CSBG Archive
DMP Licenses Itazura Na Kiss Manga
In a very unexpected move, DMP has announced it has licensed an unfinished shojo classic Itazura Na Kiss according to Anime News Network. (“Classic” in this case means the manga ran in the 1990′s). They plan to release the title in omnibus format (i.e. two volumes combined) with two planned for release so far (1st in Nov 09, 2nd in March 10), while there are a total of twelve volumes in omnibus format (for a total of 23 or 24 individual volumes).
I’d like to be happy about this development but my immediate reaction is to think about how *almost* everything is stacked against this whole project succeeding. Let me explain:
1) The art work is not shojo pretty. (The prominent foreheads alone! Dear god….) Many shojo fans are very particular about the art they like and might look at this and not think much of it.
2) DMP’s dismal track record with releases under its main imprint don’t give me much hope that more than the first omnibus will ever be published.
3) The story itself is unfinished. That is definitely a problem….
Things this licensing decision has going for it:
1) Recent anime (2008) that might inspire fans to pick up the manga.
2) DMP is on firmer ground at the moment than. Well. Certain other comapnies.
3) Ummmm….yeah that’s all I’ve got.
12 Comments
Grico
January 27, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Well, in this economy getting licensed and having release dates projected is a win in my book. Dark Horse seems fine financially so it should continue forward. I like the omnibus format, I wonder what the suggested retail will be. The story being unfinished puts in the same boat as quite a few series out there, so I don’t think it should be a big problem.
Danielle Leigh
January 27, 2009 at 5:55 pm
This is DMP, not Dark Horse, although Dark Horse has had some problems with its shojo (year long delay of Bride of the Water God, etc) it does much better with its male-oriented manga.
I believe suggested retail will be $14.99
Deb Aoki
January 27, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I’m actually really excited about this one. Kaoru Tada was one of my favorite manga creators when I used to read Bessatsu Margaret waaay back in the 1980′s. I still have my Japanese tankobon editions of Aishite Night and there’s a good reason for that — Tada-sensei created some really appealing stories that have a nice mix between humor and heart-tugging romance.
Give it a chance — from the sounds of it, Itazura na Kiss (Mischievous Kiss) sounds like a mix between Sand Chronicles (young love that grows over time), Marmalade Boy (two would-be lovers end up moving in together due to family circumstances) and well, almost all great shojo romances about a stand-offish boy and a goofy but loveable girl, and their eccentric relatives / friends.
Danielle Leigh
January 27, 2009 at 8:04 pm
hi Deb! oh, I like the manga a lot — I just worry that it won’t be treated very well by a company like DMP (which tends to prioritize yaoi under its June line for the most part). In other words, I worry they aren’t best fit for this title….
jun
January 27, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Danielle, you totally harshed my squee!
I’m looking forward to this a lot, and Deb’s description just seals the deal. Plus, I tend to really like things that ran in Margaret (Boys Over Flowers, High School Debut, Love*Com…) so that’s an edge up, as well.
Danielle Leigh
January 28, 2009 at 6:28 am
You know I try to avoid that, but you should know it isn’t the actual manga I’m worried about just the realities of the market and DMP’s track record. I suppose one of these days I should just basically write about what is really harshing *my* squee and that is the fear Tokyopop isn’t doing very well at the moment….
But Sorry! didn’t mean to be a downer!
jun
January 28, 2009 at 7:01 am
No worries! I was just enjoying forgetting about the realities of the market for the moment.
Didn’t DMP recently license some Tezuka? Maybe they’re trying to build up a roster of some classics to go along with all their boys’ love offerings.
Danielle Leigh
January 28, 2009 at 7:04 am
Yes! I think it is called “Swallow the Earth” and will be out later this spring / early summer I think….I have not a clue what the manga is about though….
Deb Aoki
January 28, 2009 at 7:32 am
Do check out Tezuka in English’s description of Swallowing the Earth. He has the advantage over most of us by having actually read the book:
http://tezukainenglish.com/?q=node/306
i also wrote it up in this post, announcing the june release date:
http://manga.about.com/b/2009/01/18/digital-manga-confirms-june-09-release-for-swallowing-the-earth.htm
Danielle Leigh
January 28, 2009 at 8:54 am
thanks, Deb, for the links!
I would never have guess Tezuka by the cover, somehow the art seems different than most of what I’ve seen stateside from him. Looks like I have another great book to add to my previews order….dammit!
I’m curious about how the Tezuka on female sexuality in the 1960′s thing will pan out…it will be interesting at least….
jun
January 28, 2009 at 9:19 am
Ooh, nice write-up. It’s on my list now, too.
Jenny
July 6, 2009 at 7:38 am
I cant wait for the release personally.. and I pre-ordered it.
The manga version is something I have always wanted to read since I saw the Taiwanese Drama being subbed – and now we have the chance to see the series in its original format to the end (or at least until the last released tankoban)…
Saying that I dont mind that it is unfinished – I just crave older titles (esp. shoujo)
I just hate that the market isnt interested in releasing classic or older titles like these, so I will always try to support them when they get licensed.
—So, I love and prefer older art styles, but I think I am in the minority there (>.<)
Hope DMP sees it through ^^