Shelf Life
July 1, 2019
by Paul Jensen,
Welcome to Shelf Life, covering every week's new releases in anime, manga, and Japanese games! The list is full to bursting as usual, with the latest Blu-Ray sets for Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card, Dragon Ball Super, and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure taking the anime spotlight alongside multiple releases for Steins;Gate 0. Black Clover makes an appearance in both anime and manga form, and a new volume of Demon Slayer also hits shelves this week. Over in gaming, we have some major expansions coming out for Attack on Titan 2 and Final Fantasy XIV, while visual novel fans can pick up Clannad on the Switch. If you're excited for anything on this week's list, sound off in the comments!
Anime
Basilisk - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 600 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $44.98
Publisher's Description: Reared from birth as sworn enemies, the ill-fated lovers Gennosuke and Oboro seek lasting peace between their peoples. But war ravages their rival clans, and two lists seal their destinies–two lists from which a name can only be crossed out in blood.
Our Reviews: We have a bunch of old single-volume reviews for this series, and you'll find the first two of those here and here. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls - Part 2 BD+DVD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: Murakumo crumbles at the hands of the united clans, but enemies still stir in the shadows. Without warning, Hibiki is kidnapped, and a new castle looms on the horizon. One man cannot face such monstrous power alone, and if Hachirou wants to save Hibiki, he must command the Kouga and Iga clans to put their lives on the line once more.
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Winter 2018 Anime Preview Guide. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Black Clover - Season 1 Part 5 BD+DVD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $54.98
Publisher's Description: A trip to the beach isn't fun in the sun for Asta and the Black Bulls—they're on a mission to recover a magic stone! Deep in the Underwater Temple lies new danger and mages with extraordinary powers. But getting in is the first challenge! Luckily, Noelle receives help from a mysterious girl with song magic to master a new spell to help her team. But real danger makes a splash when, Vetto of the Third Eye, storms the temple! He takes out Asta's friends and allies, with unimaginable strength, like they're nothing. Can the magicless mage face all odds and take on the beastly villain?
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, along with reviews for part 1 and parts 2 and 3. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card - Part 2 BD
Funimation - 275 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: Sakura continues to work on capturing new Clear Cards, though the cards and her staff of dreams are still a mystery. She's determined to learn about the mysterious figure that keeps appearing in her dreams, but she still has to worry about school, her friends, and her feelings for Syaoran! Right when she thinks she has it all together, she'll find out that her new friend has a shocking secret.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
Dragon Ball Super - Part 8 BD, DVD
Funimation - 325 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $44.98|$39.98
Publisher's Description: With Buu out of commission, and in order to complete their roster, Goku recruits an old enemy as the 7th Universe's final teammate. However, the other universes aren't keen on letting this new foe join the fight. The stage is set, and the Tournament of Power finally starts! Can the Z Fighters last against an onslaught of targeted aggression, or will personal grudges mark the beginning of the end?!
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, and our most recent disc review covers parts 5 and 6. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable - Part 1 BD, DVD
Viz - 480 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.99|$39.99
Publisher's Description: Eleven years have passed since Jotaro Kujo defeated Dio, the Joestar family's archnemesis. In the year 1999, Jotaro travels to a Japanese town called Morioh to seek out Josuke Higashikata, the secret love child of his grandfather, Joseph Joestar. Upon finding him, Jotaro discovers that Josuke also possesses a Stand. As if drawn by an unknown force, new Stand users begin to appear all across town, threatening the lives of the innocent—including Josuke's loved ones. Swearing to protect the people living in his hometown, Josuke must now stand against the evil that lurks within Morioh.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, along with a full streaming review. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Viz.com.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin - Chronicle of the Loum Battlefield BD
Right Stuf - 168 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $39.99
Publisher's Description: Universal Century 0079. Humanity has turned even space itself into a battlefield, and the Principality of Zeon forces advance after wiping out half the world's population by carrying out Operation British (the colony drop). In response, the Earth Federation Forces mobilize their overwhelming fighting strength to regain the advantage.
Our Reviews: We have a review of the previous story arc in this series. Part of the series is available streaming on Crunchyroll.
Okko's Inn BD+DVD
Shout Factory - 100 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $26.99
Publisher's Description: After losing her parents in a car accident, Okko goes to live in the countryside with her grandmother, who runs a traditional Japanese inn built on top of an ancient spring said to have healing waters. While she goes about her chores, Okko discovers there are spirits who live there that only she can see – not scary ones, but welcoming ghosts who keep her company, play games and help her navigate her new environment. The inn's motto is that it welcomes all and will reject none, and this is soon put to the test as a string of new guests challenge Okko's ability to be a gracious host.
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this movie so far.
Steins;Gate 0 - Part 1 BD+DVD, Limited Edition
Funimation - 325 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98|$84.98
Publisher's Description: Okabe couldn't save her. Plagued by the guilt, his only solace lies with academia and with his friends who have been by his side from the start. But nothing's ever easy. While Okabe struggles to leave his traumas in the past, he meets a familiar-faced AI that re-opens old wounds and could lead to a terrifying new future.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
Steins;Gate 0 - Part 2 BD+DVD
Funimation - 275 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: Kagari has regained her childhood memories, but the last 12 years of her life are still shrouded in mystery. When forces unknown mobilize behind the scenes, Okabe investigates Kagari's past, while Suzuha fights to save the future from World War III. Science, subterfuge, and suffering culminate beyond anything Okabe could have foreseen on this perilous, uncharted path to Steins Gate.
Our Reviews: See the above entry for reviews and streaming links.
Those Who Hunt Elves - Complete Collection BD
Sentai - 600 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $49.98
Publisher's Description: When an unlikely trio of humans find themselves transported to a world populated by elves and other mystical beings, all they want to do is go home. Fortunately, the sorceress Celsia has a spell that can send them back! Unfortunately, things go horribly wrong and the spell is scattered to the winds, with different parts attaching like tattoos to the bodies of elves across the entire planet! Now, the only way to put it back together is for strongman Junpei, actress Airi and teenage gun-fanatic Ritsuko to travel around the world in a T-74 tank, convincing random elves to strip down for a "spell check"! Get ready for the weirdest, most un-PC road trip ever as the tank treads hit the road and the elf-clothes go a-flying!
Our Reviews: We have old single-volume reviews for this series here and here.
Tokyo Ravens - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 600 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $34.98
Publisher's Description: Harutora may seem like an ordinary guy, but he's actually a descendant of an ancient and powerful clan of onmyouji. Born without the family talent for magic, he'd always believed he was destined for a normal, boring existence. All that changed the day Natsume, a beautiful face from Harutora's past, barged back into his life and forever altered the course of his future.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the first and second halves of this series. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Manga
Anonymous Noise - Volume 15
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: In No Hurry gears up for a second Rock Horizon show, but due to a last-minute cancellation, they have to play a bigger stage than expected. As they watch Silent Black Kitty blow away the festival crowd, the vocalist of the day's headliner comes to Nino with a surprising proposal!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Black Clover - Volume 16
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: With the Black Bulls hideout under attack, it'll be up to some of the lesser-known members of the brigade to protect their home. Meanwhile, the leader of the Midnight Sun battles against the Wizard King!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of volumes 1 and 2, volume 8, and volume 12.
Daytime Shooting Star - Volume 1
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Optimistic high schooler Suzume moves to Tokyo and finds her heart caught between two men! After arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park where she had once seen a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they'll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch. And her homeroom teacher is none other than the handsome stranger!
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series so far.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Volume 7
Viz - 208 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Shinobu, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke and Nezuko have recovered while under the care of the Demon Slayer Corps. They have even learned a new and powerful technique—Total Concentration! They'll need this new power and all their skill on their next demon-hunting mission aboard the mysterious Infinity Train as it takes them into the dreams of demons!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Dr. Stone - Volume 6
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Senku's father, the astronaut Byakuya, returns to Earth shortly after humanity is turned to stone. Certain that his son will eventually survive the petrification, he leaves something behind for him to find. But will it survive the ravages of time? In the present, Senku and the villagers have to contend with attackers from the Tsukasa Empire. The dire situation calls for drastic measures, so they get to work on the strongest weapon yet—katanas!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Grand Blue Dreaming - Volume 7
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: On a stormy night, Iori and Chisa are left to watch the house alone. Little do they know that a passionate, libido-charged evening is about to unfold. Meanwhile, Iori's little sister, Shiori Kitahara, makes an appearance, transforming Kohei into a jealous god of destruction. Brocons, siscons, and lolicons run amok in the nude diving comedy's little-sister arc!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2018 Manga Guide.
Haikyu!! - Volume 33
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: The final points between Karasuno and Inarizaki are tossed back and forth, as neither team is ready to give up just yet. Both teams struggle to finish the other off and declare victory, but with the clock running out, will Karasuno be able to win the final set, or will Inarizaki send them packing?
Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1 and volume 4.
I am a Hero - Omnibus Volume
Dark Horse - 384 pages - MSRP $19.99
Publisher's Description: An odd observer in Barcelona pieces together the puzzle of the ZQN infestation before creator Kengo Hanazawa takes readers back to Japan and our remaining human survivors. Hideo and Hiromi discover something else that connects the two of them, as they head to Tokyo with a new ally. Murderous groups of human survivors are forced to band together, and the ZQN virus continues to evolve in massive ways.
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Volume 9
Viz - 240 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Will Chika agree to train genius Miyuki one more time to make up for yet another of his surprising deficiencies? Then, Miyuki's sister and father meddle in his (mostly hypothetical) love life. Are they too soon or too late? Rumors that plague Ishigami have serious personal and academic consequences. The much-anticipated, much-dreaded Sports Day finally arrives! And Chika dreams up a new game for the student council to play together—with literally explosive results.
Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1 and 2.
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits - Volume 4
Viz - 152 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Aoi is finally ready to open her restaurant on the grounds of the Tenjin-ya inn, but not everyone is as excited about it as she is. Some of the chefs of the main restaurant are doing everything they can to destroy her business before it even has a chance to start! Aoi is determined to keep going, but her detractors are deadly serious about stopping her.
Our Reviews: We have reviews for volume 1 and volume 2.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz: Glory of the Losers - Volume 13
Vertical - 171 pages - MSRP $12.95
Publisher's Description: Following the actions of five fighters and their mobile suits (large robots made for destruction), Gundam Wing is a heavily political, dramatic action work that is centered around a war between Earth and its surrounding colonies in space. See what unfolds in this latest volume?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes - Volume 5
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Disaster at the Marukane department store's grand reopening was averted thanks to the efforts of Koichi, Pop Step and their band of low-end idols. But a greater calamity was prevented by the clash between Knuckleduster and his own wayward daughter, Tamao, who was possessed by the villainous Kuin Hachisuka! In the end, Knuckleduster nearly had to kill Tamao to free her from the evil entity controlling her. Now that he has achieved his goal and saved his daughter, is Knuckleduster through with his life as a vigilante?
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this spinoff series so far.
Oresama Teacher - Volume 26
Viz - 200 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Mafuyu's homeroom teacher Mr. Maki isn't just a conundrum, he's also a kidnapper! Right when Mafuyu thought she was getting to the bottom of her missing memories, Mr. Maki spirited her away to an amazing mansion. While Mafuyu is a sucker for mansions, she does have a school to save. But she can't escape on her own, and all her friends think she's just home with a cold. Now her only choice is to rely on her enemy!
Our Reviews: Our most recent review for this series covers volumes 12 and 13.
Platinum End - Volume 9
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: With Metropoliman finally defeated, Mirai and Saki try to enjoy a moment of reprieve. But with other god candidates still out there, it's only a matter of time before their peace is shattered!
Our Reviews: We have reviews for volume 1, volume 2, and volume 3.
Snow White With the Red Hair - Volume 2
Viz - 208 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Shirayuki begins her duties as a court herbalist apprentice in the castle, but her mentor is a bit odd. He's quiet, shy, moody and…a child? Her first official duty is to accompany the prince to help quell an illness going around one of the forts that house Clarines soliders. Will she be able to discover the cause of the outbreak in time?
Our Reviews: Our user ratings for this series have an average of 8.3 out of 10, and we have a review of the anime adaptation.
To Love Ru Darkness - Volume 11
Ghost Ship - 200 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: In this sequel series to To Love Ru, Princess Lala's younger sister Momo begins her own marital machinations to ensnare poor Rito. But to make her plan a reality, he has to become king of their interstellar empire, which would allow him to marry as many women as he wants! As Rito's heart continues to waver between Lala and his first crush, Haruna, Momo finds herself unable to deny the feelings she has for the hapless earthling high schooler. Could a human alien harem be the solution to all their problems?
Our Reviews: Our user ratings for this series have an average of 8.0 out of 10, and we have a review of the anime adaptation.
Vampire Knight Memories - Volume 3
Viz - 216 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: Yuki and Zero have decided to become a couple. Though relations between the Hunter Society and vampires have improved, bombs have been set off in the city and the “Vampire King” is claiming responsibility. Yuki, Zero, Aido and Kaien enter the battle to protect those they care about.
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
The Water Dragon's Bride - Volume 10
Viz - 192 pages - MSRP $9.99
Publisher's Description: In the blink of an eye, a modern-day girl named Asahi is whisked away from her warm and happy home and stranded in a strange and mysterious world where she meets a water dragon god!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of volume 1, volume 2, and volumes 3 and 4.
Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs - Volume 6
Ghost Ship - 190 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Homeless and haunted by ghosts, high schooler Kogarashi thinks his luck has finally turned when he finds Yuragi-sou-a cheap boarding house that was formerly a hot springs inn, now full of super sexy, scantily clad female tenants. If Kogarashi can use his spirit abilities to banish the ghost that haunts the inn, he can even live there rent-free! But when the ghost, a beautiful teenage girl named Yuuna, appears before him, Kogarashi takes pity on her and is suddenly not so sure about the exorcism. Will he help save Yuuna from becoming an evil spirit? And what supernatural secrets do the other boarders hold?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Games
Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle
Koei Tecmo - PC, PS4, Switch, XB1 - MSRP $39.99
Publisher's Description: Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle contains the latest content for the tactical hunting action series based on the hit anime series Attack on Titan. By joining the Scout Regiment as an original character and controlling your character in situations that occurred in the original manga, you can experience the story from the same point of view as the other characters.
Clannad
Prototype - Switch - MSRP $44.99
Publisher's Description: Step inside a heart-warming tale of love, family, and the ties that bind us all together. With gorgeous visuals and a haunting soundtrack, the classic romantic adventure game comes to Nintendo Switch!
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
Square Enix - PC, PS4 - MSRP $39.99
Publisher's Description: Take part in the next saga of the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy XIV Online with the next legendary expansion pack - Shadowbringers!
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