Month: September 2017

Digital Sports Manga Sale + 2 new digital-first series: All Out!! and Shojo Fight

Posted on | Sales

Fall: a good time to get into new sports … and sports manga! Now undergoing a full-blown renaissance—thanks to the increasing popularity of sports anime like Ace of the Diamond and even Welcome to the Ballroom (yes! Ballroom dancing is a competitive sport!)—this underrated genre has been bulking up Kodansha Comics's digital-first list. This week's Sports Manga Sale makes it easy to try something new!  

— New Digital-First Series! — 
Read Chapter 1s at the links! 


All Out!! by Shiori Amase is a classic shonen manga about high school rugby. You may recognize this series from the recent hit anime on Crunchyroll. And of course, sports aren't just for boys, either: Yoko Nihonbashi's Shojo Fight! is about the rise of a “formerly underdog” fearless women's volleyball team. 

This week only, we're putting all the sports manga (including the 2 series that debut today) from Kodansha Comics on sale up to 50% off at all of our digital retail partners: BookWalker, comiXology, Crunchyroll, Google Play, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, and nook. Sale ends October 2 at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or for select stores, in local time. 

— Kodansha Comics Sports Manga Sale  —
September 26-October 2
Read Chapter 1s at the links! 

All Out!! —Rugby!
Ace of the Diamond —Baseball!
Air Gear—Air Trek!
All-Rounder Meguru—MMA!
Giant Killing—Soccer! 
Grand Blue Dreaming—Scuba diving!
Sayonara Football—Soccer!
Shojo Fight!—Volleyball! 
Suzuka—Track!
Toppu GP—Motorbike racing!
Welcome to the Ballroom—Ballroom dancing!

Ready, set, GO! Start reading a new sports manga today!

[reader chapter_id=”16927″]

The digital return of Rave Master! More than 40% off preorders through October 3

Posted on | Sales

It happens. Sometimes printed manga titles become no longer available: they go “out of print.” And as part of our massive digital-first lineup expansion, we’ve been bringing a lot of those titles back—as digital “rescues” so they can be discovered by new generations of manga fans.

Whether it was Tsutomu Nihei's cyberpunk trendsetter NOiSE or Tomoko Ninomiya's all-time classical-music tearjerker Nodame Cantabile or Kouji Seo's Fuuka predecessor Suzuka, we haven't just been resurrecting long out-of-print titles but in many cases finally completing those series so they could at last be read in their entirety in English. But there was always one series out there that we especially wanted to bring back …

As part of our ongoing celebration of the conclusion to Fairy Tail and all things Hiro Mashima, on October 3 Kodansha Comics will be releasing in one fell swoop the entire 35-volume run of Mashima’s original fantasy-action breakout hit, Rave Master. Originally one of the bestselling titles published by Tokyopop, Rave Master has been out of print for almost a decade, but now all 35 volumes are back and available for preorder at all of our digital retail partners: BookWalker, comiXology, Crunchyroll, Google Play, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, and nook.

We're also running a special promotional preorder price—more than 40% off cover price—for every volume!

So, for those of you crying over the end of Fairy Tail, there's a whole other world of Mashima waiting for you … back where it all started! And you can read the preview of Chapter 1 right here:

[reader chapter_id=”16702″]

 

Kodansha Comics at New York Comic Con: events, exclusives, free stuff!

Posted on | Events | Giveaways

No question: Hiro Mashima is the anime/manga headliner at New York Comic Con this year. But celebrating the finale of Fairy Tail, one of the great manga epics, isn't all Kodansha Comics is about—we've got a lot else going on too!

Come see us at Booth #2109 at Javits Convention Center in NYC October 5-8,  and one of us will give you the NYCC lowdown! But if you want a quick preview and/or you can't be there but are dyin' to know what's happening anyway … here's your cheatsheet:

WHAT TO DO? EVENTS!


Click here for a complete list of Hiro Mashiima's personal appearances and signings in New York City October 5-8. Check for updates!

“The World of Fairy Tail” Art Exhibition
October 5-8, New York Comic Con, Javits Center, Kodansha Comics Booth #2109
We'll be celebrating Hiro Mashima and his completion of Fairy Tail throughout New York Comic Con with a special “The World of Fairy Tail” art gallery exhibition at the Kodansha Comics booth (#2109). The exhibition will display curated manga art from throughout Mashima’s legendary Fairy Tail run, with a second display in NYCC’s Artist Alley (table C14). 

Classic SF Manga featuring Akira 35th Anniversary Edition, Ghost in the Shell,& Battle Angel Alita
Friday October 6 at 5:15pm, Room 1A24
The holy trinity of cyberpunk manga are all back and better than ever from Kodansha Comics! Be the first ever to see the Akira 35th Anniversary Edition Box Set in person. Meet big-name contributors to the upcoming original graphic novel The Ghost in the Shell: Global Neural Network. And exciting news for fans of the cyber-martial arts epic Battle Angel Alita! Plus free books and exclusive promo items straight from Japan.

Kodansha Comics featuring Fairy Tail and Sailor Moon
Sunday October 8 at 4:00pm, Room 1A06
The U.S. arm of Japan's largest book publisher reveals new art and new manga licenses and gives away a slew of free stuff! Plus a tribute to Fairy Tail upon its final chapter and more information about the major new releases Land of the Lustrous and the Sailor Moon Eternal Edition, plus a chance to speak with the editorial and publishing team face-to-face.

WHAT'S FOR FREE? FREE NYCC EXCLUSIVES!
Where: Kodasha Comics/Vertical Booth #2109


NYCC 2017 Commemorative Fairy Tail tote bag 
free with any Kodansha Comics email signup


Fairy Tail mini-shikishi featuring a new illo by Hiro Mashima 
free with any purchase


The Art of Fairy Tail mini-artbook 
free with any purchase over $50

Happy pin 
Available at Funimation booth (#542)!

Manga Samplers

8×11 artcards

WHAT'S FOR SALE? NYCC EXCLUSIVES!
Where: Kodasha Comics/Vertical Booth #2109

Enamel Pin limited-edition sets: Fairy Tail — 2 different designs

Limited-edition Fairy Tail genga replicas — 2 designs

Limited-edition Fairy Tail deluxe poster

Fairy Tail mini-poster set

Fairy Tail Ultimate Exclusives Bundle 
You can get ALL the Fairy Tail NYCC exclusives
PLUS bundle exclusives:
Fairy Tail Lanyard and pin!

Pre-street books from Kodansha Comics
Ghost in the Shell README: 1995-2017
Attack on Titan: No Regrets Complete Color Edition
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition, Volume 1
Fairy Tail Master Edition, Volume 5
Fairy Tail S, Volume 1
Inuyashiki, Volume 9
To Your Eternity, Volume 1

Pre-street books from Vertical Comics
Ajin: Demi-Human, Volume 10
Devils' Line, Volume 9
Imperfect Girl,  Volume 1
Helvetica Standard Bold, Volume 1
The Flowers of Evil—Complete, Volume 1

 

Summer Anime Season Finale Sale—digital manga volumes up to 50% off!

Posted on | Sales

What anime have you been watching this summer? Did you know some of the biggest fan faves from the summer anime season are based on Kodansha Comics? That means, while the anime left you hanging in the season finale, you can pick up and continue the story—in manga! 

This week's Summer Anime Season Finale Sale features those most recently anime-ated series and puts them on 50% discount at all of our digital retail channels: BookWalker, comiXology, Crunchyroll, Google Play, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, and nook. Sale ends September 25! 

2017 Summer Anime Season Finale Sale 
— Read free full Chapter 1s at the links —
Aho-Girl — watch the anime on Crunchyroll
Altair: A Record of Battle — watch the anime on Anime Strike 
Elegant Yokai Apartment Life — watch the anime on Crunchyroll
Love and Lies— watch the anime on Anime Strike 
Tsuredure Children— watch the anime on Crunchyroll
Welcome to the Ballroom — watch the anime on Anime Strike 

 

 

Your Guide to Hiro Mashima events in NYC, October 5-8

Posted on | Creator Spotlight | Events | Partners

— UPDATED September 27: 10/6 KINOKUNIYA EVENT ADDED —

With Fairy Tail, one of North America's (and the world's!) all-time best-selling manga, nearing the end of its historic run, it's the perfect time to celebrate and reflect on Hiro Mashima’s accomplishments with the man himself and all his fans in New York City October 5 through 8! Back in July we announced Mashima-sensei was going to be a Guest of Honor at New York Comic Con—now here's all the deets on how to see him in action for this rare Stateside appearance!

And be sure to check out our full lowdown on Kodansha Comics (booth #2109) events including Fairy Tail con exclusives we'll be selling and giving out at New York Comic Con 2017!

— Thursday October 5 —

Hiro Mashima: The Magical World of Fairy Tail 
Head to Japan Society’s beautiful auditorium for an intimate evening chat with Mashima-sensei. Hear about Fairy Tail’s origins and its creator’s struggles and triumphs over the years, then enjoy a Q&A followed by reception with the Fairy Tail localization team. Chance to win a special gift from Mashima-sensei!
when 6:30 p.m.
where Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
how to get tickets $30/$25 Japan Society members, seniors & students. Get tickets at the Japan Society website.

— Friday October 6 —

Celebrate Fairy Tail: Live Sketch and Q&A
Glimpse in person Hiro Mashima's creative process! Mashima-sensei will be drawing live and engaging in an off-the-cuff chat with his fans in this one-of-a-kind appearance. Attendees will get a special gift!
when 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
where New York Comic Con, Javits Center, Main Stage
how to get tickets 2 options:
(1) Sign up for NYCC's Pre-Show Lottery. Lottery signup starts Thursday September 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and ends September 25 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced Friday September 28 at 5 p.m.
(2) Go to the 1C Queue Hall the morning of October 6 and tap your badge to reserve a seat. More details on NYCC's Main Stage Seating Process here.

Signing and sketch
Recipients will get a signed shikishi with a personalized sketch from one of the world’s most popular manga-ka!
when 4 to 5:30 p.m.
where New York Comic Con, Javits Center, Autograph Hall
how to get tickets Only available through NYCC's Pre-Show Lottery process. Lottery signup starts Thursday September 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and ends September 25 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced Friday September 28 at 5 p.m.

[NEWLY ADDED EVENT—JUST ANNOUNCED!] Kinokuniya signing and sketch
Come to Kinokuniya Bookstore New York to meet and get a signed sketch from Hiro Mashima! Special after-hours admission will be given to wristband holders to attend.
when 8:30 to 10 p.m.
where Kinokuniya Bookstore New York, 1073 6th Avenue
how to get tickets Visit the Kinokuniya website for instructions on how to get tickets. Sign-up lottery takes place September 28-October 3.

— Saturday October 7 —

Celebrate Fairy Tail: A Chat with Hiro Mashima
Mashima looks back on his manga career and what went into his uniquely long-running masterwork. Brought to you in partnership with Funimation. Attendees will get a special gift!
when 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
where New York Comic Con, Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 West 34th Street
how to get tickets Seats are available to NYCC attendees only on a first-come first-served basis, as people arrive at Hammerstein Ballroom. Click here for more info about the queue and seating process.

Signing and sketch
Recipients will get a signed shikishi with a personalized sketch from one of the world’s most popular manga-ka!
when 2 to 3:30 p.m.
where New York Comic Con, Javits Center, Autograph Hall
how to get tickets Only available through NYCC's Pre-Show Lottery process. Lottery signup starts Thursday September 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and ends September 25 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced Friday September 28 at 5 p.m.

— Sunday October 8 —

Funimation booth signing and sketch
Come to the Funimation booth (#542) in your favorite Fairy Tail cosplay! Recipients will get a signed shikishi with a personalized sketch from one of the world’s most popular manga-ka.
when 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
where New York Comic Con, Javits Center, Funimation booth #542
how to get tickets Some tickets will be given out at the “Celebrate Fairy Tail” panel on Saturday, October 7 at Hammerstein Ballroom. More tickets will be given out the morning of Sunday, October 8 10:00 a.m.  at the Funimation booth (#542), right before the signing and sketch.

Cosplayers: Enter the Kodansha Comics #ComplexAgeContest!

Posted on | Giveaways

Cosplayers: tell us how cosplay changed your life for a chance to win a set of Complex Age manga!

As Nagisa and her friends have taught us in Complex Age, you’re never too old to cosplay—but it isn’t always easy to keep that in mind. Still, in moments of self-doubt, a strong community of cosplayers does wonders to bring and bond people together, creating lifelong friendships—and we want to know how cosplay has changed you. 

From September 13 to October 11, enter the Kodansha Comics’ #ComplexAgeContest—and tell us how your cosplay has changed as you’ve gotten older. Do you feel more comfortable in yourself and your work? What challenges have you had to overcome? Show us your best Kodansha Comics character cosplay and tell us a bit about yourself for a chance to win a complete set (volumes 1 through 6) of Complex Age!

And don’t forget—be sure to tag us in your post, and use the hashtag #ComplexAgeContest! 

We look forward to seeing your cosplay and hearing your amazing cosplay stories!

[reader chapter_id=”8529″]

My Waifu Sale + 2 new digita-first series: Magical Sempai and Grand Blue Dreaming

Posted on | Sales

Who's your dream manga girl? Yeah, yeah, kinda hard to pick a favorite from all those intriguing Kodansha Comics leads—and so many with more than meets the eye! A classic dillemma for the dedicated manga reader. 

That's okay, tho, cuz this week only, we have on sale 21 series featuring your “waifu” (or your future waifu) up to 50% off at all of our digital retail partners: BookWalker, comiXology, Crunchyroll, Google Play, iBooks, Kindle, Kobo, and nook. Sale ends September 18 at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or for select stores, in local time. 

Now show your love for your waifu by supporting these series, or just tell your friends about it! 

— Who's your favorite manga girl?  —
“My Waifu” Sale
September 12-18
Read Chapter 1s at the links! 

Attack on Titan: Lost Girls
BLAME! Academy and So On
Clockwork Planet
Deathtopia
Domestic Girlfriend
Fairy Girls
Flying Witch
Forget Me Not
From the New World
The Full-Time Wife Escapist
Fuuka
Grand Blue Dreaming
Love and Lies
Love Hina
Magical Sempai
My Wife is Wagatsuma-san
School Rumble
Suzuka
Unlimited Fafnir
Witchcraft Works
Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches

 

Plus! We've got 2 new digital-first manga debut today––Magical Sempai and Grand Blue Dreaming, and they're on sale too! 
Curious about what the gals in these manga are about? Click on the covers to check out free previews!

[reader chapter_id=”16386″]