Shelf Life
May 27, 2019
by Paul Jensen,
Welcome to Shelf Life, and to the second week of the new format! In case you missed the news last week, we've expanded our new release coverage to include printed volumes of manga and major game releases from Japanese developers. Since that can all add up to a stunningly long list, I'll also try to pick out a few highlights each week and mention them in this intro section.
On the anime side of things, we've got the second half of the ever-divisive DARLING in the FRANXX, a fancy limited edition of Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, and the first part of Tokyo Ghoul:re. There's also a new manga series called I'm Standing on a Million Lives, and while I don't know much about it, the title sounds intriguing enough that I might keep an eye on it. If there's anything in particular that you're excited to check out, sound off in the comments!
Anime
Chio's School Road - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: For normal people, walking to school is a mundane task. For Chio, the journey is packed with socially unacceptable mishaps, and every day is crazier than the last. Path blocked for construction? She takes the high road, rooftop assassin style. Thug staring her down? She activates her online ego, Bloody Butterfly. There's no telling what she'll do next, but her best friend is always there to laugh at her.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, and it's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
DARLING in the FRANXX - Part 2 BD+DVD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: In a battle against the klaxosaurs only the children, classified as parasites, are humanity's hope in this dying world. Fighting in mechanized suits known as FRANXX, parasites are grouped up in male and female pairs to face the monstrous creatures. Hiro was once a prodigy FRANXX pilot. But when he gives up the fight, he meets Zero Two, the girl with the horns, and finds a new reason to keep going.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, and it was covered a few times on This Week in Anime. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
Eden of the East - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 275 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Akira Takizawa wakes up naked outside the White House with no memories. He's got a gun and a cell phone. He doesn't remember the phone gives him access to ten billion yen and a woman who will grant any request. He doesn't even remember he's supposed to save Japan and will be murdered if he fails. Whatever he's tangled up in, Takizawa's in deep – and that's not even scratching the surface.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of this series here and here, and it's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Junji Ito "Collection" - Complete Collection BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: Enter the twisted world of Junji Ito's works of horror! Witness the most hair-raising stories from Junji Ito Masterpiece Collection and Fragments of Horror like you've never seen them before. For any fans who seek the thrill of shocking imagery and ill-fated characters, this whole show is made for you.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, and it was covered in This Week in Anime. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Kampfer - Complete Collection BD
Sentai - 350 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $69.98
Publisher's Description: Natsuru used to dream about being a real lady-killer, but being turned into a Kämpfer, a female fighter who's supposed to fight and kill other girls in combat, was NOT what he had in mind! To make things even more complex, (s)he's only a girl part-time and (s)he'll be moving in with three other gorgeous Kämpfers (who are all actually all woman all of the time), for mutual defense. And the fact that more than one of them may have less-than-honorable designs upon Natsuru's alternating sexualities couldn't possibly be a problem, could it? Of course it could, and things REALLY get hopping when Natsuru has to take a job at the Bunnygirl Café!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of this serieshere and here, and it's available streaming on HIDIVE.
Maken-Ki! - Season 2 BD
Funimation - 250 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Takeru and his Leadership Committee comrades are the last line of defense when it comes to ridding Tenbei Academy of mischievous Maken users. But saving all these succulent student bodies from a hoard of hocus pocus hornballs is no easy trick. Not when there's a pervy creeper pinning bras to the bulletin board, a magical feline turning coed cuties into irresistible sex kittens, and a must-see manga fest where the costumes get mysteriously shrunken down to scandalous sizes! Through it all, Takeru keeps his mind on the mammaries – and the mammaries on his mind – as the luscious ladies of the Leadership Committee prove that their magic is breast in class!
Our Reviews: We have a review of this season, and it's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms BD
Eleven Arts - 115 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $89.99
Publisher's Description: The people of Iorph live far away from the lands of men, weaving the happenings of each day into a fabric called Hibiol. They live for centuries while maintaining their youthful appearance. Maquia, an orphaned Iorph girl, lives in an oasis surrounded by friends, yet somehow feels alone. But the tranquil lives of the Iorph are shattered in an instant when the Mezarte army invades their territory on a dragon fleet, seeking the blood that grants the Iorph long life. Maquia manages to escape, but loses her friends and her home in the chaos. She then encounters an orphaned baby who is also alone. Maquia raises this boy, Ariel, with the help of some new friends. But as the era changes, the bond between Maquia and Ariel changes too, amidst a backdrop of racial tensions between the Iorph and the Mezarte.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of this movie here and here, along with an interview with the director.
Nagasarete Airantou - Complete Collection BD
Discotek - 600 min - Sub - MSRP $44.95
Publisher's Description: Following an argument with his father, Ikuto runs away from home. Along the way he boards a cruise ship and is knocked overboard in the ensuing storm. After drifting away out to sea, he eventually washes ashore on an island named “Airanto” by the locals. The island is surrounded by whirlpools making any attempt to escape impossible, and likely life-threatening. Only women reside on this island, putting Ikuto in the unique position where nearly every person around him sees him as prime husband material. Will Ikuto be able to adapt to life on this uncharted island with women fighting over him, sometimes literally! – at every single turn?
Our Reviews: We covered this series in the Spring 2007 Preview Guide, and it's available streaming on Crunchyroll.
Rage of Bahamut: Genesis - Season 1 BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $29.98
Publisher's Description: Meet Favaro Leone, professional bounty hunter and casual scoundrel. When he's not crossing swords with his arch nemesis and former best friend, Kaisar Lidford, he can be found at the local tavern spinning tall tales to anyone who will listen. After a one-winged demoness overhears his drunken boasts, she wrangles him into an unbreakable contract that will force him to make good on the promise he made.
Our Reviews: We have reviews of this series here, here, and here. This season is available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
Sonic X - Complete Collection BD
Discotek - 1638 min - Dub - MSRP $69.95
Publisher's Description: The Evil Doctor Eggman has gathered the seven Chaos Emeralds for his latest dastardly scheme, but like a bolt from the blue, Sonic the Hedgehog arrives to save the day! Only this time, an accident triggers Chaos Control, Hurling everyone into a different world, a world that looks an awful lot like our own. To get home, Sonic together with Tails, Amy, Knuckles, and all the gang must find the Chaos Emeralds. But he's not the only one looking for them! Doctor Eggman has come to this world as well, and while the other might just want to return, Eggman sees a new land ripe for making part of his Eggman Empire! The race is on, and when it comes to speed, there's no way Sonic can lose!
Our Reviews: No reviews for this series, but it was featured recently on The List. It's available streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu.
Tokyo Ghoul:re - Part 1 BD
Funimation - 300 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $64.98
Publisher's Description: Two years after the raid on Anteiku, Ken Kaneki lives a steady life as an officer in the CCG. His memories wiped, he clings to a new identity and a taxing responsibility as the leader of the CCG's experimental Quinx Squad. This unruly team of humans uses ghoul powers to fight, and while Ken struggles to improve their teamwork, familiar faces stir his memory, unearthing a truth that could shatter the peace he holds so dearly.
Our Reviews: We have episode reviews for this series, and it was also covered in This Week in Anime. It's available streaming on Funimation and Hulu.
The Twelve Kingdoms - Complete Collection BD
Discotek - 990 min - Sub+Dub - MSRP $89.95
Publisher's Description: Upon being confronted by a mysterious stranger, Youko is told of her destiny and pulled away into another world. Thus begins Youko's perilous journey to the kingdom of Kei on an epic road of espionage, terror, and betrayal. The mystic world of The Twelve Kingdoms assails her with one challenge after another. Will Youko embrace her destiny?
Our Reviews: We have old single-disc reviews for this series here, here, and here. It's available streaming on Crunchyroll.
Manga
Chi's Sweet Adventures - Volume 4
Vertical - 89 pages - MSRP $11.95
Publisher's Description: Chi is back! Manga's most famous cat returns with a brand new series! Inspired by the new anime, Chi's Sweet Adventures collects dozens of new full-color kitty tales made for readers of all ages!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the original Chi's Sweet Home manga series here and here.
Eve and Eve
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $13.99
Publisher's Description: Eve and Eve begins with a provocative story: a science fiction tale about the apocalypse, and two women who love each other through the rebirth of Earth and beyond. The Eve x Eve collection showcases six short stories by the up-and-coming creator Nagashiro Rouge, exploring the more intimate side of women loving women in different lives.
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this single-volume anthology.
Gantz - Omnibus Volume 3
Dark Horse - 656 pages - MSRP $24.99
Publisher's Description: The last survivors of the Gantz G team confront the alluring mermaid alien who, when challenged, is far more bestial than beautiful. The team hope to earn enough points to resurrect their murdered comrades, but they risk being ripped to shreds in what seems like a certain suicide mission!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the older, non-omnibus release here and here.
Gleipnir - Volume 2
Kodansha - 200 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Shuichi Kagaya saved his classmate from a warehouse fire, and in doing so discovers a mysterious power: He can transform into a furry dog with an oversized revolver and a zipper down his back. The girl is searching for the sister who killed her family and she doesn't care how degrading it gets: She will use Shuichi to accomplish her mission…
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series, but apparently it has an anime adaptation in the works.
Holy Corpse Rising - Volume 7
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Nikola and his beautiful companions seek the resting place of the Holy Corpses: powerful witches from ancient times who await their resurrection. But can they trust in the good intentions of their new ally, the mysterious Balvidello? All is revealed when the dread witch Adante and her evil coven make their fateful appearance. The final battle–and the consummation of several marriages–looms ahead!
Our Reviews: No reviews or user ratings for this series.
I'm Standing on a Million Lives - Volume 1
Kodansha - 193 pages - MSRP $10.99
Publisher's Description: Ninth grader Yusuke Yotsuya is a loner and he likes it that way. But one day, he and two female classmates are suddenly sent to another world, where they must work together to battle for their lives. The girls awaken as a wizard and a warrior, but he's woken up…a farmer?! How is someone who's only ever wanted to be left alone supposed to be a hero?!
Our Reviews: As one might expect with a first volume, no reviews for this one yet.
Inside Mari - Volume 4
Denpa - 192 pages - MSRP $12.95
Publisher's Description: The search for Mari continues and now Isao Komori has joined the team. But while things are improving away from home, there is still trouble at home. Maybe the reason why Mari is missing has to due to her homelife. Maybe it is something even more personal.
Our Reviews: Our user ratings for this series have an average of 7.5 out of 10.
Konohana Kitan - Volume 4
Tokyopop - 176 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Yuzu is trying to figure things out the best she can while working alongside other fox-yokai at the Konohanatei, a hot springs inn for yokai. Though she might make the occasional mistake her new friends are all about helping her out along the way!
Our Reviews: We have reviews of the anime adaptation of this series here and here.
Magical Girl Site - Volume 9
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: While Aya and the others are fighting for their lives, the daughter of a serial killer is dealing with her own struggles. Not only has Komura Kayo become the target of bullies in the wake of her father's murders, but her mom can barely get out of bed. Will a gift from Magical Girl SITE give her the power to fight back or lead her down an even darker path?
Our Reviews: We covered the anime adaptation of this series in the Spring 2018 Anime Preview Guide.
Masamune-kun's Revenge - Volume 10
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Masamune and Aki have started dating. What appeared to be going so well begins to fray as Masamune, Aki, and Yoshino realize their true feelings. Masamune finds himself drawn to Yoshino, and Yoshino notices how he's been acting differently toward her. When Aki picks up on this too, she makes a decision.
Our Reviews: We have a review of volume 1.
My Monster Secret - Volume 16
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: Just as Youko's vampire purity level is rising, a vampire hunter shows up! Instead of seeking to put an end to her, however, he declares himself Asahi's rival. Can Asahi handle the heat of competition?
Our Reviews: We have a bunch of reviews for this series, ranging from volume 1 to volume 12.
Ojojojo - Omnibus Volume 2
Seven Seas - 230 pages - MSRP $16.99
Publisher's Description: Jigokumeguri Haru is rich, famous, and friendless. Thanks to her cold, stuck-up personality, she goes from school to school, looking for a place to fit in--but with no luck. When she crosses paths with Kawayanagi Tsurezure, she discovers that he gives her antisocial tendencies a run for their money. Has she finally found a kindred spirit?
Our Reviews: We have a review of the first omnibus volume.
The Rising of the Shield Hero - Volume 11
One Peace - 160 pages - MSRP $11.95
Publisher's Description: Rishia, the Bow Hero's lowest-ranking party member, is framed and ultimately gets the boot. When Naofumi finds out, he is reminded of his own torturous past and loses it. He storms into Itsuki's room to confront the Bow Hero, but things don't quite go as expected.
Our Reviews: No reviews for this manga adaptation, but we have a bunch of reviews for the original light novels ranging from volume 1 through volume 13.
Servamp - Volume 12
Seven Seas - 180 pages - MSRP $12.99
Publisher's Description: The fight for survival in C3 is getting wilder by the minute! Shuuhei is out to kill Sham in hopes of avenging his father. Meanwhile, Kuro and Yumikage are in a bitter struggle against Touma. Can they take him down and save Tsurugi?
Our Reviews: We have a review of volumes 1-3.
Games
Lapis x Labyrinth
NIS America - PS4, Switch - MSRP $29.99
Publisher's Description: Recruit and customize your team of adventurers from a choice of 8 playable classes in this high-voltage action platformer. Behind every monster laying await inside the Labyrinth could be unfathomable treasures, endless gold, or perhaps, even more terrible nightmares. Bring your best items, maximize the potential of your party, and activate Fever Mode to overcome any obstacle in your path to the bottom of the Labyrinth.
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