The North American anime and manga scene saw a flurry of new releases this week, from January 19th to 25th. Fans had a variety of new titles to choose from, including both highly anticipated series and fresh, exciting manga volumes. Here’s a breakdown of the key releases that have made their way to stores and online retailers.
Anime Releases
This week offered a diverse selection of anime releases, catering to various tastes. From action-packed adventures to slice-of-life stories, here’s what hit the shelves.
New Series and Season Debuts
Several new series and seasons of returning favorites debuted this week, bringing fresh narratives and animation to screens.
“Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 3” (Blu-ray/DVD): The continuation of the epic saga was a highly anticipated release, bringing the intense battles and complex characters to home viewers. The final season has been released in parts to allow for the animation team to focus on producing high quality animation for the intense ending of the hit series.
“My Hero Academia Season 6” (Blu-ray/DVD): The latest installment of this popular superhero anime arrived, continuing the story of Izuku Midoriya and his classmates as they strive to become pro heroes. Season 6 sees the stakes raised higher than ever before as the heroes face off against villains with immense power.
“Spy x Family Season 2” (Blu-ray/DVD): The Forger family returned for their second season of wholesome and hilarious adventures, as the tensions of their secret missions grow. The series continues to be a fan favorite with its blend of comedy and espionage.
Movie Releases
Anime fans were also treated to new movie releases during the week.
“Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village” (Blu-ray/DVD): This theatrical release, which compiles the final two episodes of the “Entertainment District Arc” and adds a new first episode of the “Swordsmith Village Arc,” came to home viewers, giving a chance to revisit the stunning animation and the emotional storyline. The film is a hit amongst fans, who can now rewatch the film as much as they wish.
“Suzume” (Blu-ray/DVD): Acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai’s latest movie has been released on Blu-ray and DVD, bringing its beautiful animation and gripping story about a girl who can see doors that lead to disaster. The film has gained a large amount of praise for its visuals and emotional depth.
Other Notable Releases
Beyond the new series and movies, there were several other noteworthy anime releases.
“Vinland Saga Season 2” (Blu-ray/DVD): The critically acclaimed historical epic continued with its second season, exploring themes of revenge, redemption, and the true meaning of peace, the series was met with praise for its animation and philosophical approach to the story of Vikings.
“Ranking of Kings” (Blu-ray/DVD): This heartwarming tale about a deaf prince’s quest for greatness was also available in physical release. The show’s emotional narrative and unique animation style have made it a fan favorite among the anime community.
Manga Releases
The manga scene was just as active, with many new volumes and series debuting. This week featured a diverse array of genres, from action to romance to fantasy.
New Series
Several new manga series made their debut, offering readers fresh narratives and art styles to dive into.
“Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 1”: This highly anticipated manga, which blends action, sci-fi, and humor, was a major new release. The story follows a man who, after a series of unfortunate events, gains the ability to transform into a powerful monster, called Kaiju.
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Vol. 1”: This fantasy manga, praised for its unique focus on the passage of time and the lives of elves, has also been released this week for readers to dive into its world.
Continuing Series
Fans of ongoing manga series were also treated to new volumes.
“One Piece, Vol. 104”: The latest volume of this long-running pirate adventure continues the Straw Hat crew’s journey. The manga is widely praised and is one of the best-selling manga of all time.
“My Hero Academia, Vol. 35”: This installment further develops the story’s epic conflict and character arcs. The manga is following the current anime series, and is also critically acclaimed for its action and drama.
“Chainsaw Man, Vol. 12”: The story continues with the shocking and gory adventure of Denji. The manga is known for its unique blend of dark humor and fast paced battles.
“Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 21”: The story of Yuji Itadori continues with the intense supernatural battles that the series is known for. The manga is widely praised for its action-packed panels.
“Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 11”: The latest deluxe edition of this dark fantasy manga continues to offer fans high-quality presentation of the manga. This is perfect for those who want to catch up on the manga’s legendary story.
“Blue Lock, Vol. 10”: This sports manga, known for its unique approach to soccer, has released its tenth volume. It continues to be a very popular series within the sports manga community.
Light Novel Releases
Besides manga volumes, there were also new light novel releases this week, offering another way to enjoy Japanese stories.
- “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Vol. 17”: The latest installment of this popular isekai (another world) series has been released. The light novel is considered to be a foundational piece for the isekai genre that is so popular today.
- “Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-, Vol. 18”: The story of Subaru Natsuki’s endless suffering in another world continues in this volume. The series is critically acclaimed for its dark story.
- “Classroom of the Elite, Vol. 10”: The latest volume of this popular psychological thriller was also made available.
How to Purchase
These releases are available at a variety of retailers, both online and in physical stores.
- Online Retailers: Sites like Amazon, Right Stuf Anime, and Barnes & Noble offer a wide selection of anime and manga for purchase, often with options for pre-orders and discounts.
- Physical Stores: Local comic book stores, bookstores, and specialty anime shops are also great places to find these new releases, allowing fans to see the products in person.
Conclusion
The week of January 19th to 25th was a busy one for anime and manga fans in North America. With a range of new series, movie releases, and new volumes, there was something for every fan. Whether you prefer action, fantasy, romance, or slice-of-life, the diverse offerings ensured that there was plenty to be excited about. This period highlights the continued growth and popularity of anime and manga in North America, with fans eagerly awaiting each new release to add to their collections.
