Stealth Symphony Chapters 6-12 review

Stealth Symphony Chapters 6-12  Story by Ryohgo Narita, Art by Yoichi Amano Review

                In this latest group of chapters, Stealth Symphony has started to develop a more I guess one could say plot. That being said it still feels like it is meandering quite a bit. Jig is more of a compelling character though considering he was basically a blank slate at the beginning that is not a terribly difficult task.

                We also get some world building in chapter 12 which is nice. There is also a not so subtle title drop in one of the later chapters, so that happened. There seems to be a story starting to be set into motion.  Now the big question will be whether or not it will have any payoff. Ultimately, Stealth Symphony seems to have figured out what it wants to do and has nice art so it might be worth checking out if you are in search of Shonen (boys’) comics a little off the beaten path.

Rating: 7/10

 Stealth Symphony is available digitally from Viz Media.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE HIT SHOJO MANGA SERIES MILLENNIUM SNOW

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE HIT SHOJO MANGA SERIES MILLENNIUM SNOW

Catch The Digital And Print Debut Of A Brand New Volume From Creator Bisco Hatori’s Paranormal Romance Series; New

2-In-1 Omnibus Manga Release For Earlier Volumes Also Debuts

San Francisco, CA, May 20, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, invites manga (graphic novel) fans to mark to the much-awaited digital and print debut on June 3^rd of a brand new volume from Bisco Hatori’s hit manga (graphic novel) series – MILLENNIUM SNOW – as well as the release on the same day of a new 2-in-1 omnibus print edition.

Volume 3 of the romance about a handsome young vampire and an ailing teenage girl will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The new release marks the return of the critically acclaimed series after it had been put on hiatus by the creator and has never before been released in English.

A digital version of MILLENNIUM SNOW, Vol. 3 also will debut on June 3^rd for $6.99 (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. Volumes 1-2 of MILLENNIUM SNOW are available across multiple platforms from the extensive VIZ Media digitally catalog.  

Fans also can catch the two earlier volumes of MILLENNIUM SNOW with a new 2-in-1 omnibus print version that also releases on June 3^rd and bundles Vols. 1-2 into a handy single edition. The 2-in-1 omnibus edition is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

In Bisco Hatori’s acclaimed series, seventeen-year-old Chiyuki Matsuoka was born with heart problems, and her doctors say she won’t live to see the next snow. Toya is an 18-year-old vampire who hates blood and refuses to make the traditional partnership with a human, whose life-giving blood would keep them both alive for a thousand years. 

“Manga fans internationally delighted in the news that Bisco Hatori was resuming work on MILLENNIUM SNOW and we’re very excited to celebrate the return of the landmark series in English after nearly 7 years,” says Pancha Diaz, Editor. “The new volume continues the winning mix of paranormal romantic drama and comedic fun between Chiyuki and Toya and more than a few surprising plots twists are in-store in the new release! Are they still destined to spend the millennium together?”

Bisco Hatori made her manga debut with Isshun kan no Romance (A Moment of Romance) in LaLa DX magazine. The comedy OURAN HUGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB (also published by VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat) was her breakout hit.

For more information on MILLENNIUM SNOW, or other popular shojo manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.viz.com/manga/print/shojo-beat.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

Summer Wars Vol. 1 & 2 review

Summer Wars Vol. 1 & 2 Story by Mamoru Hosoda, Art by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto & Igura Sugimoto Review

Math genius Kenji quickly finds himself being passed off as a fake fiancée and going to meet his friend’s family when things take a turn for the worse. A virus called Love Machine causes mass havoc in the virtual world of OZ which in turn affects the real world. It’s up to Kenji, his girlfriend (?) and her family to stop it! But will they be able to in time?

Serialized in the seinen (men’s) comic anthology Young Ace in Japan, Summer Wars adapts the film of the same name into comic format. It works surprisingly well: the characters resonate regardless of the medium and the artwork is nice enough though it may not be on the same level as the film. The manga adaptation does an excellent job of portraying the world seen in the film while still doing enough to establish itself as its own thing.

That being said the manga still has one thing that annoyed me in the film the comic relief/mascot characters do nothing beneficial but unlike other series where they’re simply superfluous they hinder the plot at crucial points. That being said, the characters are very likeable and neither book contains much in the way of offensive material. In conclusion the manga adaptation is a welcomed companion to the film and comes highly recommended!

Rating: 8.5/10

Review copy of volume 2 provided by the publisher.

Summer Wars is available in print from Vertical Inc.

Pink review

Pink Story & Art by Kyoko Okazaki Review

Living her daily life with her pet crocodile and moonlighting as a prostitute, Yumi’s life is anything but ordinary. One day, she meets a young man who turns out to be her mother’s much younger lover. As the two become entwined with one another just how will their lives change? And will it be for the better or the worse?

Pink is a rather fascinating tale riddled with intriguing characters. Perfectly paced, Pink is easy to become sucked in to. The art is probably one of the book’s weaker points though I am not sure if that is so much the fact the book is 25 years old or not. The ending alone makes the book well worth the read however the book also has a great sense of humor.

Pink’s art may not have dated well but its story has, ringing just as true today as when it was written. At one volume, this series is not a huge commitment which also works to its advantage. In conclusion, Pink is a nice read well worth the reader’s time.

Rating: 9/10

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Pink is available in print from Vertical Inc.

VIZ MEDIA’S NEON ALLEY BEGINS A NEW ERA FOR DIGITAL ANIME AND DELIVERS THE BEST IN FREE DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING

VIZ MEDIA’S NEON ALLEY BEGINS A NEW ERA FOR DIGITAL ANIME AND DELIVERS THE BEST IN FREE DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING

Online Anime Streaming Brand Offers New Free On-Demand Options Also Available With Hulu And Hulu Plus Including Episodes Of BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, RANMA ½ And More!

San Francisco, CA, March 31, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, is officially relaunching NeonAlley.com April 1^st as the new home and consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. The new NeonAlley.com will deliver the hottest in subbed and dubbed digital series, simulcast world premieres, exclusive on-demand access, and a massive legacy catalog of new as well as classic favorites (in HD when available).

The new Neon Alley streaming destination will be available on demand to U.S.-based fans for FREE at NeonAlley.com. It will also be available anytime, anywhere across many different devices, including PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Roku, Chromecast, and a variety of other mobile devices through the subscription-based Hulu Plus Video-On-Demand service. Additional details on Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices. For a limited time, fans who visit NeonAlley.com can receive a free 2-week trial to Hulu Plus – please check out the site for details.

“VIZ Media begins a new era for fans across the U.S. as we present the all new free Neon Alley online destination, focused on delivering the best in compelling digital anime content,” says Brian Ige, VIZ Media Vice President of Animation. “Supported by our media partner Hulu, Neon Alley offers a variety of rich programming combined with the ease and flexibility of on-demand access, with web and mobile device interoperability across all major platforms. We look forward to delighting new and veteran fans alike with even more exciting new programming announcements in coming months!”

VIZ Media invites anime fans to join the Neon Alley launch celebration with a special “Raven’s Watch and Win” contest running from April 1^st to April 6^th.  Sign up for a FREE NeonAlley.com membership (current members are also eligible) and watch each day’s “Raven’s Pick of the Day” episode. Just leave a comment after the show ends and be automatically entered to win fun anime prizes that include Neon Alley gift bags, DVDs, assorted collectables and other premiums. The previous day’s winners will be announced each day. For full details and rules, please visit: viz.com/na_sweepstakes.

Each month, fans can look forward to limited time, specially curated Neon Alley selections of full-length anime feature films, and April kicks off with an exciting double feature. BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY will be available on Sunday, April 6^th for one-week-only, until April 12^th, presented with easy-to-use selections for dubbed and/or subbed dialogue options.

Neon Alley will host over 1,200 subtitled and dubbed episodes of smash and fan-favorite shows, including BLEACH, BLUE EXORICIST, RANMA ½, MAGI, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, with new episodes added each week. Don’t miss the Neon Alley subtitled debut of GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET on April 15^th. The premiere of the dubbed version of the sci-fi action adventure anime will follow later in the year. April is also a great time to watch the subtitled versions of BLOOD LAD and COPELLION in preparation for the forthcoming dub episode debuts. The new Neon Alley will also bring fans entire seasons of dubbed series on-demand at the same time – perfect for marathoning at your leisure – starting with the April 1^st launch of Season One of both BLEACH and INUYASHA, with subbed options available as well.

Other Neon Alley Weekly Programming Highlights Include:

Tuesdays	NARUTO (dubbed) Starting April 8th, catch the original from the very beginning with a newly added episode every week
Wednesdays	BLEACH (dubbed) The fan favorite Soul Reaper adventures continue with 2 new episodes weekly RANMA ½ (subbed) Catch 4 newly re-mastered premiere episodes of the classic anime comedy action series in stunning HD.
Thursdays	NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Simulcast Premiere (subbed) Don’t miss the latest new adventures of the world’s most popular ninja to fans on the same day as the Japanese premiere! New episodes premiere each week.
Fridays:	RANMA ½ (dubbed) Dub fans can catch 2 HD episodes of the martial arts comedy each Friday
Saturdays:	NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Exclusive Dub Premiere Catch the world premiere of the newest ninja adventure presented with dubbed English dialogue!

Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit: www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.

Stealth Symphony Chapter 5 review

Stealth Symphony Chapter 5 Story by Ryohgo Narita, Art by Yoichi Amano Review

                Stealth Symphony seems to follow a pattern a chapter of showcasing a quirky character followed by another which spews exposition. As we are on an odd number the latter is the case for this chapter. To the series credit it has a legitimately interesting cast. That being said it goes up and down like a yo-yo when pacing is involved ranging from slow to glacial every other chapter.

                The art is well done and the twist at chapter 5’s end hopefully shakes up what is quickly becoming a tedious pattern. The rocky note the series is starting on is also bringing into question how long it will last in a magazine that cancels series quite frequently. Again to the Stealth Symphony’s credit the characters profiled are legitimately intriguing and the direction the series will go in the future is a mystery but whether the latter is due to great writing or the author themselves not knowing is up in the air. 

Stealth Symphony Chapter 4 review

Stealth Symphony Chapter 4 Story by Ryohgo Narita, Art by Yoichi Amano Review

               

As of chapter 4 the series continues to falter in everything but the artwork. The plot is moving at a glacial pace and the series as a whole feels more and more awkward with each passing chapter. The promise at the end of a chapter of what I presume to be a cat girl leaves me less optimistic about future chapters.  The series also has one other major problem: it’s heavy on exposition.

                 Instead of actually having the artwork show the world we get very text heavy pages which disrupt the flow. This is a shame because it seems to be an interesting enough world to explore. Again, to the series’ credit the characters other than the protagonist are intriguing but the series has some serious ironing out to do if it wishes to live up to its potential.

Rating: 4/10

Stealth Symphony is available from Viz Media.