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Shelf Life
July 22, 2019

by Paul Jensen,

Welcome to Shelf Life, covering every week's new releases in anime, manga, and Japanese games! It's a case of "everything old is new again" on the anime front, with the recent Cutie Honey remake and a second OVA collection for Armored Trooper Votoms both coming out on Blu-Ray. On the manga side of things, we have two new releases from the Index/Railgun family of titles, along with plenty of cute comedy from the likes of New Game and Teasing Master Takagi-san. In gaming, I'm hoping Fire Emblem: Three Houses will give me a good excuse to dive back into that franchise, and I'll definitely be curious to see how the Kill la Kill game turns out. If you're super excited for anything coming out this week, shout it out in the comments!

Anime

Armored Trooper Votoms - OVA Collection 2 BD
Maiden Japan - 290 min - Sub - MSRP $59.98

Publisher's Description: The fires of war don't create heroes, only legions of the wounded and the dead. For a pilot of an easily-destroyed VOTOMS unit, every foray into battle is one more calculated bet with your own life as the prize, another day of cheating death. When your commanding officers send you into a fight that can't be won, or set goals that can only be achieved through massive sacrifice, then a decision has to be made. Are you going to be a hero? Or a survivor?

Our Reviews: No specific reviews for the OVAs, but the franchise as a whole was covered in The Mike Toole Show. The original TV series is available streaming on HIDIVE.



Assassination Classroom - Season 1 BD
Funimation - 550 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98

Publisher's Description: At Kunugigaoka Junior High School, class 3-E is the lowest of the low. But when a tentacled creature, with a thirst for destruction, becomes their new teacher—they've got a brand new assignment to get them inspired about school: take him out.

Our Reviews: We have reviews for this season here and here. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.




Cutie Honey Universe - Complete Collection BD, Limited Edition
Sentai - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.98|$129.98

Publisher's Description: The girls at Saint Chapel Academy all think Honey Kisaragi is just another sweet, kind and incredibly beautiful girl, but what they don't know is that Honey is actually the world's most advanced android, with the capability to transform her lovely body into multiple forms with their own special abilities! Unfortunately the evil Sister Jill, head of the sinister organization Panther Claw, knows Honey's secret, and the malevolent mistress of mayhem will stop at nothing in her attempts to capture Honey and use her body for her own twisted purposes.

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series. It's available streaming on HIDIVE.




Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress - Season 1 BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98

Publisher's Description: The world is overrun with Kabane, zombie-like creatures with an appetite for human flesh. While the last of humanity has retreated into fortress-like stations connected by armored trains, there are a few that remain as hopeful as Ikoma. Although he services the trains for a living, Ikoma has created a new weapon that he believes could defeat the Kabane.

Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous release of this series. It's available streaming on Amazon Prime.




Nichijou - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 650 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98

Publisher's Description: Follow the outlandish adventures of three ordinary girls as they learn their most important lessons the hard way. While elsewhere in their unusual town, a pocket-sized professor makes life difficult for a robot who just wants to be normal.

Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous release of this series. It's available streaming on Funimation.




Noragami - Season 1 BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98

Publisher's Description: Minor god Yato is down on his luck. Fed up with his slacker lifestyle, his partner abruptly quits. He has no money, no worshippers, and no shrine to call home. But just when things are starting to seem hopeless, a bus accident forces him to cross paths with Hiyori Iki, a sweet and perky high school girl. After the accident, Hiyori's soul has a bad habit of slipping out of her body, and after enlisting Yato's help to get her back to normal, she begins to fall into the world of spirits and gods.

Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous release of this series. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.




Manga

Blade of the Immortal - Omnibus Volume 9
Dark Horse - 680 pages - MSRP $21.99

Publisher's Description: Anotsu's strange Ittō-Ryū crew is splintered and fatigued, and Habaki Kagimura's group of suicidal Rokki-dan soldiers is closing in on them! In this penultimate omnibus volume, Hiroaki Samura's spellbinding masterpiece sees several major storylines finally beginning to dovetail. As some characters' strange paths are beginning to converge, Samura's epic study on revenge and survival begins to wind its way toward a massive, final confrontation! The end begins here!

Our Reviews: We have several reviews for this series, and this one covers one of the volumes in this omnibus.




The Bride & the Exorcist Knight - Volume 4
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Now that Anne and Haru have the approval of the Vellman family, Haru wishes to ask Anne's parents for their blessing. But Anne's family turns out to be the least of their worries once Mephisto shows up, intent on finally making Anne his bride! Will Haru and Anne defeat him and live happily ever after, or will the true nature of Anne's curse tear them apart?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 and 2.




A Certain Magical Index - Volume 18
Yen Press - 176 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Appearing at a one-way street is the armed organization Hound Dog, led by Amata Kihara. And standing before Touma is Vento of the Front, of God's Right Seat! The violent fangs of both science and magic sink into Academy City!

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1 of the original light novel series.





A Certain Scientific Railgun: Astral Buddy - Volume 2
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: In Academy City, trouble is afoot at the prestigious all-girls' school Tokiwadai. Hokaze Junko is being stalked by a ghostly girl who needs Junko's help to find out who–or what–she is, since she has no memory of her own identity. Unfortunately, Junko's investigation into this lost spirit has to take a back seat when her beloved Shokuhou Misaki falls into enemy hands! Is Junko strong enough with her Rampage Dress psychic ability to save her queen?

Our Reviews: No specific reviews for this spinoff, but we do have a review of volume 1 of the main manga series.




Citrus - Volume 10
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $13.99

Publisher's Description: In order to live up to her family's high expectations, Mei decides to leave Yuzu and accept an arranged marriage. Though Yuzu is heartbroken, she tries to give Mei space. But when some old friends reappear, the two step-sisters are drawn together once more!

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.





Dreamin' Sun - Volume 9
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: It's summertime and Shimana is determined to spend as much of it with the landlord as possible! But just as they are enjoying a nice day at the beach, Shimana learns that the landlord is being transferred to another city! Can she find a way to keep him close, or will it be their first and last summer together?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.




I'm Standing on a Million Lives - Volume 2
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $10.99

Publisher's Description: Yusuke Yotsuya doesn't care about getting into high school—he just wants to get back home to his game and away from other people. But when he suddenly finds himself in a real-life fantasy game alongside his two gorgeous classmates, he discovers a new world of possibility and excitement. Now they're battling not only for their own lives, but for the lives of millions… Will they survive in this latest volume?

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2019 Manga Guide.




Inside Mari - Volume 5
Denpa - 192 pages - MSRP $12.95

Publisher's Description: With an unexpected clue, Yori and Isao to wait for further contact from Mari. Unfortunately, neither one of them is strong enough currently to handle this sudden turn of events. Their next step will be to settle their differences with the hope that they'll better understand Mari's troubles.

Our Reviews: Our user ratings for this series have an average of 7.6 out of 10.





Love in Focus - Volume 3
Kodansha - 176 pages - MSRP $10.99

Publisher's Description: Mako has lost someone dear to her, and she clings to her love of photography as a relic of the close relationship she once had… Luckily, her childhood best friend Kei encouraged her to join their high school's prestigious photo club. With nothing to lose, Mako grabs her camera and a fresh take on life - plus a mysterious new muse! Everything's coming into focus in this latest volume!

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.




Murcielago - Volume 11
Yen Press - 224 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: After finding a human hand vomited up by a shark during a visit to the aquarium, Kuroko's on the case. Whose hand could it be? A lead takes her to the local church, and when she drives the priests there into a corner, a shocking truth comes to light...!

Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 and 2.





New Game! - Volume 6
Seven Seas - 120 pages - MSRP $13.99

Publisher's Description: Aoba Suzukaze may look like a middle schooler, but she's actually a character designer fresh out of high school. Not only is she working for the company that put out one of her favorite games, she also gets to spend her days modeling and creating characters. Follow her adorable shenanigans in this 4-panel slice-of-life as she learns the ropes of the industry and gets to know her co-workers.

Our Reviews: We have a review of the anime adaptation of this series.




Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare - Volume 2
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Tasuku is starting to feel at home at the drop-in center—just in time for him to help a younger student who also hangs out there. Misora Shuji likes to wear girls' clothing but is unsure about their gender identity. Will Tasuku's guidance offer Shuji some clarity or just make things harder?

Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series so far.





Persona 3 - Volume 10
Udon Entertainment - 146 pages - MSRP $13.99

Publisher's Description: The avatar of Nyx has arrived, and it heralds the death of the world. The answer to life can only be found by facing oneself and facing death…

Our Reviews: We have a handful of user ratings for this series, with an average of 7.7 out of 10.





Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts - Volume 6
Yen Press - 192 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: The Grand Consecration to celebrate the founding of the Kingdom of Ozmargo is nigh...but the king of beasts remains in his human form despite the dawn! Thanks to Sariphi's quick thinking, disaster is averted and the ceremony goes off without a hitch, prompting Chancellor Anubis to declare an end to Sariphi's trials. But having assumed the role of Acting Queen, Sariphi is faced with her first job...which just might turn out to be insurmountable!

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2018 Manga Guide.




Sekirei - Volume 9
Yen Press - 464 pages - MSRP $23.99

Publisher's Description: The ark slumbering under Kamikura Island shuts down, leading to an invasion by a foreign military force! Meanwhile, Karasuba is driven by delusion--forever awaiting a friend who will never return--and Musubi is the only one who can face her. Who will be the last to survive this final "party"...!?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.





The Seven Deadly Sins - Volume 33
Kodansha - 200 pages - MSRP $10.99

Publisher's Description: The dreaded warriors, the Seven Deadly Sins, were wrongly framed and sent into exile. Now they're Princess Elizabeth's only hope to free the kingdom from the grip of the villainous Holy Knights! What adventures await them in this latest volume?

Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1 and volume 14.





Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: Heed My Call, Beast! Part 2 - Volume 2
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: It's been five years since Orphen last saw his dear friend Azalie–and now he finds her, twisted into a deadly monster. The sorcerous Tower of Fangs is sending out an extermination squad to claim her head, and its leader wields the very sword that transformed Azalie in the first place. No matter the risks, Orphen's not about to give up on the woman he loves. He joins the monster hunters, secretly waiting for his chance to break the curse!

Our Reviews: No reviews for manga portions of this franchise, but we have some reviews of the anime versions here and here.




Teasing Master Takagi-san - Volume 5
Yen Press - 176 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Takagi-san might've won every single prank-off since the beginning of time, but Nishikata's not throwing in the towel yet! Aside from the fact that she's got a knack for giving him the butterflies, she's not that bad to hang out with, and the pranks can be kinda fun...in moderation. All he really needs to do is find out her weakness...but does she even have one?

Our Reviews: We have a review of the anime adaptation of this series.




To Your Eternity - Volume 10
Kodansha - 200 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: A lonely boy has a history, and is more than meets the eye…To Your Eternity is a totally unique and moving manga about death, life, reincarnation, and the nature of love. What will the future hold in this latest volume?

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2017 Manga Guide.






Umineko When They Cry: Episode 8 - Volume 2
Yen Press - 624 pages - MSRP $29.99

Publisher's Description: "In this 5th game, you've all become accomplices, haven't you?" Ushiromiya Ange comes close to uncovering the truth. The Kakera, which holds infinite possibilities, threatens to tear Rokkenjima asunder. Erika Furudo appears for the final battle against Beatrice, but without the Book of the One Truth, will she stand a chance?

Our Reviews: We have a lot of reviews for this series, ranging from volume 1 of episode 1 to the first volume of this story arc.




Waiting for Spring - Volume 11
Kodansha - 200 pages - MSRP $10.99

Publisher's Description: Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight! Will love find Mizuki in this latest volume?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.





Witchcraft Works - Volume 12
Vertical - 202 pages - MSRP $12.95

Publisher's Description: Alcina, a big-shot Workshop witch, has just transferred into Tougetsu High, and gives everyone a shock when she states her family name. Is Takamiya her target? With the appearance of an old witch, the witchcraft power map of Tougetsu City gets redrawn. As tension rises among the witches, Kayou continues to weave her sinister plot. What path will Takamiya and Kagari choose?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.




Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches - Omnibus Volume 19-20
Kodansha - 384 pages - MSRP $16.99

Publisher's Description: Class troublemaker Ryu Yamada was already having a bad day when he first stumbled down a staircase along with star student Urara Shiraishi. After waking up, he realizes they've switched bodies - but this was only the beginning as he's not the only kid at school with a few magic tricks up his sleeve… What new discovers await them in this latest volume?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.




Zo Zo Zombie - Volume 4
Yen Press - 176 pages - MSRP $11.99

Publisher's Description: Everyone's favorite zombie kid is back with more surprises! So keep your eyes peeled and socks on, because an adventure with Zombie Boy isn't one you'd want to miss!

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.






Games

Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Nintendo - Switch - MSRP $59.98

Publisher's Description: Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros, which hosts the prestigious Officer's Academy within its headquarters. You are invited to teach one of its three mighty houses, each comprised of students brimming with personality and represented by a royal from one of three territories. As their professor, you must lead your students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome. Which house, and which path, will you choose?





Kill la Kill: If
Arc System Works - PC, PS4, Switch - MSRP $59.98

Publisher's Description: The critically acclaimed 2013 anime title that shook the streets of Honnou City, 'KILL la KILL' finally makes a comeback as an action fighting game! Play as Satsuki Kiryuin, Ryuko Matoi, and more, and indulge in the alternate story that will draw you deeper into the vivid and action filled world of 'KILL la KILL'.





Raiden V: Director's Cut
UFO Interactive - Switch - MSRP $29.99

Publisher's Description: Arcade hit Raiden first left its mark on the shooting genre 25 years ago. The easy to learn, hard to master series comes to the Nintendo Switch in its most modern and advanced form yet! Join the war for Earth's future-where the tide of battle holds constant surprises.









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