Welcome to Shibuya-cho

Here's one for all you Naruto fans out there this week. Now I'm sure you were all excited by Cartoon Network's "Naruto: Hundo" marathon, and for those who haven't figured it out yet, "hundo" is some kind of Japanese-American slang for "hundred". The whole thing was a celebration for playing Naruto's 100th episode in America. And if you didn't get so Narutoed out from this 3-day weekend marathon, then have I got news for you. We got in volumes 16, 17, and 18 of the Naruto manga. Viz is starting they're "OMG-we-totally-have-to-catch-up-before-we-lose-the-american-audience-entirely" plan of putting out twelve volumes in the next four months. Now let me just say, the Sannin are finally here. These three books are wrought with pervy sage Jiraiya, Princess Tsunade, and Lord Voldem... I mean Orochimaru.

Hm, while the week itself isn't too big, (about 21 books, and that's counting the Naruto volumes as three different books), we do have some heavy hitters (yes, other than the big N). Things like Dr. Slump v. 13, Drifting Classroom v. 7 (which I know some of you have been waiting for), Hana Kimi v. 19, Golgo 13 v. 10, Monster v. 10, Hunter X Hunter v. 16, and a new Vampire Hunter D novel (the 8th I believe). So that should keep you all busy for at least 7 days.

But just in case you feel all splurgy and unfulfilled, there is one more thing we've got for you. *Drumroll* Katsuhiro Otomo's new hardcover artbook, Akira Club. "What is it?" you say, "Why should you care?", you say? This book is full of creator commentary, wild new art and original concepts of the world of Akira, including over 100 pages of full color prints of the covers of the original single issue comics. So yeah, total awesomeness. and you know what? It's not that expensive either, should be about $30. Sweet.

That's about it for now. See you all next week!

Ja Ne!
Mat K.