Added on June 30, 2015  Lesley Aeschliman  Dark Horse Comics , featured , Kodansha Comics , manga , News

New Manga Releases for the Week of June 23, 2015

This week sees new manga releases from Dark Horse Comics, Kodansha Comics, Seven Seas Entertainment, Vertical Comics, and Yen Press.

My “Pick of the Week” goes to Yen Press’ release of the first volume of the Chaika: The Coffin Princess manga series.

Chaika: The Coffin Princess Volume 1 by Ichirou Sakaki
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Five years of inconceivable peace after 200 years of war has left erstwhile soldier Tooru Acura without a job or meaning in life – until he saves a mysterious sorceress with a coffin on her back. But when the coffin-wielding, silver-haired Chaika Trabant hires Tooru and his sister, Akari, to accompany her on a death-defying journey, Tooru’s life of mind-numbing, meaningless peace is about to end.

The other releases coming out this week are:

Alice in Murderland Volume 1 by Kaori Yuki
Yen Press – MSRP: $16.99

The Mad Tea Party. To members of the elite house of Kuonji, a clan whose name has incredible pull all over the world, this monthly gathering is the only long-standing (not to mention mandatory) family tradition. But one such family reunion brings with it some unexpected and horrific news for the nine Kuonji siblings, and it comes straight from the lips of their mother Olga. To become the next head of their illustrious family, the siblings must fight each other to the death.

Are You Alice? Volume 9 by Ikumi Katagiri
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

With Hatter’s true identity revealed and his name reclaimed, he renews his determination to retrieve Alice – the real Alice, that is – and break free of Wonderland. It quickly becomes apparent that he has no qualms about destroying anyone or anything that stands in his way. Now, the ever impetuous “probably” Alice must decide for himself if Hatter is still his ally or the ultimate enemy.

Barakamon Volume 5 by Satsuki Yoshino
Yen Press – MSRP: $14.99

Gaining tremendous inspiration from nature, handsome young (and bug-hating) calligrapher Seishuu Handa makes strides in his creative endeavors. But while anguishing over the individuality of his calligraphy, he receives a phone call from Tokyo. The tale of bumbling Sensei, who doesn’t even hold back against children, and his warm island neighbors trundles into the last days of summer, which bring with them bittersweet memories.

Bloody Cross Volume 7 by Shiwo Komeyama
Yen Press – MSRP: $11.99

Nao and Hinata quickly realize that infiltrating Kamuhaburi will be far more difficult than spying on Tsuzuki or even Arcana. Their first objective is to find a way to contact Izumi – and when they do, they aren’t happy with what they hear. Izumi wants to recover not only Arcana’s stolen relics, but all of the relics Kamuhaburi has collected as well. But there’s more he’s not telling them, and even more their Kamuhaburi guide, Kanade, is holding back.

Demon From Afar Volume 3 by Kaori Yuki
Yen Press – MSRP: $17.99

With Nonoha spirited away by demons, Sorath infiltrates their territory only to find himself bearing witness to a horrific public execution dubbed the “Divine Judgment.” Surrounded by countless sacrifices, reeling from Leice’s betrayal, and faced with his beloved Nonoha having been taken hostage, Sorath’s memory is rekindled, and the night when he lost his dearest friend comes rushing back to him.

Freezing Omnibus Volume 1-2 by Dall-Young Lim
Seven Seas Entertainment – MSRP: $19.99

Extraterrestrial beings have invaded our garden world, hellbent on wiping humanity off the face of the planet. The only hope is a specialized force of genetically-engineered female “Pandoras” and their male partners known as “Limiters,” who represent the last line of defense against a horrific alien force. Kazuya Aoi is a Limiter who enrolls in a prestigious academy that trains genetically-engineered soldiers. Having made a promise to his Pandora sister who died in battle, Kazuya must overcome his sadness and become the best he can be.

He’s My Favorite Vampire Volume 3 by Aya Shouoto
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

Upon Eve’s invitation, Aki agrees to attend the Soiree on his own. However, Kana and Jin aren’t far behind, trailing him in secret. Then, at the climax of the blood-drenched ceremonies, Kana’s “Awakening” begins at last.

Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service Volume 14 by Eiji Otsuka
Dark Horse Comics – MSRP: $12.99

The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service is back, only to find they’ve got competition from an evil rival version of themselves, not to mention an American cartoon version of themselves. But don’t fear the reaper, because our original corpse-carrying crew is still ready for any gruesome weirdness, classical or modern – from a headless stiff who only does his seances in binary, to a good old-fashioned iron maiden.

Let’s Dance a Waltz Volume 2 by Natsumi Ando
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

Homely and shy, Himé is burdened by the name her mother gave her, “Princess.” Wanting nothing more than to be unnoticed and live a modest life, Himé gets a jolt of inspiration when she tries a dance class where she meets Tango. Her teacher/dance partner, Tango happens to also be her classmate at school. Unfortunately, Tango is desperate to keep his ballroom dancing a secret, believing it will ruin his cool image if anyone at school finds out.

Love at Fourteen Volume 3 by Fuka Mizutani
Yen Press – MSRP: $14.99

Kanata and Kazuki are unwittingly pit against each other during a feud between the girls and boys, and their budding relationship is put to the test when personal feelings explode their mature facades. With their perfect student reputations also on the line, can Kanata and Kazuki reconcile their differences, or will their argument become someone else’s gain?

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Volume 10 by Yasuhiko Yoshikazu
Vertical Comics – MSRP: $29.95

Solomon is now in the cross-hairs. With Federation forces moving in it appears as if Zeon’s leadership is falling apart from the top down. The tide may be turning in this war, but some members of Zeon are willing fight to their end for their family.

Noragami: Stray God Volume 5 by Adachitoka
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

Yato is a homeless god. He doesn’t even have a shrine, not to mention worshippers. So to achieve his ambitious goals, he’s set up a service to help those in need (for a small fee), hoping he’ll eventually raise enough money to build himself the lavish temple of his dreams. Of course, he can’t afford to be picky, so Yato accepts all kinds of jobs, from finding lost kittens to helping a student overcome bullies at school.

Nurse Hitomi’s Monster Infirmary Volume 2 by Shake-O
Seven Seas Entertainment – MSRP: $12.99

It’s not easy working at a school where the students are literally monsters, but Nurse Hitomi is always there for anyone in need. Whether it’s a winged student who just can’t keep her feet on the ground, a girl who eats everything she can get her hands on (including fellow students), or a boy who has grown breasts overnight, Hitomi watches over them all with a caring eye.

Secret Volume 2 by Yoshiki Tonogai
Yen Press – MSRP: $12.99

When one of the students is attacked after his sins are brought to light, the remaining survivors grow ever more suspicious of each other. As secrets arise and suspects collide, the question remains: If one murderer truly was hiding in their midst, are there really two more watching from within?

Your Lie in April Volume 2 by Naoshi Arakawa
Kodansha Comics – MSRP: $10.99

After the death of his mother, child prodigy Arima Kosei gave up the piano forever – or so he thought. That vow turned out to be no match for the persistence of sprightly violinist Kaori Miyazono, who’s roped Arima back into the world of competitive classical music. But after so many years, will Arima be able to sit down at the ivories again like nothing happened? Or will history repeat itself, with Arima crumbling under the pressure?