VIZ has announced today that they will be bringing out a new steampunk/action manga named “Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee”!

“Letter Bee” first made an appearance in Japan’s monthly Shonen Jump magazine, and is now featuring in Jump SQ. It is also being featured in VIZ’s Shonen Jump magazine at the moment, and there is mention of the animated version being debuted in Japan at the annual Jump Super Anime Tour!

The story introduces us to the world of Amberground – a lplace where its wilderness is infested with Gaichuu (large insects with metal exoskeletons). Travelling is risky business thanks to these creatures, but luckily there is the the Letter Bees (a messenger corp) who are intent on keeping the cities of Amberground connected while risking their lives to do so.

Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, at VIZ Media:

“Hiroyuki Asada is a widely known and loved manga creator in Japan and we’re very excited to debut his newest series TEGAMI BACHI: LETTER BEE,” says Gonzalo. “This unique story blends visually captivating motifs of steampunk, an inventive mix of antique and futuristic technology, with the adventures of a boy who runs deliveries across a strange fantasy world. This manga has already captivated readers in the pages of SHONEN JUMP and we invite everyone to explore the manga’s debut volume in September!”

“Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee” will be available from September 1st. The series is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published under the company’s SHONEN JUMP imprint. It is expected to carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. or $9.50 CAN. Alternatively, Australian and New Zealand fans can expect to see it available on September 10th thanks to Madman Entertainment, for around $12.95AUS!

Of course you could always purchase it from RightStuf!

TEGAMI BACHI  © 2006 by Hiroyuki Asada/SHUEISHA Inc.