Shelf Life

August 12, 2019

Welcome to Shelf Life! This is normally the part where I'd pick out some highlights from the new release list, but this week I've got some news to share instead. I'm taking on a new role at my day job, and because that new role has a drastically different schedule, I won't be able to continue writing this column on a weekly basis. That means this is going to be my last week of Shelf Life. It's been over four years since I first joined this column as a contributing writer, and I'd like to thank all of you for taking time out of your days to read it. I hope I've been able to help you find some fun and interesting anime to watch along the way. Thanks for all your support, and keep on filling your shelves with awesome stuff!

Akiba's Trip - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 325 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98

Publisher's Description: What should have been a normal day for Tamotsu Denkigai goes sideways, when he's nearly killed by deadly creatures known as the Bugged Ones. Powerful and able to possess anyone, the Bugged Ones have one weakness: being naked! So, it's up to Electric Mayonnaise to bare the evil facing Akiba and to undress the otaku culture that keeps the city alive, if they intend on saving it.

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series. It's available streaming on Funimation.

All Out!! - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 625 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.98

Publisher's Description: Fast, hard-hitting, and intense, rugby is the sport where anyone can shine! First-year Kenji Gion has never played, but after a run-in with Sumiaki Iwashimizu, a tall and hesitant first-year, Gion's ready to prove he has what it takes—despite his lack of height. Can this mismatched duo fit in on an already struggling team? They'll have to get it together and go all out!

Our Reviews: We have reviews of previous releases here and here. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Hanebado! - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 325 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98

Publisher's Description: Ayano Hanesaki is a natural at badminton, but her heart hasn't been in the game ever since her mother left. That changes when Nagisa Aragaki, the headstrong and overbearing captain of the badminton club, sparks an unparalleled rivalry with her. Only a great coach and a tireless team can push these ace players past their limits for a rally that smashes the competition!

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Hinamatsuri - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98

Publisher's Description: Yakuza member Yoshifumi Nitta's way of life takes a turn for the absurd when a strange, telekinetic young girl named Hina falls onto his head. Now he's stuck caring for this socially awkward psychic weirdo while struggling to continue his normal criminal lifestyle. With a huge lineup of unique characters, hilarious antics, and emotional side stories, get ready for a wild ride.

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews and a full review for this series. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Hunter x Hunter - Part 6 BD, DVD
Viz - 530 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.99|$39.99

Publisher's Description: Man is no longer the dominant species. The Chimera Ants are evolving at blistering speed, making them more and more powerful! Infused with fantastic Nen abilities, the interspecies war escalates dragging in the strongest hunter of them all, legendary Chairman Netero! Gon, hopeful to find a way to restore Kite, and Killua have joined the fray and are facing ever increasing, arduous battles. Meanwhile the terrifying and all-powerful Ant King is engaged in a life-or-death competition of a board game called Gungi?

Our Reviews: We have a review of part 1. The series is available streaming on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.

Kenka Bancho Otome: Girl Beats Boys
Funimation - 96 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $19.98

Publisher's Description: Shishiku Academy may be brimming with handsome bad boys, but it's still an all-male school for delinquents where only the toughest rise to the top. It's the last place you'd expect to find a kind-hearted girl like Hinako. But when she runs into the son of a yakuza family who could pass as her twin, she's got no choice but to take his place and fight to rule the school.

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2017 Anime Preview Guide. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Sakura Wars - Complete Collection BD
Sentai - 625 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98

Publisher's Description: In 1918, a giant demon appeared in Tokyo, and although the monstrous creature was finally defeated, the Imperial forces knew that something had to be done in anticipation of future attacks. The solution was the development of the Imperial Assault Force, an assembly of secret teams of dedicated young women gifted with a unique spiritual power that enables them to operate Kobu, steam-powered mechanical armor that combines the attributes of humanoid robots and tanks. While pretending to be normal, ordinary girls in everyday life, these brave battle maidens and their international counterparts stationed around the world must remain ever vigilant for assaults by demons sent by the leagues of evil magic users.

Our Reviews: We have a review of a previous release of this series. It's available streaming on HIDIVE.

Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter - Volume 4
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: After being banished from high society, Iris has managed to invigorate her father's domain as acting fief lord. But when an invite comes from the Queen Dowager, Iris finds herself called to court once more…just as the struggle for the crown begins to heat up. Can Iris find a way to manipulate the outcome to her own advantage, or will she become caught in the crossfire?

Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.

Attack on Titan - Volume 28
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $10.99

Publisher's Description: After years as a lonely double agent, Zeke finally returns to the good graces of his home island of Paradis. Still, the Survey Corps refuses to let him meet Eren—the other ingredient in the earth-shaking weapon—for fear the explosive duo will be impossible to control. Meanwhile, the public responds badly to the military's open distrust of their hero Eren, and the detention of the Marleyan volunteers spurs an uprising. Amid the turmoil, Eren takes matters into his own hands…

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for the most recent seasons of the anime adaptation of this series.

Captain Harlock: Dimensional Voyage - Volume 9
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Harlock faces Jorjibel in a decisive frontal assault, utterly destroying her fleet. Meanwhile, Tadashi's pursuit of the mystery of the Mazon leads him straight into a war for the soul of Earth. What shocking truth will he uncover while freeing the captive Mayu?! The final class between humans and Mazon draws ever closer!

Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 through 3.

Classmates - Volume 2
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Though Rihito's always been a loner, lately he's grown close to his classmate, Hikaru. The two of them have even fallen in love and tentatively started dating. But when Rihito's mother ends up in the hospital, the stress of it all becomes too much for him. Hikaru wants to be there for Rihito, but can Rihito learn to open his heart and rely on another person?

Our Reviews: We have a review of the movie adaptation of this series.

Fullmetal Alchemist - Fullmetal Edition Volume 6
Viz - 268 pages - MSRP $19.99

Publisher's Description: In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. The brother's search for the Philosopher's Stone that can repair their bodies is hijacked by a prince from the east seeking the same target.

Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 through 3 of the previous edition.

Hinamatsuri - Volume 4
One Peace - 190 pages - MSRP $11.95

Publisher's Description: It has been some time since Hina first used her immense powers to threaten Nitta and claim a spot in his home - settling into her new life in modern Japan and spending most of her time lazing about. But now, something seems to have changed. First, Hina's inner hard-rockin' spirit begins to thrash out. Then, she gets herself involved in the world of shady lending. And finally, she starts... taking lessons in social etiquette and the arts? What on earth has gotten into this girl?

Our Reviews: We have a review of the anime adaptation of this series.

Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - Volume 3
Vertical - 180 pages - MSRP $12.95

Publisher's Description: In a vast forest lies a certain country, a place blessed with abundance, so wonderful that all travelers want to visit at least once. The country is so popular, in fact, that anyone who wishes to stay must enter the tournament held in the coliseum and battle for citizenship and the right to create a new law for the land…

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for the most recent anime adaptation of this series.

Komi Can't Communicate - Volume 2
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99

Publisher's Description: It's time for the national health exam at Itan High, and the excitement of eye exams and height measurements have fanned the flames of competition for plain jane Makeru Yadano. She's determined to beat the class idol Komi in the health test, and Komi's total obliviousness to their impassioned duel just feeds Makeru's determination. As the epic battle heats up, how will Komi handle her first rival when she's barely made her first friends?!

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2019 Manga Guide.

Machimaho: I Messed Up and Made the Wrong Person Into a Magical Girl! - Volume 3
Seven Seas - 182 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Rather than use her magical girl powers for good, Kayo uses them to settle petty scores and break stuff. But now a new magical girl has appeared, and she's not just bad, she's straight-up evil! Can Kayo send this new girl packing, or has she finally met her match?

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.

Magi - Volume 37
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99

Publisher's Description: The world teeters on the edge of destruction as Alibaba squares off against his former comrades who are convinced that everything and everyone should return to its basic Rukh form. In the Sacred Palace, David and Sinbad clash. Only a power beyond Maximum Magic can decide this battle for the ultimate fate of the world!

Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1 and volume 3.

Mob Psycho 100 - Volume 3
Dark Horse - 200 pages - MSRP $11.99

Publisher's Description: In a showdown with Black Vinegar Middle School's shadow gang leader, Teru, Mob sticks to his policy of nonviolence and refrains from using his powers—and gets knocked out! The fight seems over for Mob…but something then awakens in Mob, beyond the confines of his conscious mind! And in the aftermath, a new story develops with Ritsu, Mob's conflicted younger brother who enjoys the social success Mob desires…yet still longs for what Mob has that Ritsu lacks—psychic power!

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for the anime adaptation of this series.

Record of Grancrest War - Volume 4
Viz - 160 pages - MSRP $9.99

Publisher's Description: War is coming to Siluca and Theo's domain, and they have only the barest hope of stopping it. Margrave Marrine Kreische, the leader of the Factory Alliance, is coming, and she's bringing The Dragoon, an otherworldly power that makes her army even more formidable. Theo can counter her with The Patriot, but will it be enough? The fate of the domain rests in the balance.

Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for the anime adaptation of this series.

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle - Volume 8
Viz - 216 pages - MSRP $9.99

Publisher's Description: Princess Syalis's luxurious lifestyle is wreaking havoc on the Demon Castle's budget! When the Demon King cuts back on expenses so that she is no longer supported in the style she is accustomed to, the princess must find other strategies to satisfy her extravagant taste. Then, when the newly hired demon staff arrive for their orientation at the Demon Castle—complete with a hot springs retreat—the current staff is loath to admit that they've lost control of their hostage. What will happen when the newbies discover that the “Scissors Demon” joining in their training is actually a terrifying, bratty human girl?!

Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2018 Manga Guide.

Ultra Kaiju Humanization Project - Volume 3
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99

Publisher's Description: Mefilas and a few of the other Kaiju Girls have formed their own J-pop idol group, “Darkness Black,” in order to take over Earth through the power of young girls. But before Mefilas can get the plan off the ground, a figure from the past attacks! Will the fledgling group survive the onslaught?

Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series so far.