The manga is a reinterpretation by Urasawa of Tezuka’s work, and the final volume in the 8 part series is set for release on April 6th 2010. The story involves robots and humans co-existing, and there is something after the 7 great robots of the world. Robot detective Gesicht is assigned to investigate the case, soon finding out he himself is also a target.

In the last volume, Atom is back and equipped with the answers to the unsolved mysteries involving Pluto, Bora and more. He’s prepared to put this knowledge and the memory of his fallen friends (Gesicht, Mont Blanc, North No. 2, Brando, Hercules and Epsilon) into action in a final battle to save the Earth!

PLUTO: URASAWA × TEZUKA has been rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and is expected to cost $12.99US or $16.99 CAN. For more info visit www.viz.com.

You can also find all 8 volumes available in our RightStuf (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8) and Amazon (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8) stores.

VIZ Media must be very proud of themselves because recently their publications have been mentioned in the YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) list of 2010 Great Graphic Novels For Teens!

The list of VIZ titles mentioned includes:

• CHILDREN OF THE SEA Vol. 1 by Daisuke Igarashi (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)
• KIMI NI TODOKE Vol. 1 & 2 by Karuho Shiina (rated ‘T’ for Teens)
• OOKU: INNER CHAMBERS Vol. 1 by Fumi Yoshinaga (rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences)
• OTOMEN Vol. 1 by Aya Kanno (rated ‘T’ for Teens)
• MIXED VEGETABLES Vol. 1 by Ayumi Komura (rated ‘T’ for Teens)
• PLUTO Vol. 1-3  by Naoki Urasawa (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)
• SOLANIN by Inio Asano (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)
• TEGAMI BACHI: LETTER BEE Vol. 1 by Hiroyuki Asada (rated ‘T’ for Teens – pictured right)
• WE WERE THERE Vol. 1-4  by Yuki Obata (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)

The list itself was divulged at the ALA Midwinter Meeting that was held recently, and all of the titles in the list are recommended for those in between the ages of 12 to 18. These VIZ titles also are accompanied by works from Dark Horse, Marvel, DC Comics, Yen Press and TOKYOPOP to name a few. For the full list of mentions, head on over to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists which includes films as well as books. Some of those items were also mentioned in our Holiday Guides last year – so it’s probably a good idea to keep an eye out when the time rolls around again!

Congratulations to our friends at VIZ for this latest achievement – we look forward to seeing what makes the list next year!

Don’t know the story? Here’s a synopsis:

What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a Monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run to uncover the story of Johan and stop the Monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the former East Germany are masterfully woven together in this compelling psychological drama.

The series has also been nominated for a 2009 Eisner Award, and  you can still catch it on SyFy‘s Ani-Monday block or a week later on the Chiller channel. Just to be safe though, check your TV listings rather than take my word for it.

If you’d like info on the anime series be sure to visit monster.viz.com, and don’t forget that there is also a manga series which you can check out at www.vizsignature.com/monster.

The 1st DVD box set of Naoki Urasawa’s “Monster” contains 3 DVDs (episodes 1-15), is rated “M” for Mature Audiences, and is expected to cost about $59.90 U.S. / $85.99 CAN. This edition will also include an exclusive digital booklet – which is a digital version of the original Japanese booklet.

When we sent Renochan to see the 3^rd installment of the 20^th Century Boys films, she became a fan in a big way – evident by her recommendation in the Turning Japanese Holiday Guide this year! Renochan (and fellow 20^th Century Boys otaku), your Christmas wishlist just expanded! The 1^st film will be here on the 15^th of December – just 10 days before Christmas!

The films are based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa, and are directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi (who also directed the live-action movie HAPPILY EVER AFTER – also available from VIZ Pictures).

So what’s the story?:

It all begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write “The Book of Prophecy” in which they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to takeover the world and bring about doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being lead by a man only known as “Friend” emerges and begins to gain strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji and the greatest fear is the climax of “The Book” becoming a reality; December 31st, 2000, a terrifying giant virus-spreading robot will attack the entire city of Tokyo leading to the end of mankind. The only people who know about “The Book” are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is “Friend”? Will Kenji and his friends be able to save mankind and live to see the 21st Century?

Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures:

“20th CENTURY BOYS mesmerized audiences at its U.S. theatrical premiere in San Francisco this past summer and we’re very proud to announce its North American debut on DVD,” says Seiji. “Naoki Urasawa’s multi-layered story of childhood mystical prophecy, government conspiracies and alien invasion is given a lavish production treatment and the film’s ending is a real cliffhanger that’s also very different from the original manga series. We look forward to introducing audiences to this exciting 3-part science fiction saga!”

As if that weren’t enough, VIZ Cinema in San Francisco are holding screenings of the new release through December. On the 10^th specifically, there will be a special event that starts at 7:30pm to mark the DVD release. The tickets cost $25, and it includes an entry pass to the screening, the brand new DVD, a poster, and more! If you’re not sure where to find VIZ Cinema, head for the heart of Japantown. Ticket purchases can be made online or at the theatre’s box-office, and any information on the event can be found at either www.vizcinema.com or www.viz-pictures.com.

The downloads will cost $1.99 per episode, but don’t worry as there are only 6 episodes available at the moment and all are the dubbed versions. You can find them on the PSN’s VIZ Media Channel page.

Brian Ige, VIZ Media Director of Sales, Home Entertainment:

“We’re very happy to debut this exciting and thought-provoking series to a whole new audience with the launch of Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER anime on Sony’s PlayStation Network,” says Brian. “MONSTER has become a hit among fans of anime and manga, and we look forward to the gaming audience discovering one of Naoki Urasawa’s most gripping and critically acclaimed works.”

The anime series can also be seen on SyFy channel during the Ani-Monday block (2 new episodes every Monday at 11:00 PM). For more info on Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER anime series (rated ‘M’ for Mature) you can visit monster.viz.com. Or if you’d like to find out about the manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) visit www.vizsignature.com/monster.

5) Battle Royale: Battle Royale was first released in its original novel format in 1999. Heavily criticized for its controversial content, it was shunned for the Kadokawa Mystery Novel Prize that year. The story focuses on a group of middle school students (aged 14-15, so about grade 9 or 10 level) who are unwillingly forced to participate in The Program. This military operation has been using children in this ages range for years, manipulating them into killing each other and using fear to control the people in this alternate version of Japan. People even bet on the outcome of each round of The Program.

This time around, students of Shiroiwa Middle School have been taken to an island, given survival packs, fitted with explosive collars and told the same thing as the groups before them: kill your classmates. Last one standing gets to go home. If no one dies within the 24hr time frame in which the game takes place, then the collars will all be detonated and everyone will die.

The popularity of the novel lead to a manga adaptation which spanned fifteen volumes. Due to the intensely graphic nature of the content within, each volume is sealed in shrink wrap and is definitely not for eyes of anyone under 16 years old. There were also two films based on the novel which were released in Japan. I suggest watching the first movie, but passing on the second, as it takes place after the events of the actual novel and it’s just not nearly as interesting (in my opinion) as the original.

Interested? Buy the novel, the manga, or the DVD from our affiliates!

4) Parasyte: I first read Parasyte when it had been released in flipped format (meaning read left to right, instead of the traditional right to left) by Tokyopop. I found the original translation a bit hard to understand, and so I suggest that anyone looking to get into this series checks out the Del Rey version instead.

Aliens attack a peaceful neighbourhood in the middle of the night. These aliens burrow into their hosts through their ears, but in Shinichi’s case (he was wearing headphones), his Parasite decides to take up residence in his right hand. In order to keep out of a lab or wind up dead, Shinichi and his Parasite (affectionately called Migi, the Japanese word for “right”) take out other Parasites who threaten their existence and try to save humanity.

Give Parasyte a read!

3) Kitaro: Unfortunately neither of these have been picked up for a North American distribution license, but Kitaro is on my list because he is the creepiest kid I have seen since the girl from Ringu climbed out of her well. Kitaro is a youkai, a spirit monster, born in a graveyard as the last member of the Ghost Tribe. The young boy lacks an eyeball in his left socket, but the way his hair falls you can’t even tell. His father barely holds onto his life, living out his last days at his son’s side in the form of an eyeball.

I have not seen the traditional Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro series that have been popping up every decade. I have seen Hakaba Kitaro which is based more closely on the original manga. In this version we see Kitaro born in the graveyard and taken in by Mizuki, a company man who does not believe in ghosts. Kitaro wants to go back to the Underworld, however he has made some interesting friends and enemies in the land of the living.

2) Priest: My favourite manhwa (Korean manga) of all time, Priest is the latest series to be picked up by a North American studio for a live action movie. The story of Ivan Issacs and his personal crusade of revenge against the Fallen Angels who would abuse their powers and attempt to play God, for which God in turn punished them, casting them into the statues built by their followers. These fallen angels are eventually released, and one in particular decides to use humanity to get revenge on God. Ivan, a priest in his own right, witnesses horrors brought on by the most demonic of the Fallen Angels. He is born immortal through the gifts of another like him, and he fights to avenge his beloved Gena and wipe out the Angels.

Priest is best known for its cross over between time periods. While the majority takes place in a Wild West setting, there are parts that take us back to the Crusade periods. I just personally love all the Wild West meets Zombies bits. I highly recommend that you read this manhwa, especially if you plan on seeing the movie once it’s released (in a year or so). Because it is Korean, you would read this like you would normally read any other graphic novel, in left to right format. I must also point out that the art style is gorgeous, even if it is sharp, angular lines. The drawing even looks evil and angry when it needs to, which just adds so much to the story.

Start reading Priest today!

1) Monster: A true suspense story, Monster (which is currently airing on SyFy) is one of my all-time favourites. There is no need to add in demons or yokai. The people and the past of Monster is what creates the atmosphere for this tale. After promising young brain surgeon Dr. Tenma risks his career by saving the life of a boy with a headshot wound instead of the mayor who is rushed into the ER moments before he is to begin operating, mysterious deaths take place in the hospital. KGB Detective Runge investigates Tenma, and even though he cannot charge the doctor with anything, he remains ever suspicious. When Tenma’s career is just about over, he leaves the profession, in search of the monster who has ruined his life.

The young boy and his sister, Johan and Anna, have a haunted past. One that Anna has blocked from her memories, but her brother has not. Runge is forced to deal with the loss of family after he shows he cannot help but put his job first. Everyone is looking for answers, and what they find is corruption of government and human hearts. There are 18 volumes of beautifully drawn manga and 74 episodes in the anime version, virtually chapter perfect. Where the anime stands out is with the addition of the audio. Imagination is a wonderful thing, and I do love the manga, but the anime just has that little bit extra and can make you jump out of your seat when you least expect it.

Check out the first anime box set in December or start reading the manga.

Honey and Clover © 2005 CHICA UMINO/SHUEISHA • Honey and Clover committee

The Viz HQ is up and running again this week after some flooding shut down the office for a couple days. There are some great DVD sets and movies coming out in December that they would like to make sure you keep in mind for your holiday wishlists.

Naoki Urasawa’s Monster Box Set 1 (Episodes 1-15) on December 1st

Hunter X Hunter Box Set 4 (Episodes47-62) on December 1st

Naruto Shippuden Volume 4 (Episodes 14-17) on December 8th

Honey & Clover Box Set 2 (13 Uncut Episodes) on December 15th

Bleach Volume 23 (Episodes 92-95) on December 15th

20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End Movie on December 15th

I had no idea that SyFy has an anime Monday block. Starting tonight on the SyFy Ani-Monday block is the premier of Naoki Urasawa’s Monster.

The title is definitely one for Halloween month! It’s a psychological suspense thriller that will air each Monday night and then be re-broadcast on channel Chiller the week after.

Here is some information on Monster:

What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run from the police who suspect him to be the killer to find Johan and stop the monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the formerly communist Eastern Europe are masterfully woven together in this compelling work of suspense.

Also tonight is Street Fighter Motion Comic (series) and Voltron Motion Comic (series).

I was lucky enough to see Monster when it was first airing, and it quickly became one of my favourite shows. Dr. Tenma, a very promising neurosurgeon in Germany, chooses to save the life of a young boy with a gunshot wound to his head instead of the life of a politician, and in doing so sets off a chain of events that will cost him his career. Mysterious deaths surround Tenma, and as he looks deeper into the young boy he saved (Johan) and his sister (Anna), Tenma uncovers secrets long thought buried, a string of serial murders, all while trying to keep two steps ahead of the perpetrator and the German investigator hot on his trail.

No word yet on when the anime will hit DVD release in North America, but my guess would be following or during its run on Syfy.

Viz Media has published the manga for North America, which is chapter for chapter the same as the anime, for those of you without Syfy or who want to read ahead. There are 18 volumes in the series, all available for purchase.

Purchase Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER on RightStuf