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Viz's Shonen Jump, Shojo Beat Shake Up Manga Lineup

Viz Media announced SJ Evolution, a multi-month makeover for the American Shonen Jump magazine. The Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo slapstick comedy manga begins serializing in the July issue, while the Shaman King mystical adventure will end its serialization in the August issue. Viz had previously released excerpts of Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo in the September 2005 and November 2005 issues of Shonen Jump, as well as a compiled volume of the series in November 2005. The magazine also confirmed that another unspecified title will end serialization and a new title will begin in the November issue. The previously announced Naruto Nation campaign is also part of Shonen Jump's transition.

The July issue of Shojo Beat also revealed that the college-life romance Honey and Clover will replace NANA after August. Honey and Clover inspired a live-action movie and two anime series—the first for which Viz Europe had acquired television rights. NANA has been part of Shojo Beat since it adorned the cover of the magazine's premiere issue. Haruka, an abbreviation for the full Japanese title Harukanaru Toki no Naka de, will replace another founding title, Baby & Me, after October. Haruka is based on a hit fantasy dating simulation game for girls that also inspired several television, video, and theatrical anime projects.

Shaman King, NANA, and Baby & Me will continue in graphic novels.

Thanks, Kevin Ng.