I am a huge Yuu Watase fan, and this week Viz Media announced that they will be bringing her latest manga to North America, as well as two other series. These series will be published under the Shonen Sunday imprint. You can preview these new series on the Shonen Sunday website and look for them in bookstores in 2010. There are currently two other titles under this banner – Kekkaishi, which has been serialized for some time now, and Rin-ne by Rumiko Takahashi, currently highlighted on RumicWorld and the first manga to be published simultaneously in Japan and North America. These titles are all rated T+ for Older Teens and will retail for $9.99 US/$12.99 CDN.

Arata: The Legend (Yuu Watase)

In a mythical world where humans and gods co-exist, a ceremony marking the new governing princess is about to occur for the first time in 60 years. Only a girl from the Hime Clan may take this position, but the lack of females born to this family means that a boy called Arata must pose for the role. Meanwhile in modern-day Japan, a boy named Arata Hinohara is starting his new life in high school. He wants to put memories of his difficult past behind him, but things aren’t going to be simple when he discovers a mysterious connection to the first Arata. (Coming March 2010)

MAOH: Juvenile Remix

Ando is a high school student who has the power to make others say out loud what he’s thinking. Inukai is the mysterious leader of a vigilante group called Grasshopper, which is at odds with the city’s redevelopment plan. In this chaotic city, these two will come together to weave a story of courage, determination and confrontation.

MAOH: Juvenile Remix is based on the original novel by Kotaro Isaka. (Coming May 2010)

HYDE & CLOSER

Shunpei Closer is your average…well, slightly below average kid in junior high who finds himself in the middle of a great battle of dark sorcery. With cursed dolls coming after him one after another, Shunpei Closer’s life is in danger! If that weren’t enough, Hyde, the teddy bear given to him by his grandfather, suddenly comes alive to rescue him. With Hyde’s help, can Shunpei save himself and live to see another day? (Coming July 2010)

Artwork is copyright Viz Media