Shelf Life
June 3, 2019
by Paul Jensen,
Welcome to Shelf Life! It's a long list as usual for new releases, with a pair of massive Dragon Ball box sets stealing the show as far as manga goes. The anime list is looking pretty action-heavy with rereleases of Black Lagoon and Hellsing Ultimate. On the gaming side of things, we've got Trails of Cold Steel II on the PS4, along with a Persona game on the 3DS that might just rub salt in the wound for anyone still hoping for a Switch port of Persona 5. Anything you're looking forward to this week? Sound off in the comments!
Anime
Black Lagoon - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 725 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.98
Publisher's Description: Rokuro was an ordinary Japanese business man—a whipping boy for the big bosses and corporate high rollers. But when his job to deliver a mysterious disk goes south, a ruthless gang of mercenaries fronted by a gunslinging femme fatale take him into their custody. Abandoned and out of his element, the newly reinvented “Rock” joins up with his kidnappers as a smuggler of the East China Sea.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of an older collector's edition set here and here. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Brothers Conflict - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Ema Hinata is lonely. As an only child and the daughter of a famous explorer, for most of her life her closest companion has been Juli, her talking pet squirrel. But her father is getting remarried, and her new family is... a little unorthodox. Now, she's got 13 gorgeous guys as her stepbrothers, and they're all after her heart! But is romance what she wants, or is it family?
Our Reviews: Our user ratings for this series have an average of 6 out of 10, and it was covered briefly on The Stream. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Godannar - Complete Collection BD
Sentai - 650 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $89.98
Publisher's Description: Five years ago, Goh, the pilot of the giant robot Dannar, rescued Anna Aoi as the monstrous Mimetic Beasts attempted to wipe human life from the planet. Now the Beasts are back, but Goh's not going back into battle alone. Not only does his new bride-to-be Anna have a mech of her own, but their "his and her" giant robots are designed to mate together to form the ultimate in alien-smashing technology, the mighty Godannar!
Our Reviews: We have a review of the first volume of the old single-disc releases for this series. It's available streaming on HIDIVE.
Hellsing Ultimate - OVA Collection BD
Funimation - 502 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.98
Publisher's Description: Protecting England from satanic ghouls, the Hellsing Organization's deadliest weapon is a rogue vampire named Arucard. Seras Victoria, a former policewoman who accepted Arucard's gift of dark salvation after she fell in the line of duty, is called for backup. Together, they haunt the shadows as a sinister force of good.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of older releases here, here, and here. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Laughing Under the Clouds - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Under the cloudy skies of turn-of-the-century Japan, three brothers shine brightly. Orphaned at a young age, the responsibility of providing for the Kumo family fell to the eldest brother, Tenka. A skilled swordfighter and proud guardian of his rambunctious younger siblings, Soramaru and Chutaro, Tenka Kumo walks through life with unfailing optimism and devotion to his family.
Our Reviews: We have a review of this series, along with a review of the sequel films. The series is available streaming on Funimation.
No-Rin - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Now that Ringo (the pop artist formerly known as Yuka) is a student at Tamo Agricultural High School, she's ready to ho, sow, and plow her way to the top! But first she has to learn...pretty much everything about farming. On top of that, Kosaku's best friend, Minori, is waaaaaay jelly of his friendship with Ringo on account of her not-so-hidden feelings for him, and seeds of rivalry begin to sprout between the two. And the biggest mystery still remains: What's a world famous pop star doing at an agricultural high school?
Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous release here. It's available streaming on Funimation.
Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise BD
Maiden Japan - 125 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $34.98
Publisher's Description: The movie Royal Space Force Wings of Honneamise, directed by Hiroyuki Yamaga is set in a world eerily similar to our own, a war between the Kingdom of Honneamise and its arch rival, The Republic, seems inevitable. But even as the two nations' rapidly evolving technology creates new ways to wage greater and more deadly forms of warfare, a small group seeks to use those same advances to propel mankind forward into the future and into space in their world's first manned spaceflight program.
Our Reviews: We have a review of this movie from the days when Blu-Ray and HD-DVD were still competing formats, and it's also covered in this article on the history of Studio Gainax. It's available streaming on HIDIVE.
Soul Eater - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 1275 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98
Publisher's Description: Maka is a meister and Soul is her weapon and as students at the Grim Reaper's Death Weapon Meister Academy, their study habits couldn't be more different. But in battles against the supernatural forces of evil, they're a freakin' lethal team.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the various parts of this series here, here, here, and here. It's available streaming on Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix.
Manga
After the Rain - Omnibus Volume 4
Vertical - 328 pages - MSRP $17.95
Publisher's Description: Kondo starts to feel a slight something towards Akira, but his expression turns stern and pained. Akira is perplexed by this change in him. Meanwhile, Yui works up the courage to tell Yoshizawa how she feels…
Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1 and volume 2.
Ao Haru Ride - Volume 5
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew. Kou asks Futaba to go on a date with him to the summer festival. But as the two grow closer, fellow student Kikuchi sets his sights on Futaba.
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.
Boruto - Volume 6
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Boruto and his teams' mission to rescue Konohamaru gets complicated when Ao shows up. Ao may be old, but he as experience and powerful ninja tools at his disposal. But what is this mysterious vessel that Ao, and the organization known as Kara, are after? And how it it connected to Boruto?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1 and an interview with the artist.
Classmates - Volume 1
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Hikaru always thought his classmate Rihito was kind of a snob, until he stumbles across Rihito secretly practicing a song in an empty classroom. Hikaru agrees to become Rihito's music tutor, and with each lesson the two boys grow closer. But when Hikaru realizes that he's fallen for Rihito, will they stay classmates or become something more?
Our Reviews: We have a review of the movie adaptation of this series.
Dragon Ball - Box Set
Viz - 16 volumes - MSRP $139.99
Publisher's Description: Legend has it that if all seven of the precious orbs called “Dragon Balls” are gathered together, an incredibly powerful dragon god will appear to grant one wish. Unfortunately, the orbs are scattered across the world, making them extremely difficult to collect. Enter 16-year-old Bulma, a scientific genius who has constructed a radar to detect the exact locations of the Dragon Balls. She's on a mission to find all seven orbs, but first she must convince young Son Goku to join her on her quest. With a monkey tail, superhuman strength and a magic staff for a weapon, Son Goku is ready to set out on the adventure of a lifetime…
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1 of the omnibus version of this series.
Dragon Ball Z - Box Set
Viz - 26 volumes - MSRP $219.99
Publisher's Description: Son Goku is the greatest hero on Earth. Five years after defeating the demon king Piccolo, he's grown up and had a family—he's married, and he has a child, Son Gohan. But what is the real reason for Goku's incredible strength? A visitor from outer space arrives bearing terrible news—Goku is an alien, and the visitor, Raditz, is Goku's brother! When Raditz turns out to be a ruthless killer, Goku must fight his incredibly strong brother to save his family and the entire human race. A surprising alliance may be Earth's last hope: Goku will team up with his old enemy Piccolo...archenemies united to save the world!
Our Reviews: Since we don't have any formal reviews for this run of volumes, check out this interview instead.
Edens Zero - Volume 3
Kodansha - 200 pages - MSRP $10.99
Publisher's Description: Space pirate Elsie gives Shiki the warship he needs to continue his quest to find Mother. Little did he know, the ship belonged to the Demon King Ziggy! Once aboard, Shiki and the crew meet Witch, one of the Demon King's Four Shining Stars, who welcomes Shiki as the new Demon King. When the group ends up at planet Blue Garden while chasing the remaining Shining Stars, they are swept up in a heinous plot to kidnap B-Cubers! However, in the shadows lurks a chaos beyond anything Shiki and his friends could have ever imagined…
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.
Elfen Lied - Omnibus Volume 1
Dark Horse - 680 pages - MSRP $24.99
Publisher's Description: Captured and isolated against their will, the Diclonius species are a threat waiting to break free. When a young Diclonius girl, Nyu, escapes from the research facility she was being held in, she manages finds solace in two allies, until danger finds her again, putting everyone at risk. However, her enemies soon realize they're in over their heads as an attempt to subdue Nyu results in unspeakable tragedy.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the anime adaptation of this series here, here, and here.
Food Wars! - Volume 30
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The Régiment de Cuisine has reached its final bout! The Council sends in its two best chefs, Tsukasa and Rindo, while the resisters' hopes ride on Soma and Erina. In this battle of true gourmet between father and daughter, who will walk away the victor—Azami or Erina?!
Our Reviews: We have reviews for this series ranging from volume 1 through volume 20, and it was also covered in The Mike Toole Show.
Made in Abyss - Volume 6
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $13.99
Publisher's Description: In an age when the corners of the world have been scoured for their secrets, only one place remains unexplored--a massive cave system known as the Abyss. Those who traverse its endless pits and labyrinth-like tunnels are known as Cave Raiders. A young orphan named Rico dreams of following in her mother's footsteps as a Cave Raider. When she meets a strange robot when exploring the Abyss, she's one step closer to achieving her goal!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
My Hero Academia - Volume 19
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: In the wake of tragedy, Class 1-A prepares for the upcoming culture festival. While the students are busy planning for success, other forces are at work with their own agendas, and Midoriya, amid the preparations, continues to train with All Might. But when he runs into the failed hero Gentle Criminal, what lesson will he learn?
Our Reviews: We have reviews ranging from volume 1 to volume 17, along with an interview with the creator.
One Piece - Omnibus Volume 28
Viz - 608 pages - MSRP $14.99
Publisher's Description: Luffy's recently reunited Straw Hat Crew find themselves in a cream-filled fight for survival on Whole Cake Island. Their ship's cook, Sanji, must confront his complicated past in a delicious and treacherous land of sweets, where an arranged marriage awaits him. Can Sanji have his cake and eat it too?
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the single-volume edition ranging from volume 1 through volume 66.
The Promised Neverland - Volume 10
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: With Lucas's help, Emma is able to finally uncover the mystery of William Minerva. While their helper may no longer be alive, Emma now knows how to escape the world of demons. However, first they will need to escape Goldy Pond in one piece. And to do that, they'll have to take down some of the most powerful demons they've ever come across!
Our Reviews: We have reviews ranging from volume 1 through volume 9.
Queen's Quality - Volume 7
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: At Seichi, the Holy Ground of the Old Byakko Clan, a dangerous ghost attacks and seriously injures Kyutaro! Is Fumi strong enough to heal him? And what sort of secrets will Takaya reveal to them about their past?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Seraph of the End - Volume 17
Viz - 184 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Now that Ferid's been rescued, Yuichiro and the gang regroup at Guren's childhood home. There, Guren reveals a terrible secret—the angel that was summoned with the original apocalypse is trapped inside, and Yuichiro and his friends must work together to defeat it! Meanwhile, Krul is taken to Second Progenitor Urd Geales, the current leader of the vampires. While there, she reveals some old secrets of her own…
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Sweetness & Lightning - Volume 12
Kodansha - 200 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Having lost his wife, math teacher Kouhei Inuzuka is doing his best to raise his young daughter Tsumugi as a single father. He's pretty bad at cooking, but chance brings his little family and one of his students, Kotori Iida, together for homemade adventures. With those three cooks in the kitchen, it's no wonder this dinner table drama is so delicious. What will they cook up next in this latest volume?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Takane & Hana - Volume 9
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Hana's father makes the deal of a lifetime and moves the Nonomura family into a huge mansion… But what the Nonomuras didn't plan on was Takane moving in with them! Just how are Takane and Hana going to adjust to living together?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
We Never Learn - Volume 4
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Tutoring has become the least of Nariyuki's problems! As Nariyuki finds himself becoming a bigger part of the girls' lives, he has to deal with dirty apartments, impromptu dates and a highly embarrassing trip to a maid café! Can Nariyuki manage to keep his cool?!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.
Yona of the Dawn - Volume 18
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: A Kai Empire soldier fatally strikes Zeno, but he doesn't die! Yona and her friends are shocked by the Yellow Dragon's power as well as what he reveals about both his past and the Crimson Dragon King…
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Games
Kotodama: The 7 Mysteries of Fujisawa
PQube - PC, PS4, Switch - MSRP $29.99
Publisher's Description: Investigate the secrets of Fujisawa Academy across seven visual novel chapters – where each chapter hides the truth to one of the seven mysteries. Battle key characters using ‘Kotodama’ – the power of words. Interrogation battles see you stripping your target naked - exposing the truth behind their lies!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II
XSEED Games - PS4 - MSRP $49.99
Publisher's Description: Among the nations on the Zemurian continent,the mighty Erebonian Empire has been quick to outwardly stake its claim militarily; yet politically, ugly bouts of internal conflict between the upper class and commoners attempting to rise to power have been steadily intensifying day by day.The Noble and Reformist Factions have been none too kind to one another over the years, and tensions between the two only stand to worsen if compromises aren't made in the very near future.
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
Atlus - 3DS - MSRP $39.99
Publisher's Description: Welcome to the ultimate Persona experience. The sequel to the beloved dungeon crawler, Persona Q2, arrives on Nintendo 3DS. Join the cast of P3, P4, and P5 as they are thrown into a new and mysterious world. Can our favorite heroes defeat monsters, discover treasure, and navigate their way out of the labyrinth?
discuss this in the forum (5 posts) |
this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history