Tokyopop Returns With Hetalia 3

After ceasing as a publisher a year ago, Tokyopop started making noises last September about bringing back one of their most popular titles, Hetalia.

Now, in conjunction with online retailer RightStuf.com, comes the actual announcement.

Right Stuf announced that, through a special arrangement with Japanese publisher Gentosha Comics and TOKYOPOP, it will be offering manga fans the opportunity to purchase Hetalia Axis Powers, Volume 3, in English-translated book form for the first time ever, as well as reprints of the manga series’ first two volumes, exclusively through RightStuf.com. Volume 3 will be available in late June 2012, while Volumes 1 and 2 are each available immediately.

I guess those Amazon sellers asking $50 or $100 for the first two books in the series should enjoy those high prices while they last. The books are available for $10.99 each via Right Stuf’s print-on-demand program, although they list that as a discount off the $15.99 “suggested retail price”.

It’s a good thing that such a reputable retailer as Right Stuf is involved in this project, because Tokyopop is on my “I don’t believe a thing they say until I hold a book in my hand” list. Just look at how long ago they were teasing this effort, spending over six months with nothing to show for their promotion. To sweeten the deal further, only preorders will get the first edition of Volume 3, which comes with eight color pages. Later printings will have those pages in black and white.