo is out on a date with her crush when her DNA is combined with a wildcat’s. When four others undergo the same process, it becomes apparent that they’re part of a much bigger plan. Ichigo and her friends have been chosen to become a part of the “Mew Project”. Their mission: To protect the planet from aliens who are using animals to attack humans! The first Tokyo Mew Mew omnibus will contain volumes 1-2 and will cost $14.99. This edition contains a new translation.

Following up on the smash-hit Shugo Chara, which concludes with the 12th volume in September, comes Shugo Chara Chan! in November. Created by PEACH-PIT and some of their closest mangaka friends, Shugo Chara Chan! Volume 1 stars all of your favorite CHARActers in hilarious 4-koma (4-panel) gag strips. Shugo Chara Chan! is priced at $10.99.

@Full Moon is the sequel to Until Full Moon, and it releases in November. Find out what happened to Marlo, the half-werewolf/half-vampire, and his paramour, David. A new vampire has come to town and no one knows her secrets. Only Marlo, whose curse is still in full effect, can unravel them. But can he do it in time? Both volumes in this two-volume series are priced at $10.99.

I don’t have much to add to this, other than to say that I have a ridiculously illogical fondness for Love Hina, and I’m looking forward to rereading it to see what I think of it now.

Also, Kodansha USA would previously put these press releases on their website. Fans complained that that was all that was there. That may have had the wrong effect, since this release isn’t even posted. (Update: (4/23/11) The Kodansha website has now been filled out, including adding the releases and information on their various titles.)