Shelf Life
August 5, 2019
by Paul Jensen,
Welcome to Shelf Life, covering every week's new releases in anime, manga, and Japanese games! Actually, it's a pretty dry week for Japanese games, so it's just anime and manga this time. The third season of Attack on Titan is coming out on disc this week, and there's also a big collection of Record of Lodoss War for folks who prefer their action anime a little more old-school. The manga lineup is full of heavy hitters, including One Piece, One-Punch Man, and both the main My Hero Academia series and a new spinoff. Sound off in the comments if anything catches your eye!
Anime
Assassination Classroom - Season 2 BD
Funimation - 625 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98
Publisher's Description: It's time for second term, and the assassination classroom is ready for a semester filled with intense training, studying, and new ways to kill their teacher. But things aren't all that they seem and this new semester is proving to hold more secrets than answers. And the biggest question they have to face: do they save the world or save the world's greatest teacher?
Our Reviews: We have reviews for this season here and here.
Attack on Titan - Season 3 Part 1 BD+DVD, DVD, Limited Edition
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98|$39.98|$84.98
Publisher's Description: The truth about the Titans begins to come to light. Political secrets, a false king, and the reality that will shake the foundation of the world—all falls on the shoulders of Eren and his friends, as they fight to survive. With Historia set to be the rightful Queen, the Levi Squad must act. But a figure from Levi's past, the deadly Kenny, could turn this into a losing battle. Are Eren and his friends prepared to face the true monsters that lie within the walls?
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this season.
Battle Programmer Shirase - Complete Collection BD
Maiden Japan - 125 min - Sub - MSRP $39.98
Publisher's Description: What is it that passes behind those dry, sorrowful eyes? Akira Shirase, the solitary programmer who has an unusual aptitude for problem solving: He is called a legendary hacker, and few know his true identity. What has he lost, what has he gained, and what has he seen in pockets of the vast internet? How now does he feel, on what is false and what is true and what exists in code? This is the man they call Battle Programmer Shirase - also known as BPS!
Our Reviews: Our user ratings for this series have an average of 6.8 out of 10.
elDLIVE - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Middle-school student Chuta Kokonose has been hearing a voice in his head ever since he can remember. When he finds himself recruited by the space police force known as elDLIVE, he learns that the source of the voice is a symbiotic creature living inside his body! Now it's up to Chuta to prove his mettle and defend the world alongside his newfound friends.
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Winter 2017 Preview Guide.
Galaxy Angel A - Complete Collection BD
Right Stuf - 350 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $39.99
Publisher's Description: The Angel Brigade is no more! The five girls have all gone their separate ways, and if Volcott doesn't reunite them, he'll be out of a job! And that's not the only problem - there's a new team in town called the Galaxy Twin Stars, a pair of brothers who are perfect at everything, including finding Lost Technology. It's a roller coaster of laughs, excitement and food as the dysfunctional Angel Brigade tries to pull themselves back together!
Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous release of this series.
Inari Kon Kon - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 275 min - Sub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Inari has a big crush on the cutest guy in school. Too bad she's not so smooth with the dudes. But after saving an injured fox at a local shrine, her luck changes for the better when a beautiful goddess grants her the power to shapeshift!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of this series here and here.
Penguin Highway BD
Shout Factory - 118 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $26.99
Publisher's Description: Budding genius Aoyama is only in the 4th grade, but already lives his life like a scientist. When penguins start appearing in his sleepy suburb hundreds of miles from the sea, Aoyama vows to solve the mystery. When he discovers that the arrival of the penguins is related to a mysterious young woman from his dentist's office, they team up for an unforgettable summer adventure!
Our Reviews: We have a review of this movie.
Record of Lodoss War - OVA and TV Collection
Funimation - 1000 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $34.98
Publisher's Description: In a land torn by war, young Parn and a ragtag team of adventurers set out to restore peace to the island of Lodoss. While an evil sorcerer seeks the destructive power of an ancient goddess, the Grey Witch presides over all with a cold-hearted bent for neutrality. The ensuing battles cost many lives before a brave new generation of heroes rises to face the sinister enemies once and for all.
Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous collection of the OVA and TV series.
RErideD: Derrida Who Leaps Through Time - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: After discovering a fatal flaw in the Autonomous Machine DZ, Derrida is caught in a terrible conspiracy that nearly costs him his life. Instead, his best friend sacrifices himself to save Derrida, but makes one final request: “Take care of Mage.” Now, waking up ten years in the future, a wanted criminal in a war-torn world, he must find a way to stop this war of machines and find Mage. Together with a ragtag group of allies, will he find his best friend's daughter, or the key to save the world?
Our Reviews: We have a review of the first four episodes of this series.
Trinity Blood - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 600 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98
Publisher's Description: Centuries ago, Armageddon cast darkness across the world. From that darkness, vampires emerged. Now there are two races, humans and vampires, trembling on the brink of war. Abel Nightroad is a Vatican priest and agent of AX, a special operations group that protects the fragile equilibrium between the two races. Neither human nor vampire, he uses his unique abilities to seek a safe path for all.
Our Reviews: We have a review of this series.
Manga
10 Dance - Volume 4
Kodansha - 208 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Suzuki is so conflicted by his feelings for Sugiki that it's affecting his Latin dancing. But when Sugiki tries to teach him how to connect better with his female partner, he ends up strengthening the connection between the two men instead. As they grapple with their feelings for each other, an unexpected rival steps into view. Suzuki begins to realize what dancing truly means to him, but if he pursues his dream, will it cost him his relationship with Sugiki?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 and 2.
Again!! - Volume 10
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: The curtains close on the drama club and the ouendan's underground performance of I Want to Die: The Musical to a roaring success, but the real drama soon follows Kinichiro, Aki, and the rest of the cast off stage. The group may have successfully set Hanataka on the path to stardom, but when Aki comes to an alarming realization about her relationship with Hiro, and the fate of the ouendan falls into jeopardy once again, one thing becomes certain: Not everything will be like it was before the do-over.
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Ao Haru Ride - Volume 6
Viz - 184 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew. Futuba feels as though the distance between her and Kou has grown since he and Yui have started keeping in touch. Then something unexpected happens between Futaba and Kou at the school festival.
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide, and we also have a review of volume 5.
Behind the Scenes!! - Volume 7
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The Art Squad has always felt like home to its members, but as their chief's final year winds down, doubts begin to assail them all. Tomu worries he has no talent, Ruka decides to quit the club early to live up to family expectations, Izumi's amnesia finally starts to get to him, and Maasa plans to give up zombies in order to find a man. Now it's up to Ranmaru, the newest and most neurotic club member, to save the spirit of Art Squad!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Black Torch - Volume 5
Viz - 208 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: With Jiro's ability to fully awaken and use Rago's power, the final battle with Amagi is about to begin. Will Jiro and his friends be able to stop the rampaging Amagi in time? Don't miss the thrilling conclusion!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1 and another review of volumes 2 through 4.
Devils' Line - Volume 13
Vertical - 216 pages - MSRP $12.95
Publisher's Description: Kikuhara comes to terms with the trauma of his past. Anzai, confronting Kikuhara, is forced to make a decision. Queen's plot comes into full view as a high-ranking government official makes a move. Society's concerns about the presence of devils come to a head in an unavoidable tragedy as this dark fantasy reaches the climax!
Our Reviews: We covered the anime adaptation of this series in the Spring 2018 Anime Preview Guide.
Food Wars! - Volume 31
Viz - 208 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: After a long, hard-fought battle, Soma and the rest of the resisters claim victory in the Régiment de Cuisine, formally disbanding the Azami administration. A new Council of Ten is born, and the first-years advance to their second year at the Totsuki Institute. But the peace doesn't last long. A few months into the new school year, the aroma of trouble once again wafts through the air!
Our Reviews: We have multiple reviews for this series, ranging from volume 1 to volume 20.
Hunter x Hunter - Volume 36
Viz - 208 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The princes begin to move against each other as the Succession War continues on the Whale Ship when Second Prince Camilla attempts to assassinate First Prince Benjamin. Meanwhile, something fishy is going on in Thirteenth Prince Marayam's room. The Spiders appear and make their move as well! Will Kurapika be able to keep up with the madness and murders taking place on the ship?!
Our Reviews: We have reviews for the older and newer anime adaptations of this series.
Idol Dreams - Volume 6
Viz - 168 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: To pursue missed chances at love and success, 31-year-old Chikage Deguchi takes an experimental drug that changes her appearance back to how she looked at age 15. Brokenhearted after Tokita's engagement, Chikage writes the lyrics of a new song to express her emotions as Akari. But her producer Hibiki has suddenly gone missing…
Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1 and volume 2.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable - Volume 2
Viz - 400 pages - MSRP $19.99
Publisher's Description: Jotaro Kujo discovers a lead on the stolen bow and arrow, but is it too late to stop the thief? While Jotaro is investigating that lead, Josuke Higashikata and Koichi Hirose find a new ally in…Okuyasu?! The bully wants to mend his ways after the death of his brother, and the first step is going to school with Jotaro and Koichi. Plus, Yukako Yamagishi enters the scene, and she's got love on her mind and anger in her heart. Will Koichi survive his first brush with true love?
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2019 Manga Guide.
My Hero Academia - Volume 20
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: With All Might in retirement, Endeavor takes up the mantle of the number one hero, a position he's coveted for years. But now that he has it, he's not entirely comfortable with the responsibilities and risks that come with it—both heroes and villains are always gunning for number one. What does the future hold for Midoriya, and what do his dreams about One For All mean?
Our Reviews: We have multiple reviews for this series, ranging from volume 1 to volume 19.
My Hero Academia Smash!! - Volume 1
Viz - 128 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The superpowered society of My Hero Academia takes a hilarious turn in this reimagining of the best-selling series! Join Midoriya, All Might and all the aspiring heroes of U.A. High, plus memorable villains, in an irreverent take on the main events of the series, complete with funny gags, ridiculous jokes and superpowered humor!
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this spinoff so far.
My Monster Secret - Volume 17
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Akari and Sakura are finally dating! Can they keep their student-teacher relationship on the DL? Will the principal's unprincipled meddling ruin the glorious love they have finally achieved?!
Our Reviews: We have multiple reviews for this series, ranging from volume 1 to volume 12.
One Piece - Volume 91
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The Straw Hats head for a new land of adventure, the kingdom of Wano! But awaiting them there are Kaido's powerful forces and all sorts of new problems!
Our Reviews: Our most recent review for this series covers volume 66.
One-Punch Man - Volume 17
Viz - 208 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Despite his best efforts, Garo is no match for the overwhelming skill of Bang and his brother. In fact, the hero hunter is near death when the Monster Association attempts to steal him away, unleashing Centichoro in the process. Bang and company take the threat-level Dragon monster head-on before Genos boldly enters the fray!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 and 2, and another review of volume 4.
The Promised Neverland - Volume 11
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Emma and her new allies have successfully taken down many of the demons of Goldy Pond. The last one standing in this demonic hunting ground is Leuvis, but he's the most powerful of them all. None of the children's tactics seem to work on him, but some unexpected last-minute help may turn the tide of the battle. Can the children of Goldy Pond finally put an end to their despair?
Our Reviews: We have multiple reviews for this series, ranging from volume 1 to volume 9.
Ryuko - Volume 1
Titan Comics - 256 pages - MSRP $14.99
Publisher's Description: Ryuko is a hard-hitting, motorcycle-riding, high ranking member of the Japanese mafia stationed in the Middle-East. After a fierce battle with the government, she becomes embroiled with the Chinese and an unknown terrorist organisation. Everyone has their own agenda, but it becomes personal for Ryuko when her mother is kidnapped and she was forced to kill her father. What is the right thing to do in this morally complicated situation?
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series so far.
Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho - Volume 7
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: In order to sever Kyoko's ties to the human world, Kyoko's minions are all coming for Shoko's head! But Kyoko isn't too happy about this plan. Can she control her underlings and protect her little sister, or will Shoko have to fend for herself?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 and 2, and another review of volume 6.
Shomin Sample - Volume 10
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Kimito's old friend Eri has unexpectedly appeared on campus, and she couldn't be a bigger contrast to the pampered aristocrats he's been spending so much time with lately. Unfortunately, those rich girls' conception of “normal” relies pretty heavily on manga and light novels…and the tropes don't lie. The greatest threat to landing the boy is always the childhood friend! They won't give up on their Sample Commoner without a fight. It's Eri vs. Everyone at Seikain Girls School!
Our Reviews: We have a review of the anime adaptation of this series.
Shortcake Cake - Volume 5
Viz - 182 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Ten comes to a realization. Chiaki and Riku both have feelings for Ten, but Riku doesn't feel that he can pursue her.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1, volume 2, and volume 3.
Splatoon - Volume 6
Viz - 160 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The match between Team Blue and Team Emperor heats up toward the big finale—with both sides exhausted and losing ground! Plus, in the aftermath of the final match, a new enemy awaits who will require the former rivals to work together!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2017 Manga Guide.
Takane & Hana - Volume 10
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: When Hana's childhood friend Okamon confesses that he's in love with her, Hana goes into a total panic! Can she possibly return his feelings? And once Takane finds out, all bets are off on how he'll react to the news!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Tokyo Tarareba Girls - Volume 8
Kodansha - 160 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: At last, Rinko's found it—the happy, comfortable relationship she's dreamt of. She and Hayasaka-san have moved into an apartment together, and her best friends have wished her well. Everything is going smoothly…until those same best friends show up breathless at her doorstep with the biggest four-alarmer yet: Key's gone missing, and Rinko may be the only one who can find him and bring him back. But the rescue may come at the cost of everything she thought she wanted…
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2018 Manga Guide.
We Never Learn - Volume 5
Viz - 184 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: It's festival time! Sweets, games and yukata abound, but that's not all—there are sharpshooting teachers, accidental sleepovers, couples karaoke, reckless drivers, cooking disasters and romantic mischief afoot, too! Will Yuiga survive this onslaught of romantic hijinks, or will the entire world catch him in an embarrassing situation?!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.
Yokai Girls - Volume 8
Ghost Ship - 216 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: 0-year-old virgin Nishizuru Yatsuki has always considered himself a fairly normal guy-he's a high school graduate, works a part-time job, and hangs out at a maid cafe. He does have one very special ability: he can see yokai spirits! Usually he copes with these ghostly visions by ignoring them-but everything changes when he meets a beautiful young woman named Rokka. Now Yatsuki's normal days have taken a notably abnormal turn, as he finds himself the sole defender of a growing harem of supernatural-and super sexy-yokai girls!
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series so far.
Yona of the Dawn - Volume 19
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: While preparing to set up camp in the forest, Sinha comes across a stone statue of a dragon. When the statue's mouth starts to close down on Ao, Sinha slices it open and unintentionally releases an ominous spirit! How will Yona and her friends fight the ensuing havoc?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
discuss this in the forum (3 posts) |
