Shelf Life
June 24, 2019
by Paul Jensen,
Welcome to Shelf Life, covering every week's new releases in anime, manga, and Japanese games! We've got some big-name anime titles coming out on disc this week, including the third season of Overlord and the critically acclaimed Megalobox. Fans of Cardcaptor Sakura and Sailor Moon can pick up some new collector's edition manga volumes, and there's a box set for Princess Jellyfish for anyone who wants to buy the whole darn series at once.
Over in the gaming world, Super Mario Maker 2 offers a fresh opportunity to torture your friends with brutally difficult, custom-built levels. We also have a couple of games completing their multi-platform releases this week, and you'll find more on those in last week's column. If there's anything on this list you're super excited about, sound off in the comments!
Anime
Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Coldier - Complete Collection BD
Discotek - 1150 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.95
Publisher's Description: Joe Shimamura never quite fit in. An Orphan with a troubled past, he awakens to find himself imprisoned and changed forever, the unwitting recipient of a new cyborg body, both strong and inhumanly fast. Before he can learn his captors' evil plans, Joe is rescued by a team of eight outcasts from around the world - outcasts just like him, with sad stories and formidable cyborg bodies. With nothing to lose, Joe becomes the ninth member of renegade cyborg group: he is Cyborg 009!
Our Reviews: No formal reviews for this series, but our user ratings have an average of 6.2 out of 10.
He Is My Master - Complete Collection BD
Sentai - 300 min - Sub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Yoshitaka Nakabayashi may be young, rich and not unattractive, but as runaway sisters Izumi and Mitsuki Sawatari quickly discover upon becoming Yoshitaka's new maids, he has some SERIOUS issues. Like his insistence on being called "Master", and dressing the girls in costumes he creates himself.
Our Reviews: We have a review of an older DVD collection of this series. It's available streaming on HIDIVE.
Kanamemo - Complete Collection BD
Maiden Japan - 325 min - Sub - MSRP $59.98
Publisher's Description: 13 is really young to have to take care of yourself, but when her grandmother dies, Kana Nakamachi unexpectedly finds herself out on the street looking for a new place to live. Fortunately, luck takes her to a local newspaper office that needs a new delivery girl and the pay includes room and board!
Our Reviews: No formal reviews for this series, but our user ratings have an average of 7.0 out of 10. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Master of Ragnarok and Blesser of Einherjar - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: Two years ago, high school student Yuuto Suou was summoned to the archaic land of Yggdrasil. With his solar-powered smartphone and a modern knowledge of tactics and inventions, he now reigns over the Wolf Clan as its patriarch. If Yuuto is ever to return home, he'll have to survive the looming threat of assassination, a voluptuous horde of beautiful shieldmaidens vying for his affections, and intense wartime conflicts where thousands of lives rest in the palm of his hand!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Summer 2018 Anime Preview Guide. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Megalobox - Complete Collection BD, DVD, Limited Edition
Viz - 299 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $44.98|$39.99|$77.40
Publisher's Description: Bored, resigned, and unfulfilled, a young man with neither name nor past survives by fighting in underground matches of a sport called “Megalobox,” a form of boxing that utilizes powered exoskeletons. Calling himself JNK.DOG, he feels trapped in a world of crime, poverty, and ecological collapse. All that changes when he has a chance encounter with Yuri, the reigning king of Megalobox. Now, obsessed with proving himself, JNK.DOG becomes a man driven to do whatever it takes to fight his way to the top of the rankings and take on the champion.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews and a feature article for this series, along with an interview with the producer. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Viz.com.
Monogatari Series Second Season -
Aniplex - 772 min - Sub - MSRP $269.98
Publisher's Description: These stories take place after the end of summer vacation when the apparition of the bee had left and the apparition of the phoenix avoided any consequences… Now that Koyomi Araragi and the girls are entering their new school terms, they are once again about to encounter supernatural beings…but this time, they may not be so easy to deal with.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the various story arcs in this set, and you'll find the first two here and here. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Overlord - Season 3 BD+DVD, Limited Edition
Funimation - 325 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98|$84.98
Publisher's Description: This land will fall to his command—the overlord is back! While Ains Ooal Gown's conquest over Yggdrasil is bearing fruit, a deadly power struggle between empires could lead to Ains' downfall. But that's the least of his worries. Despite praise from his subjects, Momonga is finding it harder and harder to keep up the act as the terrifying Ains. On top of it all, Nazarick is being invaded. Can the mighty overlord maintain his reign, or will this be his final stand?
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this season. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
Selector Infected WIXOSS - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: WIXOSS is the hottest new card game on the market. Ruko's big brother just gave her a starter pack, but something is off. Her player card seems to be able to communicate with her, and once she gets to school other girls start pestering her for WIXOSS battles. Ruko soon learns that the possession of her sentient card makes her a Selector, a WIXOSS player destined to battle against other Selector girls in an alternate gamescape in order to become Eternal Girls. Once an Eternal Girl, players are granted the deepest and most sacred wish their heart desires. But if they lose three battles, it's not just their wish that they lose...
Our Reviews: We have reviews of this series here and here. It's available streaming on Funimation.
Selector Spread WIXOSS - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Ruko is back in action, and this time she wants answers! With her friend Hitoe by her side, Ruko searches for what happened to Tama, her former LRIG. Along the way she discovers the secrets behind WIXOSS and its malicious creator. The truth lies in wait, but will Ruko be able to save the LRIGs from their fate?
Our Reviews: We have a review of this sequel series. It's available streaming on Funimation.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Complete Collection BD
Discotek - 1150 min - Sub - MSRP $39.95
Publisher's Description: Dorothy and her canine pal Toto live a quiet life on a Kansas farm with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. But one day, the little girl and her dog find themselves spirited away from the fields of Kansas, to the magical land of Oz! Dorothy and Toto meet many friends on the yellow-brick road on her way to the Emerald City, where she hopes to find a way to Kansas - but when she arrives, the city's mysterious ruler, the Wizard of Oz, is not what she expects! The Wizard can help Dorothy get home, but at a daunting price: she and her friends the Tin Woodsman, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion must kill the Wicked Witch of the West and free the Winkies from her rule.
Our Reviews: No formal reviews for this series, but it is covered in this feature article. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll.
Yowamushi Pedal - Complete Collection BD
Discotek - 900 min - Sub - MSRP $59.95
Publisher's Description: Initially, when fourth grade student Sakamichi Onoda started biking to Akihabara every week, it was in an effort to save money. After all, why ride the train when you can buy anime capsule toys? Continuing the trend all the way into high school, Sakamichi never thought anything of that 90 kilometer round trip. And he was too distraught over the disbanded anime club to notice that it was more than unusual that he could climb a 20% incline slope while riding a mommy bike. But junior pro cyclist Shunsuke Imaizumi noticed. Driven by a need to improve his own skills, Shunsuke challenges Sakamichi to a race, and while the outcome may seem obvious, there's some surprises in store for both of them before they reach the finish line!
Our Reviews: We have a review covering the first sixteen episodes of this series. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll.
Manga
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest - Volume 4
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: When a classroom of students is transported to another world to act as its saviors, Hajime Nagumo finds himself the weakest link. As his friends and classmates are granted strong classes and impressive abilities due to their existing skills, he is given the weak title of Synergist. When a dungeon quest leaves him separated from his group, Hajime must discover his own talents or be left to rot in this world forever.
Our Reviews: We have a review of the first volume of the original light novels.
Cardcaptor Sakura - Collector's Edition Volume 1
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $29.99
Publisher's Description: Cardcaptor Sakura is one of the all-time classics of the magical girl genre, and the Collector's Edition will be the definitive version of the story, for both long-time fans and readers new to the story. The adventures of the plucky Sakura Kinomoto are as adorably thrilling as ever, as she tracks down the magical Clow Cards and plunges headlong into a world of sorcery beyond anything she could've imagined.
Our Reviews: We covered this new edition in the Spring 2019 Manga Guide, and we also have a review of an older edition.
Dragon Goes House Hunting - Volume 3
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Letty is probably the weakest dragon in the world, but somehow he's managed to blunder his way into a fearsome reputation. When he and his elven friend Dearia rescue a human girl named Nell, they think they're doing her a favor. Just like Letty, she's searching for a new home. Trouble is, the rest of the human world sees it differently–they think Princess Nell has been kidnapped by the terrible and mighty Flame Dragon King!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide.
Fire Force - Volume 16
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $10.99
Publisher's Description: Now that Company 8 has learned that Haijima Industries is using children in an attempt to spark an Adolla Burst, Shinra is eager to put a stop to their heinous practices. To infiltrate their facilities, he agrees to let them study his own powers, and now he must face one of the ghosts of his childhood—the evil Kurono, a twisted pyrokinetic with enough power to rival the toughest soldier on the Fire Force.
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series, but it does have an anime adaptation coming out this summer.
Hinamatsuri - Volume 3
One Peace - 200 pages - MSRP $11.95
Publisher's Description: The Doll Festival, or Hinamatsuri, is a celebration held in hopes that young girls grow up healthy and happy. Fortunately, as the bizarre world of Hinamatsuri continues to unfold, our beloved characters are all doing just that: audacious-little-psychokinetic Hina, brave-homeless-girl Anzu, and talented-junior-high-schooler Hitomi. This volume joins the celebration with two all-new extra chapters you won't want to miss!
Our Reviews: We have a review of the anime adaptation of this series.
Hour of the Zombie - Volume 9
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: After a slaughter of the infected students at the hands of a ruthless gang of humans, war engulfs the school. But Akira stays true to his ideals: he tries for a last-ditch effort at peace, even if it means putting his own life on the line. But when the humans are led by someone as bloodthirsty as Muroya, is there really any hope for anything but more death? The infection rages on towards its end–don't miss the bloody conclusion of Hour of the Zombie!
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
The Ideal Sponger Life - Volume 2
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Zenjiro left his life on Earth behind to become the husband of a beautiful queen, but as it turns out, not everything is happily ever after. Behind the smiles of the nobility lurk hidden agendas and ambitious schemes. When even an innocent word or gift carries hidden meanings, can a simple Earthling navigate courtly intrigue? And what does Queen Aura think of all the efforts to ensnare her beloved in a second marriage?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Princess Jellyfish - Box Set
Kodansha - 9 volumes - MSRP $179.91
Publisher's Description: Tsukimi Kurashita has a strange fascination with jellyfish. She's loved them from a young age and has carried that love with her to her new life in the big city of Tokyo. There, she resides in Amamizukan, a safe-haven for girl geeks who regularly gush over a range of things from trains to Japanese dolls. However, a chance meeting at a pet shop has Tsukimi crossing paths with one of the things that the residents of Amamizukan have been desperately trying to avoid - a beautiful and fashionable woman! But there's much more to this woman than her trendy clothes! This odd encounter is only the beginning of a new and unexpected path for Tsukimi and her friends.
Our Reviews: We covered this set in the Spring 2019 Manga Guide, and we also have a review of volume 1.
Sailor Moon - Eternal Edition Volume 5
Kodansha - 300 pages - MSRP $27.99
Publisher's Description: Teenager Usagi is not the best athlete, she's never gotten good grades, and, well, she's a bit of a crybaby. But when she meets a talking cat, she begins a journey that will teach her she has a well of great strength just beneath the surface and the heart to inspire and stand up for her friends as Sailor Moon! Where will her newfound strength take her in Volume 5 of Sailor Moon Eternal Edition!?
Our Reviews: We covered this new edition in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide, and we also have reviews of previous editions.
Satoko and Nada - Volume 4
Seven Seas - 128 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: From the nuances of American culture to the Islam practiced by her own roommate, Satoko's first time living abroad is full of surprises. A charming 4-panel comic about the cultural exchange between two roomies!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Fall 2018 Manga Guide, and we also have a review of volume 1.
Super Dimensional Love Gun
Denpa - 207 pages - MSRP $12.95
Publisher's Description:Shintaro Kago, author of Super Dimensional Love Gun, is a legendary Japanese guro manga artist. Known around the world for his "fashionable paranoia" style, creative comics, clothing, animation, and even music videos.
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this single-volume work so far.
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts - Volume 8
Vertical - 180 pages - MSRP $10.95
Publisher's Description: Schaal passes out after she hears the Voice of God at the Incarnate research facility École. Hank stays at her bedside until she wakes up. There was once another woman who similarly heard the Voice of God—the genius who created the Incarnates, Elaine. When Schaal asks Hank about his relationship with Elaine, Hank resolves to tell her the truth, and the story shifts into his past with Elaine…
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
Today's Menu for the Emiya Family - Volume 2
Denpa - 164 pages - MSRP $12.95
Publisher's Description: Shirou's time in the kitchen has always been full of curious experimentation and tried-and-true classics, but now he is being tasked to stretch his wings far beyond his imagination. Imagine making roast beef with only a frying pan? Or cooking oden inside an igloo! And then we get to go into the kitchens of fate/Grand Order. What will Mash cook up for her heroes?
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for the anime adaptation of this series.
Tokyo Tarareba Girls - Volume 7
Kodansha - 176 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: While just starting to rekindle an old flame with Hayasaka-san, Rinko is mortified to have their first date crashed by Key. Will what he has to say condemn Rinko to another angry, drunken night with her friends…or will it strengthen her resolve to make this new relationship work? There's only one thing Rinko is sure of—she's running out of time.
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2018 Manga Guide.
Witch Hat Atelier - Volume 2
Kodansha - 192 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: After traveling to the mystical township of Kalhn with her new master to buy a casting wand, a strange, masked witch transports Coco and her three sister apprentices to an eerily quiet city. But they soon find out that they're not alone, and they encounter a ferocious dragon! Do these fledgling witches have what it takes to defeat the fire-breathing beast, or will their plans and lives go up in flames?!
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2019 Manga Guide.
Games
Devil May Cry
Capcom - Switch - MSRP $19.99
Publisher's Description: The first appearance of Dante, the ultimate devil hunter! With the blood of a legendary demon warrior flowing through his veins, Dante takes on a mission from the mysterious Trish to travel to Mallet Island and defeat Mundus, the king of the underworld. But this is no ordinary job for Dante, who is also motivated by revenge...
Judgment
Sega - PS4 - MSRP $59.99
Publisher's Description: From the team that brought you the critically acclaimed Yakuza series comes Judgment, a gritty tale of disgraced attorney Takayuki Yagami in his quest for redemption. Haunted by his past, he takes up arms as a private detective, clawing his way through Kamurocho's underground crime network to investigate a string of grisly murders. In this psychological thriller, the balance between justice and mercy teeters on the edge.
Samurai Shodown
SNK - PS4, XB1 - MSRP $59.99
Publisher's Description: After nearly ten years out of the spotlight, Samurai Shodown is back with a vengeance! Developed by the team behind the critically acclaimed King Of Fighters XIV, thirteen beloved fighters return, along with three new, to do battle on this legendary stage!
Super Mario Maker 2
Nintendo - Switch - MSRP $59.99
Publisher's Description: Mario fans of the world, unite! Now you can play, create, and share the side-scrolling Super Mario courses of your dreams in the Super Mario Maker 2 game, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch system! Dive into the single-player Story Mode and play built-in courses to rebuild Princess Peach's castle. Make your own courses, alone or together. And with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, share your courses, access a near-endless supply made by others, enjoy online multiplayer, and more!
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