ICv2 reports that Bookscan’s graphic novel sales numbers were almost 15% lower this Thanksgiving weekend than in 2007. However, this tracks books, not dollars; non-manga trade paperbacks, which are more expensive than manga, have been doing better on the charts, so the economic picture might not be as grim as it seems. Diamond sales and marketing vp Kuo-Yu Liang saysanga scheduling is a factor and provides a brief view of the overall picture.
But hey, it’s a new week, and God Len lists this week’s new anime and manga releases at Japanator.
Ed Chavez looks at some upcoming releases from Tokyopop at MangaCast.
Matt Blind is back after a brief hiatus with his summaries of online sales for the week ending November 16: The top 500, new releases and pre-orders, emerging trends report, and rankings summary.
John Thomas applauds the editors of OTAKU USA for their decision to drop the DVD that usually comes bundled with the magazine and lower the cover price.
Last week, the news broke that “Naruto” was among the top ten searches at Yahoo. But what about Google? It’s not quite as clear-cut, but Brack at Awesome Engine manages to tease out the trend, and it looks pretty good for the ninja lad. (Hat tip: Erin F.) Also via Erin: The Video Vicar has a nice roundup of old Astro Boy shorts at Fantasy Magazine.
Congrats to Melinda Beasi, who is the newest reviewer at Manga Recon!
Lori Henderson starts her countdown of the Twelve Manga of Christmas with a longtime favorite, One Piece.
Here’s a website worth watching: The Anime Portal tracks online discussions of anime and manga, so you don’t have to!
Not comics, but awesome anyway: MIT has an online exhibit of Japanese postcards from the Russo-Japanese War (190-05). Click the “Visual Narratives” link for some lovely graphic art of horrible things. (Via Journalista.)
News from Japan: Ed Chavez lists some recent responses to a survey on shoujo manga with boy-appeal.
Reviews: Carlo Santos turns his gaze on a handful of new manga in his latest Right Turn Only!! column. Also at ANN, Casey Brienza manages to find a few good things to day about vols. 1 and 2 of You’re So Cool despite the irritating plot but is less than thrilled with vols. 1 and 2 of Atelier Marie and Elie Zarlburg Alchemist. David Welsh looks at Tokyo Zombie at The Comics Reporter. Erica Friedman enjoys a 4-koma manga, Tori Koro MW-1056, at Okazu. Deb Aoki reviews vol. 1 of Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo at About.com. The Manga Recon crowd dishes up a heaping helping of brief reviews in their latest Manga Minis. Alex Hoffman checks out vol. 1 of Stray Little Devil at Comics Village. Julie reads vol. 1 of Hitohira at the Manga Maniac Cafe. Lissa Pattillo takes a look at vol. 6 of Wild Adapter at Kuriousity.
Brigid, thank you for the congrats! Also, I think you are greatly responsible for this kind turn of fate. I doubt Kate or Michelle would ever have stumbled on my blog if you hadn’t begun linking to it. So thank you for that too!
The Anime Portal would be better if it was automatic (like a search engine). Or at least have more staff.
Jura:
Yeah, The Anime Portal is not the BEST project in the world and it is difficult with a one man team. But I do try my best to cover as much as possible. I think the idea is somewhat unique though.
The idea is unique. Other people including me would be willing to help, perhaps. Just have to ask around.
There’s several things that could be worked on. A domain name to better establish itself, a modern widget friendly layout, and perhaps a contact form.
I’d be glad for you to help, actually if you’re up to it! I don’t have a credit card to make a custom domain off from Blogger nor do I have money to begin an official website.
We can better discuss this through email. Please send me a message: animeportal@ymail.com