Gummies without the Gunk

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Gummy FunDo you ever wonder what’s really in the food you buy from the store? If you don’t, you should! In packaged gummy candies, for example, you’ll find corn syrup, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, starch, artificial flavors, fractionated coconut oil, carnauba wax, and various artificial colors.

Doesn’t sound so yummy anymore, does it?

Well, the obvious solution is to make things yourself, using ingredients you choose so you know exactly what you’re putting in.

In Gummy Fun, author Hisako Ogita tells you how to create these squishy, jiggly, colorful, and cute treats at home using  what you have on hand – nothing fancy needed! If you want to use hand-pressed fruit and veggie juices go right ahead. Ogita has recipes for gummies made with oranges, lemons, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.  You can also use purées from fruits including strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, melon, and raspberries. How about green or herb tea gummies? Or ginger, shiso, or yuzu? Try adding various fillings such as adzuki beans, goji berries, chestnuts, or dried apricots.

From tools and basic ingredients to working with gelatin and agar and presenting gummies as gifts, Gummy Fun explains everything you need to know to whip up these chewy charmers and serve family and friends snacks that are both delicious and healthy.  And you’ll have as much fun preparing them as eating them.

“Gummies are appealing because their texture is somewhere between the softness of jelly and the firmness of licorice and also because they come in an array of colors, fragrances and shapes. Kids and grown-ups alike love gummies. Being able to make your own gummies expands the horizons of your treat-making abilities. Plus, if you make them yourself you know there are no chemical additives, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind. Doesn’t that make it worth it?”—Hisako Ogita, from the Introduction to Gummy Fun

Burning Flowers

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While Vertical is not a stranger to the adaptation game, it is a bit unusual for one of our manga titles to be running as its anime counterpart is broadcasting globally. So with The Flowers of Evil anime adaption just beginning to air, and causing quite the controversy at that, what better time would there be to check out the critically acclaimed manga? Each volume has been more addictively tense than the last than the last and, as the series continually outdoes itself, volume five only strengthens the claim that The Flowers Of Evil is one of the best manga being currently published.

If you thought the previous volumes were shocking to the touch, this one will leave your bones electrified. Shuzo Oshimi weaves a chilling and unforgettable tale about a couple bored youth in a small forgettable town that has left both the fans and the critics screaming. This bold manga continues to completely break societal convention and says it’s okay to reject our society’s contemporary values. Of course, now it’s about figuring out how to top it with an even bigger act of decency. While Nakamura and Kasuga are plotting away, the increasingly vindictive ex-girlfriend Saeki wants to know why Kasuga dumped her, as she sets out to find what exactly the relationship between he and Nakamura. What happens when she begins to uncover exactly what this dynamic duo has been up to may be one of the most shocking scenes to ever be published in a Vertical manga (quite a feat considering what we have published).

Don’t let your ordinary spring go waste! Give into your inner deviant and pick up The Flowers Of Evil volume five today, $#1t-bugs.

Fold. . . cut. . . pop. . . celebrate!

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Nothing says you care more than a card or gift you’ve made yourself.  And since so many different special occasions occur in the Spring and Summer, now is the perfect time to pick up a pair of scissors and begin creating personal, one-of-a-kind expressions of your feelings. In Vertical’s latest crafting book, Simply Precious Pop-Ups, author Kiyoshi Kikuchi offers all the practical tips and inspiration you’ll need to make delightful 3D greeting cards.

For Mother’s Day (May 12), there’s a bevy of beautiful bouquets, from tulips and violets, to daisies and carnations (pp. 4,5,13) On Father’s Day (June 16), tell Dad he’s your Hero (p. 8) and give him the Golf Clubs he’s been coveting (p. 13). Welcome Summer on June 21, with a delicate Butterfly or a cool cup of Italian Ices (p. 16). Reward your champion Little Leaguer with a well-deserved trophy (p. 31) and lift a Glass of Wine (p. 6) in a toast to the new graduate. And for recent graduates lucky enough to land that first job, show them how to start off in style:  Women’s Jacket and Men’s Suit (p. 12). All those June brides will fall in love with the Wedding Dress and charming Dove and Olive Branch cards (p. 9). And send the happy couple on their Honeymoon (or wish your BFF bon voyage) on an airplane soaring above the clouds (p.9).

Simply Precious Pop-Ups gives you suggestions for cards that mark memorable events all through the year including birthdays and anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, the arrival of a new baby, or just letting someone know you’re thinking of him. And with Kikuchi’s easy-to-follow instructions and information about tools, materials, patterns, etc., these 3D cards are as much fun to create as they are  satisfying to send.

“Simply Precious Pop-ups is a new book filled with loads of fun do-it-yourself pop up cards. . . Since my dad loves to golf and Father’s Day is coming up soon I decided to try out the golf bag card. The instructions were easy to follow and the card was quick to make. I needed only a few simple supplies, two ½ sheets of paper, a small pair of sharp scissors and a stylus for scoring. I think my dad will love it!” —CraftGossip.com

Space Operatic

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There has been something in the air recently. For some reason, there has been a resurgence in space appreciation. Could it be caused by a return to Mars exploration? Or maybe inspired by nostalgia created by a Space Shuttle tour? Whatever the reason, space is on our minds and here at Vertical we have had our heads above the clouds for years now…

On the heels of a hugely-successful Gundam the ORIGIN launch comes volume two of Tsutomu Nihei’s Knights Of Sidonia. This latest volume starts off with a stunningly illustrated (complete with color pages) battle between the Guana and the Garde that leaves our protagonist, Tanikaze, and one of his fellow fighters, the beautiful yet quiet Shizuka Hoshijiro, stranded together in the depths of the abyss. How will things develop between them when it’s unclear if they will ever be rescued? Plus, readers are treated to a look into the past of Kunato, the resident son of nobility, as he makes his first decisive, though utterly repulsive, move.

The newest work by sci-fi manga godsend Tsutomu Nihei continues on as a beautifully illustrated portrayal of the last of humanity floating away in space fighting on for their survival. This second volume proves to be an ever more intimate and harrowing experience as the story begins to really move off the ground. So brace yourself for yet another atypical Vertical space adventure!

It’s a… Best Seller!!

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In case you are a rare Vertical fan who does not read manga, you might not be aware that our latest release, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s Gundam the ORIGIN, has hit the New York Times Manga Best Seller list for the second week in a row. This re-telling of the very first Mobile Suit Gundam animated series by the story’s original art director has captured the attention of fans across the globe nearly 35 years after the cartoon debuted in Japan. While not a frame by frame adaptation, YAS (as the author is known affectionately by fans) has retooled this sci-fi classic to craft what may be the definitive first Gundam tale.

To match the quality of the content, Vertical has gone beyond the call of duty to make this release a unique reader experience. Each 400-plus page sturdy hardcover release is packed with dozens of color pages on rich thick glossy paper. Every book also features extra materials, such as essays, comics and portraits, from famous Gundam fans. The materials from luminaries such as Hideaki Anno (Evengelion), CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura), and Shimoku Kio (Genshiken) detail each of these artists relationship with the Gundam franchise allowing readers to share the experience with their idols in a way rarely seen in manga.

But if you are on the fence or new to the world of Gundam, we ask you go check out a short preview at BN.com and consider these reviews:

“[Gundam] contains such a rich vein of character, drama and imaginative concepts that its influence is still felt over thirty years later. For this reason alone, it deserves both your time and your respect. Oh, and it looks awesome on your shelf.” —Anime U.K.

“This is without a doubt one of the nicest manga volumes I’ve owned, since Vertical chose to print this in an oversized hardcover format with glossy paper. A must buy for any past and present Gundam fans, and if you haven’t encountered the franchise before, I’m betting this manga will win you over.” —Manga Report

“The main reason to get the Gundam manga is probably the same reason the original anime became so legendary; you can’t stop wondering what happens next. These people and their struggle to survive are amazingly compelling, and everything about this manga adaptation—the plot, the artwork, the characterization—makes it justify its existence. I am very happy to see it coming out here, and can’t wait for more.” —A Case Suitable for Treatment

Sensational Shojo

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There’s no better way to greet spring than with a heart-warming, flowery, and not at all threatening shoujo series. In many ways, shojo is analogous to the new year as it is full of hope and blossoming youth.

Keiko Suenobu’s Limit may be shojo, but it is not as flowery. Instead this page-turner continues to be one hell of a ride as it constantly breaks down teenage relationships with an almost shocking mix of thrills and chills, akin to the harshness of winter. And volume four is by far the most enthralling yet, reaching the series’ darkest depths yet with murder and corruption taking the spotlight.

One of the girls has been found dead. With no one owning up to her murder, everyone in this small group of broken survivors find themselves at odds with each other. Because all trust is lost, conflict begins to boil over into violence. And with two already not returning home, will the rest of the group be able to pull themselves together, or will even more perish in this horrific tragedy?

Limit will grip its readers and force them into a place where appearance means nothing and a strong will is necessary to survive, making them reflect on their own lives. With incredibly strong writing and tension dripping off each page, Limit still brings as unforgettable experience this far in. This new volume of Limit continues the trend of each volume as rewarding as it is depressing, make sure to add it to your shopping list through this summer.

 

Spring Break

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Spring break is over and kids across the country are going back to class to prepare for finals and the end of the school term. And while we recognize that students have to return to the classroom, most people forget that educators have to return to their halls of learning eventually, too.

The greatest teacher, Eikichi Onizuka, has been on leave in his hometown for the past two weeks (and seven volumes). It was just supposed to be a break from the noise and chaos of Tokyo, but it has turned into an extended field trip at a regional children’s home, where young educators attempt to pull some emotional strings attached to the hears of troubled teens.

But trust is only one foe Onizuka has to face. In Volume 8 of GTO: 14 Days in Shonan the Great Teacher most overcome his most powerful foe yet. It’s not a kid who needs a bit of guidance to be set on the right path, a gang of yanki thugs, nor is it some power hungry administrator trying to solely get rid of the great teacher. No, this time, he has to go up against the mayor of Shonan. Will Onizuka be able to beat some sense into him before innocent teens get hurt, or will all hell break lose?

Reckless abandon is what is expected on holiday, but in this case Onizuka is looking for a more casual experience back home.

Thankfully for fans of this beloved property, 14 Days is dripping with testosterone, delivering a barrage of punches – comical and physical – to uplift lives and inspire today’s youth as the seasons begin to change.

Final Curtain Call

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Paradise KissVertical does not dive into the realm of license rescues often. But there are works and authors that demand to be part of the public consciousness for as long as possible. And that was the case that was made for Ai Yazawa’s Paradise Kiss. One of the most recognized works from arguably the biggest name in shoujo, Paradise Kiss has remained a beloved series since its initial release. Due to its combination of beautiful art, well paced story telling, and conveying of emotions we’ve all felt, this manga has remained unparalleled in its category and demographic. It’s sure to remain a classic for many years to come.

The heartache and toil enrich every single page of this dramatic read, compelling readers to mainline this josei work. And if you have not sampled the work before, maybe it’s time to grab this last oversized volume, snuggle in, and experience this work for yourself. Unfortunately, yes, the beautifully illustrated outfits, the gorgeous guys and gals, and the melodrama do come to an end but it’s because of how this wonderful manga comes together that has made Paradise Kiss the manga classic that it is today.

The Yaza Arts fashion show draws close.  Can the ParaKiss team be able put the together their differences and finish their final dress in time to beat the competition?  Of course, the story doesn’t end there, not with all drama that needs to be settled. George and Yukari have always had a tumultuous relationship that always left her questioning his true feelings. Unlike Arashi and Miwako, who always seem to pull through together despite their differences regarding Tokumori. Will our heroine make it to the end of the manga hand in hand with her designer boyfriend or will they find that life has other things in store? Will Paradise Kiss make it?

So this week we lower the curtain on the third English edition of Ai Yazawa’s josei fashion hit. But like the best Hollywood hits readers can continue to experience this timeless work for years to come as all three volumes of this new omnibus collection can now be found on shelves in New York, London, and maybe eventually Milan.

Hope Springs…

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HeromanInstead of waiting for spring to come, warm up your body this winter by letting the latest installment of Stan Lee’s Heroman boil your blood. This culture clashing manga will hit you with everything a shonen manga fan could wish for. Complete with the complete destruction of an alien base, some absolutely funky hair, and a robot essentially going “super-saiyan”, what more would any shonen loving manga reader want?

The third volume of Heroman is both the darkest and most thrilling book in the series yet.  After finally making peace with Joey last volume, Will gets captured by the insect invaders and becomes subject to some nasty genetic modification and brainwashing. Does the now half-Skrugg mind-warped Will mean defeat for Heroman and his compatriots or will he come to his senses and give them the edge it’ll take to bring down the invading Skrugg army once and for all? Either way, you won’t want to miss the climatic final battle between Heroman and the Skrugg commander. Worry not though; Heroman isn’t ending here as something even more devious is happening behind the scenes.

Stan Lee’s Heroman, a joint effort by top creative minds of both the east and west, is a triumphant example of all out fun. It’s not your typical east meets west story, but it is sure to entertain. The conflict is peaking and the battle against the invading aliens is at its climax, you just know that this volume is absolutely one not to miss. Bringing together what makes shonen manga so endearing and what makes the American superhero so awe inspiring, Heroman continues to be a unique and stand out entity in its genre.

Beauty In The Box

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AyakoLet’s face it. If you’re reading this, you don’t need an introduction to Osamu Tezuka. You know already know who he is and you know why he’s important. Like the critically acclaimed Message To Adolf, Ayako is the godfather of manga at his best. This gorgeous paperback edition of Ayako comes in at just under 700 pages; making this artistically rich and complex work more than a bang for you buck. With Tezuka’s descriptive art and his subtle nuanced writing both at their its peak, Ayako is a work of manga mastery, plain and simple.

The story of Ayako itself centers around one girl named Ayako, who’s had a very unfortunate upbringing, to say the least, and her sizeable. She herself is the result of illicit relations between the family head and one of his daughter-in-laws, though she herself is unaware. Due to baring witness to a murder her communist-aligned brother committed, Ayako’s family locked her up in their basemen, in an attempt to make sure their dirty laundry never slipped out.  She remained there throughout her entire adolescence and doesn’t escape until she’s an adult. Her relationships, at times incestuous, with her various family members over the years set against the backdrop of post-war Japan, with a handful of deaths and conspiracies surrounding the family itself unraveling throughout, make up this harrowing graphic novel experience known as Ayako.

Out of his entire breadth of work published here in the US, Ayako possibly is the most mature of Osamu Tezuka’s masterpieces. A work that simultaneously both critiques the developing post-war Japanese society and speaks against some of the more restrictive elements of Japanese traditionalism, Ayako tells a dark story with perfect pacing and some haunting overtones. If you missed the hardcover release of Ayako a few years back, this new edition is a must. One of Tezuka’s absolute best works, it’s perfect for any established fan, someone needing an introduction, and the general graphic novel crowd alike.