Fantagraphics Books

The Fall 2011 Anime Preview Guide
The Fall 2011 Anime Preview Guide has begun! Check back daily for updates.
Previews Available Now: Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere episode 2 - Kimi to Boku episode 2 - Gundam Age - Mirai Nikki - Hunter x Hunter episode 2 - Ben-to - Fate/Zero episode 2 - Majikoi - Oh! Samurai Girls! - Shakugan no Shana III (Final) - and more! 2011-10-01

List of 2011 Fall Season TV Anime in Japan
Our Spotlight shows are up, but there's much more anime coming out this season. Here's the big list, with the important points on each. 2011-09-21

RIGHT TURN ONLY!! - Lights and Psyren
Could Psyren be next great Shonen Jump sensation? Or should you stick to reading familiar favorites like Cross Game and Kannagi? This week's reviews will tell you the answer! 2011-10-11

Shelf Life - Magnificent Eleven
Erin's got her eleven eyes on the upcoming yokai invasion.
- 11 Eyes
- Sgt Frog s3 pt 2
- Yu Yu Hakusho s2
2011-10-10

The Mike Toole Show - ShopTales
Mike does the unthinkable and actually visits his local anime store in order to buy figures - and in the mean time paints a portrait of the anime retail landscape. 2011-10-09

Monster Episodes 61-74 Streaming
The simple truth is that no conclusion could ever live up to Monster's build-up. That said, the battle for Ruhenheim comes pretty close.

The Art of Vampire Knight Artbook
Overall, this book is stunning. Interesting compositions, breathtaking color, and good use of line, shape, and space make this volume a very satisfactory experience. While the similarities of character design can be off putting, the fact that this book is in full color makes it easier to appreciate Hino's artwork than in the manga itself.

The Story of Saiunkoku GN 4
All in all, this is the first real stand-out volume of the series. It has humor, romance, and intrigue, both political and otherwise, and with some interesting character development and blossoming plot, the stage is set for it to continue on in this vein.

Kamisama Kiss GN 5
This is a charming entry into an already fun series. The seeds for two major plot developments are sown, showing that Suzuki still has plenty of places left to visit in the spirit world. With humor, grace, and the only partially-familiar world of Japanese mythology, Kamisama Kiss continues to be an entertaining tale of one girl's journey into godhood.

Book Girl and the Captive Fool Novel 3
Up until this point the Book Girl series has been a vaguely forgettable experience, but this installment promises more development of Konoha and some of the recurring side characters. It isn't terrific, but Book Girl and the Captive Fool is an enjoyable, slightly atmospheric read.

Cage of Eden GN 1
Despite its slow start, Cage of Eden becomes deeply engrossing, so that once a certain point is reached, it is nearly impossible to put down. The central mystery may be something we've seen before, but in this case that doesn't matter. As Akira and his fellow survivors set out to solve it, we are filled with a foreboding that the most dangerous animals that they will face on the mysterious island are the humans.

Bleach GN 36
The break in continuity may be just what flagging readers need to regain interest in a series that drags at times, and the slight melancholy of the past may recharge waning emotions. Bleach is by no means perfect, but for the time being, it is still a series worth reading.

Ai Ore! GN 2
Although not as enjoyable as its predecessor because of an increased non-consensual factor, Ai Ore is still solid romance writing for romance fans. With the humor of Ran and Rui thrown in, plus some interesting tidbits about the recording of the drama CD this is still a good beach book.

Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura GN 3
While Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura is not Tanemura's finest work, it is still a welcome return to the classic magical girl story. The start has been a bit slow, but with the plot the author wanted rearing its head, it seems safe to say that the series will get better from here.

Katanagatari Sub.DVD/Blu-ray Box Set 2
The end of Katanagatari is good, but had it allowed us to get closer to its characters, it could have been great.

Papuwa DVD 1
Papuwa is often genuinely funny, but it isn't a good comedy.