Like clockwork, Viz Media’s manga license reveal for their Fall suite of titles rolled around yesterday…. but they brought the heat this year. An incredibly odd yet impressive move from Viz, they produced undeniably the strongest license announcements in 2024 (and maybe even the back half of 2023), so it’s definitely worth chatting about.
Kaiju No. 8: Exclusive on the Third Division
By Naoya Matsumoto (art), Keiji Ando (story)
Get an exclusive sneak peek into the lives of kaiju-fighting heroes Kafka, Reno, Kikoru, and Hoshina.
Viz Media
Let’s all be realistic with this one- there’s no surprise or real disappointment. Viz has been wading into light novel territory over the past few years with Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, and now finally Kaiju No. 8. This is just Viz dipping their toes into announcements, and is really no cause for concern. However, it does remind fans that what drives licensing from Viz is visible and continual support, ongoing series, upcoming or currently active adaptations, and existing success. They’re no indie publisher, and with the powerhouse titles at their disposal, and much like their JP counterparts, they’re more than happy to milk them for what they’re worth.
Thoughts: No surprises, no complaints.
Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite
By Julietta Suzuki (story & art)
Modern vampire Hina sets out from Romania to live out her otaku dreams in Japan! Her new neighbor, Kyuta, looks just like her anime crush. Can she convince him to be friends?
Viz Media
Unless you’re really into the online-slash-digital shoujo community, you probably haven’t heard of this one. Just because you haven’t heard of it though, doesn’t mean it’s not from a reputable mangaka. Julietta Suzuki might not be a name many recognize, but the undeniable fact of the matter is that Suzuki is a well accomplished mangaka across the globe. With the mega hit Kamisama Kiss, Suzuki certainly made a name for herself in North America, but has remained quiet up until this announcement. Having been nearly 8 years since the end of Kamisama Kiss, Suzuki has a had a lot of time to further hone and improve their skills, and Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite aims to show English readers the degree of her improvement.
Thoughts: A very easy read, and a fun pickup.
Trillion Game
By Riichiro Inagaki (story), Ryoichi Ikegami (art)
Haru and Gaku become the first Japanese people in the 21st century to enter the billionaire’s club! Gaku reflects on when he first met Haru, and their unorthodox path to success.
Viz Media
Whew, this is one hot ticket manga. An inbound anime adaptation, a story from the creator of Dr. Stone, and the infamous Ryoichi Ikegami penning the art for the series. Ikegami was the poster child of Viz in their early days of manga magazines and left-to-right graphic novels, but has been absent from their catalogues since the turn of the century. The most interesting notion with this announcement though is Viz scooping up three of the ongoing titles (Steel of The Celestial Shadows, Fool Night, Trillion Game) in Big Comic Superior- the most we’ve seen in one go. Is Viz perhaps looking to further diversify their brand image with moves like this?
Thoughts: Surely worth a try, if only to understand the hype.
Kiki’s Delivery Service Deluxe Edition
By Hayao Miyazaki (story & art)
Collected for the first time into one deluxe hardcover edition, Revisit Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film, Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Viz Media
I really don’t think there’s much to add in regards to this license. Bringing Kiki’s Delivery Service back into print, in a format that matches the stunning quality of its elder sibling Nausicaa, will always be a great move. Ghibli works are as timeless as a good watch, and Viz’s awareness of that seems to have grown considerably after Miyazaki’s creative and commercial success The Boy and The Heron. Acting as a gust of wind to fill the sails of a Ghibli renaissance with Viz, titles like this provide hope that we’ll continue to see more and more of the mastermind behind Ghibli upon the page.
Thoughts: Just get it, you know you want it.
Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation
From Studio Ghibli
Explore the dazzling animated worlds of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more! Featuring interviews with acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, and behind-the-scenes info.
Viz Media
I’m a massive proponent of buying your art books and other items through Japanese services. It provides consistency, quality, and is typically (with one of the always ongoing deals) cheaper than buying domestically licensed art books. That said, it is licenses like these that provide value in purchasing. Translations for interviews and other information are incredibly invaluable, especially with something so wide as environment art. The biggest inhibitor with these truly is their prices, because when you can find an art book in Japanese for 2,500 Yen (or about $16.85 USD), the retail price for the English edition can be tough to stomach.
Thoughts: Very enticing, also probably equally pricey.
I’m The Grim Reaper
By Graveweaver (story & art)
New from VIZ Originals! To escape eternity in the ninth circle of Hell, Scarlet takes on a job as Satan’s own grim reaper.
Viz Media
This is a very unique one to announce, largely because it’s an existing work being brought in as an “original”. Viz hasn’t been very active in that regard, but I think the fact of the matter is that they feel undeniably threatened by Kodansha USA’s movement in that field. Finding considerable success with Blood Blade and The Spellbook Library, Viz is feeling the squeeze to capitalize on a market that hasn’t been thoroughly explored since Tokyopop’s failed foray into the field. Will Viz be able to make a dent with the adaptation of a pre-existing webtoon, or will their effort be too little, too late?
Thoughts: It’s a bold strategy Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for ’em.
Uncanny: The Origins of Fear
By Junji Ito (story & art)
With behind-the-scenes tales from the master himself, this prose memoir is the first time since his debut 35 years ago that Junji Ito reveals the origins of his horror stories.
Viz Media
I speak for more than a few people that I know when I say there’s Junji Ito fatigue as readers. It’s challenging to receive a new horror story from the infamous mangaka every year at minimum, but be entirely starved of other horror authors. It’s a bleak outlook on the genre in the English market, and becomes a tough pill to swallow for those that might not be hard line fans of the veteran. That said, manga or manga adjacent essays and other first person accounts are always something that I find deeply interesting, and are another deeply underrepresented genre within the medium.
Thoughts: Two steps forward, one step back.
Koyoharu Gotouge Before Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
By Koyoharu Gotouge (story & art)
A collection of short stories from the early days of Koyoharu Gotouge, creator of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba! Includes early drafts of familiar characters like Muzan and Tamayo!
Viz Media
In the same vein as the light novel announcements, Viz continues to center itself around the extensive licensing of works from their most successful mangaka. It’s not a surprising move in any sense of the word, but perhaps a tad bit tiring when you’re looking out for the big announcements and licenses. Ironically enough however, even though I am by no means a Demon Slayer fan, this anthology release has me highly curious. Pasts and personality are something that English manga fans have a very poor understanding of since we’re looking from the outside in. Licenses like these though, they open that window just a crack.
Thoughts: Interesting, but purely from the perspective of history and development.
Red River (3-in-1 Edition)
By Chie Shinohara (story & art)
Yuri’s perfect life is about to change. One night, hands appear out of a street puddle and transport her to the ancient Middle East for an unexpected adventure!
Viz Media
Forget a traditional bomb, Viz dropped a thermonuclear warhead with this announcement. Entirely out of left field, this Red River announcement is one that felt nigh improbable. A plea for a reprint of the series has fallen on (what was presumed to be) deaf ears for more than a long time. Fans all around North America jockeyed for overprices sets of singles, revelling in purchases where single volumes could cost more than 5 retailed for. Red River is an incredible classic, and to even have the opportunity to physically own it in this day and age is something beyond belief.
Thoughts: Making the impossible possible. Please, buy this series.
Vampire Knight Collector’s Edition
By Matsuri Hino (story & art)
A new collectors set of the iconic manga series, Vampire Knight, the Vampire Knight Complete Box Set includes all 19 volumes, a Day Class planner, and an exclusive art book.
Viz Media
There’s really nothing to add here. It’s Vampire Knight, Viz will beat this dead horse until it’s reduce to a pile of mush.
Thoughts: Purchase at your own risk.
After God
By Sumi Eno (story & art)
How do you kill a god? Thirty years after gods invaded Japan and reduced it to rubble and ash, Tokinaga and Waka are determined to find the answer.
Viz Media
I feel like the greatest praise I can give in regards to my initial experience with After God, is that I can feel the remnants of Roadside Picnic in its concept. Far more forward facing and explicit in its contents, it appears to be a deeply promising and engaging read, and a surprising one for Viz Media currently. Sumi Eno being a first timer in the English market, and one of the most recent licenses from the oddly elusive MangaONE digital publication, After God illustrates the risks that Viz is taking. It would be nice to say whether or not these moves will see guaranteed success, but only time will tell.
Thoughts: Definitely worth keeping an eye on.
The Complete Pokémon Pocket Guide Box Set
From Nintendo, Creatures Inc. GAME FREAK inc.
Pikachu! Snorlax! Charizard! A slip-cased, two-volume set with stats on 898 Pokémon.
Viz Media
It’s Pokémon, I’m sure I don’t need to comment on anything here- but I will. Why is Viz licensing a set that’s so far behind the curve in terms of released content? Since the release of Scarlet and Violet, there’s now over 1,000 Pokémon, so they’re more than 100 behind the curve. Hopefully they’ll license any follow ups that address that gap, but an odd decision overall.
Thoughts: Behind the curve, will it still be a hit with young fans?
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Complete Box Set
By Akira Himekawa (story & art)
Containing all 11 volumes and a collectible, double-sided poster, The manga adaptation of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess video game is coming to box set!
Viz Media
Once more, Viz is lulling fans into their typical pacing as they wind things down from the incredible Red River announcement. In regards to this particular announcement, I don’t believe anyone can be surprised. Viz pushes hard (in select cases) for box sets for their successful series. The Legend of Zelda already has one box set, so bringing a second really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone out there.
Thoughts: Nothing worth getting excited about.
Colette Decides To Die
By Alto Yukimura (story & art)
Overworked apothecary Colette jumps into a well. Instead of dying, she finds a new lease on life by caring for patients in the Underworld, and romance with the Lord of the Dead himself, Hades!
Viz Media
Viz figured one nuclear weapon of a license wasn’t enough, so they doubled up with Colette Decides To Die. This is a generational announcement, and arguably an even bigger win for shoujo fans than Red River. Colette is a 20 volume manga, without an anime adaptation, and is by a first time English author. This is probably one of the most shocking announcements out of Viz in the last few years. A totally unproven work that’s going off of social media presence exclusively, this really shows how aggressive Viz has become in terms of searching out series that they previously wouldn’t have even batted an eye over.
Thoughts: We need to prove to Viz that this license is worth it.
Jojo A-Go!Go!
By Hirohiko Araki (story & art)
With illustrations spanning Phantom Blood to Stone Ocean, Explore the world of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in a new art book!
Viz Media
Considering the reprints that A-Go!Go and Jojoveller recently got in Japan, and that Jojo 6521 landed a few months back on North American soil, I really shouldn’t be as surprised as I am with this announcement. Regardless, I can absolutely vouch for the incredible value that a license such as this one provides. Jojo A-Go!Go! is not just an art book, but a visual history of the Jojo’s series up till, and including, Stone Ocean. The most important bit is an included book all about Araki’s process with Jojo’s which will finally be translated. I think to understand the value in that sort of thing, I have to add that I already own Jojo A-Go!Go!, but I will 100% be picking up the translated edition as well.
Thoughts: Don’t walk, run to pre-order this art book (when it releases).
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak
By Kohei Kadano (story), Tasuku Karasuma (art)
Reunite with the casts of Stardust Crusaders and Diamond is Unbreakable 10 years after Dio’s death in this spin-off manga.
Viz Media
Viz’s approach to the media monolith that is Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure always interests me. The English market is currently 3 entries behind Araki’s ever quick pen, and is something that countless fans of the series have complained about. I don’t think my point is to criticize, but more so to point out the interesting nature of bringing over so much extraneous Jojo material at the moment. I entirely understand that they’re effectively proceeding in the order of release with everything, but there’s just something so curious about how they choose to do things with the series.
Thoughts: It’s Jojo’s, nothing more needs to be said.
Rainbows After Storms
By Ruka Kobachi (story & art)
Nanoha and Chidori are best friends who attend the same all-girls high school—and also share a heart-pounding secret: they’re lovers.
Viz Media
I’m always up for a good romance story, so I don’t have any complaints with this license. Of course, this announcement is more about what it opens Viz up to, in my opinion. This is their first license from the (Shogakukan) web publication Sunday Webry, which is touted as a demographic agnostic platform. Though it’s a very loose agnostic, as the titles are predominantly shounen and seinen, but still. Starting to dig into Sunday Webry continues to show off how far Viz is pushing the boundaries they’ve had set in stone since the Covid era of manga, and has me excited. Yes, there’s a lot of ecchi and erotica in the magazine, but also an impressive amount of horror to pull from, which Viz is sorely missing in their current catalogue.
Thoughts: Good license, even better new opportunities.
Spider-Man: Octo-Girl
By Hideyuki Furuhashi (story), Betten Court (art)
A Spider-Man manga from the creators of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes! Doctor Octopus faces a challenge – life as a schoolgirl
Viz Media
Viz’s push to integrate North American comic IPs into their manga catalogue hasn’t gone unnoticed, nor has Viz approached it halfheartedly. It’s a well intended effort that the company continues to deliver on. And because of that, I don’t have much to add. It’s a spiderman manga and they saw success with Fake Red, I’m not surprised, and I don’t think this will struggle to sell.
Thoughts: If you’re a Spider-Man fan, it’s a no brainer.
X-Men
By Hiroshi Higuchi (story & art)
The English edition manga adaptation of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series is newly remastered, and presented in a deluxe edition for the first time!
Viz Media
Dredging up the past is something that Viz has been surprisingly good at with these announcements. With the ever increasing pressure of relevancy, and attempting to nab all the licenses that may bear fruit in the form of adaptations, it’s very easy to forget about the tried and true series. Higuchi’s X-Men adaptation is a prime example of that. Originally published in the late 90s over 12 volumes, it’s a delightful piece of history that illustrates the original overlap that graphic novels/comics shared with manga as the latter format broke out in North America.
Thoughts: A piece of history both comic and manga fans should be happy to have.
Last Quarter
By Ai Yazawa (story & art)
Translated into English for the very first time, from the creator of NANA, comes a touching supernatural love story.
Viz Media
Ai Yazawa is never a bad bet with Viz. There’s not exactly a whole world of opinion to make past that point. Though, I will add that I’m hopeful we’ll see Yazawa’s Last Quarter in a similar format to Neighborhood Story, and that perhaps even Nana will see a high quality re-release (once Yazawa is able to return to the series, of course).
Thoughts: It’s Ai Yazawa, if you like her you should get it.
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga—Anthology
From various authors
Featuring short tales by different manga creators, and covers by Yana Toboso, traverse Twisted Wonderland in a new anthology series!
Viz Media
Another Disney license in line with their work on Twisted Wonderland. Never been my cup of tea, but certainly a fun announcement for any fans that are out there.
Thoughts: Another addition to the never ending Twisted-Wonderland.
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Official Art Book
From Disney
Discover the world of Night Raven College! This deluxe book features character art, sketches, and notes from the original concept inspired by Disney Villains.
Viz Media
Another Twisted-Wonderland announcement, no real surprise. I at the very least can appreciate Viz’s dedication to bringing over more and more tertiary material to works however. Price always remains a challenging limiter with these works however, so we’ll see how it fares.
Thoughts: It’s Twisted-Wonderland.
Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece
By Eiichiro Oda (story & art)
Featuring Romance Dawn–the one-shot that would become One Piece, set sail with a collection of early work by the creator of the international mega-hit One Piece!
Viz Media
It’s Oda. These announcements make me wish I didn’t decide to give opinions or background detail since there’s really nothing to add to something like this. I suppose the only type of comment to make is one that I’ve already made- this sort of thing entices me. Getting to experience an author before their mega hit is incredibly interesting, and it comes without the requirement of hundreds of episodes or volumes in this case.
Thoughts: You already know whether or not you want it.
Digital Exclusive: Nue’s Exorcist
By Kota Kawae (story & art)
Gakuro runs into Nue, a quirky pop-culture loving spirit who asks him to defeat the spirits roaming about inside a school. Thus begins a spirit-exorcist adventure!
Viz Media
Starting into the Viz digital licenses, Nue’s Exorcist is a prime candidate for the format. A deeply interesting publication history, Nue’s Exorcist is certainly the type of manga that stands to gain popularity in North America, but is entirely unproven. Going off of its rocky time in Japan, and how strongly it pivoted in terms of tone and style just to survive, it’s a series that really does need to prove itself before it’s able to arrive here in print.
Thoughts: Worth a try for die hard Weekly Shounen Jump fans.
Digital Exclusive: Kill Blue
By Tadatoshi Fujimaki (story & art)
Legendary hitman Juzo is bitten by a mysterious insect and becomes a teenager again. Can he handle middle school life?
Viz Media
Kill Blue is almost a surprising announcement as a digital exclusive. In a similar sense to Nue’s Exorcist, this publication has had its fair share of turbulence as well. A very well respected and enjoyed title within its circle of fans, Kill Blue decidedly lacks in being able to entice non fans. Conversely, it’s from a mangaka that Viz knows rather well- the creator of Kuruko’s Basketball. Viz has a solid grasp on both ideas, and because of that, placed the series under its digital only lineup. Surprisingly measured and reasonable response from the publisher, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it does well enough to earn itself a print run.
Thoughts: A surefire hit for fans of the genre.
Digital Exclusive: Tokyo Demon Bride Story
By Julietta Suzuki (story & art)
An innocent promise of marriage made between kids comes back in the form of a demon named Manaka knocking at the door.
Viz Media
I have rather mixed feelings about this. I think it’s great that Viz continues to bring over as much of Weekly Shounen Jump and Jump+ as they do, but I just feel a certain pang when they waste resources on titles like this. Translation and lettering being done on Tokyo Demon Bride Story could instead be allocated to a different title, or be used to accelerate the release of others and whatnot. Obviously, it’s not near as black and white as those examples, but the idea of resources being used on something like this is just a tad frustrating.
Thoughts: Not worth the read.
Finally, the end of the announcements has been reached. It was quite a lot, as is typical for these Viz licenses, but it was an incredibly good one, possibly even better than their Summer 2024 suite they announced in Fall 2023. That praise is entirely earned by their willingness to branch out, of course. Continuing to pull from fresh and new publications, and across a wide range of styles and genres, Viz is sending a very strong message about how the top dog perceives the manga market. There is no bubble, and there will be no burst. Sales are down YoY compared to the incredible Covid boom, but they’re still up an incredible amount on the years before that boom. Because of that, Viz has understood where the market stands, and how they can benefit from it. Branching out into more unique titles, bringing back classics and favorites. I might dare to say, Viz’s work in the last few quarters is signalling the beginning of a manga renaissance in North America.
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