The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide
Manga & Books
by Rebecca Silverman & Kalai Chik,
Anime News Network's 2024 Gift Guide Manga & Books
Wondering what to get the manga fan in your life? We've got the best selection of manga box sets, first volumes, K-Comics, art books and more that can help you find the perfect present.
Sponsored in part by
Yen Press
Manga & Books
Delicious in Dungeon Manga Box Set
Feast upon a smorgasbord of monstrous cuisine in this delectable spread of all fourteen volumes of Delicious in Dungeon! Join Laios, Marcille, Chilchuck, and Senshi as they delve into the depths to save their lost comrade—and stuff themselves silly in the process! And if all that doesn't whet your appetite, this box set even includes an exclusive poster for dessert!
Where to purchase
JoJo A-Go!Go! Artbook
This oversized, hardcover book includes full-color illustrations from the third arc of Hirohiko Araki's megaseries up to that year. Araki's busy art looks particularly good in this large format, and the dynamism of his poses and dayglo colors make each page eye-catching. If you know a JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series fan, this is an easy way to make their holiday.
Where to purchase
Yokai: The Art of Shigeru Mizuki Artbook
Along with being an excellent manga creator with an outsize influence on the medium, Shigeru Mizuki was also a skilled traditional artist. This full-color book of his yokai paintings shows off both his manga and classical skills. Each yokai also has a paragraph on the facing page about its origins, myths, and what Mizuki's own experiences with them were.
Where to purchase
Under the Oak Tree Manhwa and Novel
Suji Kim's Medieval-set historical fantasy is one of those series it's hard to put down. Available as both a webtoon and the original novels (both released physically by Inklore), the story follows Maxi as she comes into her own while married to the mildly terrifying Riftan, an accomplished knight and warrior. Their romance is only one piece of the plot, with Maxi learning to overcome her abuse at the hands of her father and the damage it dealt her self-esteem and exciting battles against monster hordes making up the rest. Both novels and webtoon books are gorgeous.
Where to purchase
Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation Artbook
Ghibli fans know that the places are as much characters as the people in the studio's films, and this book helps to prove it. This 2014 artbook collects not just sketches and in-progress pictures, but also lore from Hayao Miyazaki and others at Ghibli, detailing their process and inspirations for each place and building. It's a glorious, gorgeous time capsule that stands to substantially enhance understanding of each of the films discussed.
Where to purchase
Ubel Blatt Collector's Edition
Rumors stir throughout the land: when the wielder of the black sword draws his dark blade, all who stand in its path are torn asunder...! Köinzell, the mysterious young boy who carries the black sword, undeniably wields it with exceptional skill, but can he truly be responsible for the bloody rumors? Pursued by the Traitorous Lances, four powerful warriors who were thought to have been defeated by the Seven Heroes, the strength of the young swordsman will be tested to its limit. At battle's end, only the shocking truth of Köinzell's quest will stand above the corpses of his enemies... An epic fantasy on the grandest of scales!
Where to purchase
Trigun Manga Deluxe Edition
The Trigun anime has, at this point, had more fancy releases than the manga, but now is the moment for the latter to happen. Dark Horse's releases of both Trigun and Trigun Maximum are hardcover omnibuses with larger trim sizes than the earlier paperback releases, nicer paper, and are really attractive on the whole. They're collectibles you can interact with and should hold up well through multiple re-readings.
Where to purchase
The Complete Poe Clan: The 70s Box Set
It's hard to argue against Moto Hagio being one of the most influential shoujo manga creators, and The Poe Clan is at the top of the list of her works. Drawn & Quarterly's new two-volume hardcover box set collects the entire original 1970s series of the vampire saga, and Rachel Thorn's translation really brings out the beauty of Hagio's writing. This is right up there with The Rose of Versailles for important shoujo releases, and is a must for shoujo fans and vampire fans alike. Voice actor Romi Park considers the series her “bible.”
Where to purchase
Spy x Family: The Official Coloring Book
Even if your coloring skills peaked in third grade, the official Spy x Family coloring book has you covered. Featuring images from Tatsuya Endo's original manga, the pictures are large enough that all skill levels of colorers can enjoy it, and the pages are thick enough to accommodate markers as well as crayons or colored pencils.
Where to purchase
One Piece: Pirate Recipes: Sanji Cookbook
Recreate some of the dishes from One Piece anime with these recipes! From that meat-on-the-bone Luffy loves to pumpkin juice to Frankie-sized burgers, this cookbook has all of the fun of seafaring cuisine with 100% less weevils and hardtack.
Where to purchase
Semantic Error Vol. 1 (Comic)
Computer science major Sangwoo Choo values reason, routine, and rules above all, so when the rest of his teammates fail to contribute to the group presentation, he doesn't hesitate to cut everyone's names from the project entirely—including design major Jaeyoung Jang, which ruins his plans to graduate and study abroad. Jaeyoung is more than happy to return the favor and strives to be the biggest thorn in Sangwoo's side—but as they spend more time together, a strange attraction begins to develop between them... Will Sangwoo be able to debug this semantic error from his life?
Where to purchase
Wonderful Precure Fan Book Vol. 1
All things Wonderful PreCure are here - this fanbook covers the TV series and the movie, and as an added bonus, includes a plush Kiararin Penguin for all of your snuggling needs. Japanese language only, but very much still worth it.
Where to purchase
I.L.
Osamu Tezuka's influence on manga and manga creators spans far and wide, but one of his early works is now finally published in English. Known for stories that appeal to children and teens, he experimented and blended adult-targeted themes, which came together for I.L. Described as a “fairy tale for adult readers” by the official Osamu Tezuka site, the stories are structured to be moral lessons around social topics such as political corruption and domestic violence. Tezuka's groundbreaking approach to storytelling in I.L. is a must-add to anyone's shelf.
Where to purchase
My Hero Academia Volumes 1-20 Box Set
With My Hero Academia's recent manga ending, why not revisit the series from Volume 1? Relive how it all started with Class 1-A through this box set of the first twenty volumes! This editorion includes a double-sided poster, bonus illustration booklet with new illustrations, and translated author notes from Kohei Horikoshi.
Where to purchase
Case File Compendium Novels
Danmei fans rejoice at the long-awaited publication of Case File Compendium: Bing An Ben, or BAB. This hit Chinese Boys' Love novel follows a modern sci-fi story between He Yu, a university student, and his former doctor, Xie Qingcheng. Despite He Yu's initial interest in Xie Qingcheng's younger sister, he finds himself obsessed with the physician after a dramatic incident between the two of them. For those who are curious, this series features a nianxia (lit. younger) couple, where the top is younger than the bottom.
Where to purchase
Candy (Sasaki and Miyano Art Book)
Sugar and spice and everything nice—enjoy this delightfully delectable and sugary sweet amalgamation of gorgeous illustrations, rough sketches, exclusive bonus manga, and even an interview with the series creator of Sasaki and Miyano and Hirano and Kagiura!
Where to purchase
Sailor Moon Naoko Takeuchi Collection Box Set 1
Sailor Moon never goes out of style, and if you've been holding off on collecting the series, this is the box set for you. This new box set was considered precious cargo during Kodansha's panel at San Diego Comic Con, with people rushing to take pictures of the box and cards. This new release contains the first six volumes, sixteen art cards, and a holographic box with a magnetic closure–a great addition to any fan's collection.
Where to purchase
Vampire Knight Complete Series Box Set
Take a trip down memory lane with the entire nineteen-volume collection from Matsuri Hino's hit series, Vampire Knight. This new box set includes a special collection of illustrations, titled “Matsuri Hino Presents Last Knight,” and a Cross Academy day planner. Vampires are back in vogue, so why not jump into Hino's iconic shojo manga this winter?
Where to purchase
Japanese Layout Design
Ever been curious about what goes into Japanese designs? This book includes a high-level analysis of popular works by over eighteen Japanese designers, including graphic designer Masayoshi Kodaira, Yoshihisa Shirai, Ryu Mieno, and more. From book covers to posters, this guide breaks down layout schematics down to understandable elements: layout, font, color, and alignment.
Where to purchase
H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu Manga
One of H.P. Lovecraft's most well-known short stories is given new life through Gou Tanabe's eye for visual horror. Tanabe's interpretation of Lovecraft's cosmic creature and its accompanying existential dread is a masterclass in storytelling. Junji Ito, famed fellow horror manga artist, once considered adapting H.P. Lovecraft's stories himself. But he praised Tanabe's work for being so good that he simply wouldn't be able to compete.
Where to purchase
Monpoke: Pokemon RainbowWater Wonder Coloring Book
Coloring Pokémon can now be as endlessly fun as becoming a Pokémon Master with this reusable water coloring book. Cute, reimagined Pokémon like Pikachu and Piplup can provide infinite entertainment as a ‘magic’ pen uncovers colors and objects on every page. Once the pages are dry, you can refill the pen and do it all over again. It's no wonder why this book is a top seller on the Pokémon Center website. Enjoy a mess-free activity at home or on the road!
Where to purchase
[Oshi No Ko] Art Book
Mengo Yokoyari, artist of the runaway success [Oshi no Ko], has compiled her illustrations into this extensive collection featuring the burning stars who light up the world of Japanese show business! This book features over 130 pieces including full-color works, character design drafts, drawings posted to social media—as well as comments and a discussion between Yokoyari and author Aka Akasaka.
Where to purchase
Tobihachi Artworks - Nikoge no Tsudoi Artbook
Artist Tobihachi puts together an incredible collection of anthropomorphized animals in classical Japanese and Western clothing. The 176 paged artbook features Tobihachi's imaginative world of “fluffy” animals–from foxes to birds–in stylized poses and fashionable outfits. It's a beautiful assortment of detailed drawings and includes an explanation of the artist's drawing techniques and a closing interview. Japanese language only.
Where to purchase
Last Quarter
From the famed author of Nana comes a supernatural story of star-crossed lovers. Originally a three volume series from 1998-1999, Last Quarter will finally see its first English release after almost twenty-six years. Given Yazawa's flare for the dramatic, Last Quarter's romance is entwined with mystery and drama, and promises to keep readers on edge.
Where to purchase
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