My Manga Birthday Wishlist

As I’m sure none of you know, my birthday is fast approaching and I looooove getting presents. (I can be so spoiled, I know.) But instead of getting me things I’m just going to get myself eventually like a nice, long massage or a puppy, I’d rather get people get me something both easily obtainable and relatively cheap: MANGA!

Now, this July is shaping up to be an excellent month of fantastic manga releases, so why don’t we start with some of the hottest titles about to hit shelves?

First we’ll start off with the manga-influenced Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour, which hits stores July 20th. Actually, I’m just going to pin this one on my boyfriend since he so lovingly got me the first five volumes as my Valentine’s Day gift two years ago. Tamar, I’m expecting a copy of Scott Pilgrim and a pair of tickets for the movie adaption with a nice dinner to accompany it. (Don’t ever say I don’t tell you what I want!)

Next up on the list is a bunch of stuff from Vertical, which has a whole BUNCH of awesome manga, including the ones coming out this month. Peepo Choo comes out this month, but I’m probably going to get it for myself so Felipe Smith can sign it at Comic-Con, so skip that and head onto Chi’s Sweet Home and Twin Spica (vol. 1 & 2 because I haven’t gotten to pick up volume 1 yet!) If you really love me, then you’ll throw in a copy Buddha vol. 2 as well.

The next manga publisher that will automatically get me to love your birthday present to me is CMX. I spent a whole day at Anime Expo looking for From Eroica With Love volumes 12 and 13, despite the fact that I had 14 and 15. I’d also love a copy of Stolen Hearts vol. 2, My Darling, Miss Bancho and the first two volumes of The Name of the Flower. There are some other titles that I’d love certain volumes of, but that would make the list too  complicated! (Apothecarius Argentum volume 9!)

Other than that, I’ve been into collecting old TOKYOPOP series like Beck, Planetes and Queen’s Knight (volumes 2, 2 and 11, respectively.) I’ve also been collecting copies of Nextworld (Dark Horse Manga, volume 3, please), Club 9 (Also Dark Horse Manga, volume 2) and Chicago (Viz, volume 2 as well.)

If that doesn’t give you an idea what to get me, then just go find a Borders and hook me up with a nice gift card.

Giving me a birthday gift really is as simple as that.

Oops! I forgot about Mushishi vol. 8! Definitely looking forward to that one!

DC Drops CMX Manga

As if last week wasn’t enough of a blow to U.S. manga publishing, DC is closing CMX Manga, its manga publishing arm, and will cease publishing any new titles after July 2010 except for webcomic-turned-print Megatokyo under another DC line.

There’s nothing really to say about this other than a big: FUCK YOU, DC. What the hell do you mean you won’t finish Swan or Apothecarius Argentum or Stolen Hearts or From Eroica With Love!?

What about Deka Kyoshi? What about Nadeshiko Club vol. 1 (which is also by Stolen Hearts mangaka Miku Sakamoto)? What about all the series from DC I’ve been looking to collect  but haven’t been able to find easily? Thank goodness you’ve finished Emma! At least I won’t be denied my victorian romance unless I can’t find a volume in stores.

I know this is fan entitlement, but I think it’s only fair when DC’s made about all of the manga blogging community (and surely  many, many readers) so completely depressed by their announcement! I’m sure with all the Blackest Night/Brightest Day pandering could fund CMX long enough to finish what they’ve started. At least Del Ray is doing THAT MUCH.

And as if that weren’t bad enough, Amazon let slip a new CMX title YESTERDAY. JUST YESTERDAY.

I am completely disgusted with you, DC. And mad and sad and pretty much ready to cry if I hear more bad news about manga…

Goodbye, my sweet...