Interest

Heroic Legend of Arslan Tops New Manga Series Sales Ranks

The Japan Publication Sales' Distribution Reform Group Comic Team calculated the best-selling first volumes for new manga series that went on sale last year. Topping the charts is Hiromu Arakawa's (Silver Spoon, Fullmetal Alchemist) manga adaptation of Yoshiki Tanaka's The Heroic Legend of Arslan novels. The series premiered in in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine in 2013 and the first volume followed last April. Kodansha USA is also releasing the series in the U.S., or you can read it digitally on Crunchyroll.

Kodansha USA describes the manga's story:

In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father. At the age of 14, Arslan goes to his first battle and loses everything as the blood-soaked mist of war gives way to scorching flames, bringing him to face the demise of his once glorious kingdom. However, it is Arslan's destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom.

If manga isn't up your alley, the series is also getting a television anime adaptation in April.

Arakawa's series are never short on popularity. Here's the full list of series that caught readers' attention last year:

1. The Heroic Legend of Arslan by Hiromu Arakawa (available through Kodansha USA)
2. The Ancient Magus' Bride by Kore Yamazaki (available soon from Seven Seas)
3. Nietzsche-sensei: Konbini ni, Satori Sedai no Shinjin ga Maiorita by koma Matsu and Hashimoto
4. Isobe Isobee Monogatari ~Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo~ by Ryō Nakama
5. Inuyashiki by Hiroya Oku (available soon from Kodansha USA)
6. Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge by Nozomi Uda
7. Boku no Hero Academia by Kōhei Horikoshi
8. ReLIFE by Sou Yayoi
9. Katsute Mahou Shoujo to Aku wa Tekitai Shite Ita by Cocoa Fujiwara
10. Ichiefu - Fukushima Daiichi Genshiryoku Hatsudensho Annaiki by Kazuto Takita

Thanks to Sky-Pirate for the news tips

Source: BookAsahi.com via Manga News Japon