Hey, Red! Cooki! Looksee what I found!
From: publicity@kodansha-usa.com
To: publicity@kodansha-usa.com
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:01:51 -0500
Subject: KODANSHA USA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF SAILOR MOONFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kodansha USA Publishing, publicity@kodansha-usa.com or 212-782-8337
KODANSHA USA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF SAILOR MOON
Never-before-published Enhanced Editions of the Groundbreaking Manga Series
Share Long-Awaited US Publishing Debut with CODENAME SAILOR V
NEW YORK, New York – March 18, 2011 – Kodansha USA Publishing, a subsidiary of Kodansha, announced today the exciting return of Naoko Takeuchi’s SAILOR MOON, one of the most significant names in comics and manga, to US publishing. Brand new deluxe editions of the acclaimed series will be released by Kodansha USA’s Kodansha Comics imprint in September 2011. Out of print for six years, SAILOR MOON re-launches along with Takeuchi’s two-volume prequel series CODENAME: SAILOR V, in print in the US for the first time—making this one of the most highly anticipated manga releases in years.
The SAILOR MOON manga, which originated in Japan in 1992 and debuted in the US in 1997, follows Usagi Tsukino, a young girl who transforms into super heroine Sailor Moon to combat evil and fight for love and justice in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess. The first successful shôjo (girls’) manga release in the US, SAILOR MOON changed the book landscape and helped establish the foundation for the manga craze; in particular drawing attention to the popularity of comics among female readers.
Prequel series CODENAME: SAILOR V, the first of Takeuchi’s “magical girl†manga, will make its highly anticipated debut in the US alongside the SAILOR MOON re-launch. In CODENAME: SAILOR V, teenager Minako Aino fights as Sailor V against the villains of the Dark Agency before she discovers Sailor Moon.
The Kodansha USA editions of SAILOR MOON will be published on a bi-monthly schedule and follow the 2003 Japanese re-release format of the classic series. The original 18 volumes have been condensed into 12 volumes covering the main storyline, and two volumes dedicated to short stories. Each volume has gorgeous new cover art, retouched interior art and dialogue along with extensive bonus material from Takeuchi, and detailed translation notes.
One of the most recognized manga and anime properties in the world, SAILOR MOON took American pop culture by storm, with mentions in music (“One Week†by Barenaked Ladies), bestselling books (The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot) and more. In Japan, over 15 million copies have been sold and the series has generated everything from animated features to live action musicals, a live action television series and countless merchandise.
“I’m very excited to reintroduce Ms. Takeuchi’s work to her American fans,†said Yoshio Irie, president and CEO of Kodansha USA Publishing. Irie is also the former chief editor of Nakayosi magazine in which the SAILOR MOON manga was serialized. “As we continue to build the Kodansha Comics manga list, a title like SAILOR MOON is the jewel in our crown. As the former chief editor of the work in Japan, I’m especially thrilled to finally release the prequel, CODENAME: SAILOR V, to the many fans who have been asking for it at long last.â€
About Kodansha USA Publishing
Kodansha USA Publishing, LLC, a subsidiary of Kodansha Ltd. aims to bring the best names in manga to the North American market, and partners with Random House Publisher Services for distribution. www.kodanshacomics.com
About Kodansha Ltd.
Kodansha Ltd. is Japan's largest publisher, with its headquarters in Tokyo. Originally established in 1909 by Seiji Noma, the company is still a family-run business. Under the leadership of Sawako Noma, company president since 1987, Kodansha continues to play a dominant role in the media world, producing books and magazines in a wide variety of genres including literature, fiction, nonfiction, children's, business, lifestyle, art, manga, fashion, and journalism. Recently, the company has ventured into digital distribution of content as well.
www.kodansha.co.jp/english
Did Naoko have a change of heart?
manga craze
*grumbles something about underestimation*
Wasn't the original reason the series was pulled was that the original creator realised how badly the US adaption was butchering her work resulting in her pulling all support and licencing from under their noses?
Or did I misunderstand all those years ago?
Sweet, I'm game. Always wanted to read the comics. 8D
**screams**
That is so awesome.
I'm so pre-ordering these books.
Velotix Lexovetikan
wrote:
Wasn't the original reason the series was pulled was that the original
creator realised how badly the US adaption was butchering her work
resulting in her pulling all support and licencing from under their
noses?Or did I misunderstand all those years
ago?
That was somewhat a reason for the anime to not be finished (re: SailorStars). This is talking about the manga, which was released in its entirety in English; unless one counts Sailor V never being translated before in English.
I've only read bits and pieces of the manga years back, I am very glad that I can have the chance to read them all soon.
Somehow, Red, I thought you'd approve. 
Wasn't the original reason the series was pulled was that the original
creator realised how badly the US adaption was butchering her work
resulting in her pulling all support and licencing from under their
noses?
As I understood it, it was down to Mrs. Takeuchi wanting to focus the licence on the live action Pretty Guardian series, rather than the old stuff.
Excuse me for a moment...
YAY!!!!!!!
I missed it the first time it was released. I'm really happy that we're finally getting the Sailor V manga as well.
I was lucky and managed to buy all of the last edition when I was living in London back in '02. Depending on the new features in this edition, though, I could be convinced to reinvest.
I'm sure Cookirini is with this thread in spirit.
o.O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Fangirl scream*
This is beyond awesome., I never finished my SM series mainly because of the fact that I never had the time, but now.....no way. No way am I missing out on this, AND Sailor V? My god this might round out my Classic Manga collection! Beyond excited.
