Classics Revisited

Friday, December 9th, 2011

With the holidays and the new year fast approaching people, everywhere are looking back not only on 2011 but generations ago to recall fond memories of years past. Whether re-watching classic films like A Christmas Story or A Miracle on 34th Street, or getting reacquainted with holiday songs from Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole, this time of year tends to evoke a yearning for familiar feelings of family and feasts.

This winter Vertical wishes to inspire a similar experience with its readers through two distinctly unique comic classics. One is a classic in the traditional sense, while another revives a work from generations past.

With the final volume of Princess Knight, comic fans can experience a world of shojo (girls) comics long forgotten. Osamu Tezuka originally penned this classic girls adventure in the 50′s and the series immediately made an impact on the shojo market. One of Tezuka’s most beloved tales, Princess Knight emotes Disney-esque adventure that should make the perfect gift for the comics fan young and old.

While not as light and warm-hearted as Princess Knight, Usamaru Furuya’s No Longer Human is a modern-day classic overflowing with passion. Drawn with amazing detail Furuya’s adaptation of Osamu Dazai’s classic novel makes this work accessible to today’s increasingly global audience.

So as readers work on their holiday gift lists this December, we would like to recommend these two timeless treasures which are certain to be enjoyed over and over for many years to come.

New York Tezuka Con

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

As Osamu Tezuka fans across the country rush to bookstores this week to pick up the latest release of Black Jack, the East Coast will see hundreds of supporters of the godfather of Japanese comics make their way to New York City for this year’s edition of New York Comic-Con. And this year largest pop culture event on the Atlantic is gearing up to be a celebration of all things comics, but more specifically the godfather of manga Osamu Tezuka.

This week’s release of Black Jack 16 is only a taste of what to expect at this year’s NYCC. Experienced con-goers of all ages are expected to make a beeline to Vertical’s booth for advance copies of his seminal shojo (girls’ comic) work Princess Knight. Meanwhile, from the opposite side of Tezuka’s catalog, is another title with a memorable female lead, The Book of Human Insects. With three new Tezuka releases hitting the shelves within a span of two months manga readers have plenty to choose from the master’s ever expanding library.

Those looking for more contemporary content should rejoice when they find two other series debuting this weekend. Tadashi Agi’s legendary wine comic The Drops of God will premiere at the con. Wine will not… And Usamaru Furuya returns with an homage to one of Japan’s great literary voices of the twentieth century, Osamu Dazai, with his adaptation of No Longer Human.

The excitement shifts from the showroom to the panel halls on Friday night. Vertical will be hosting its annual panel in Hall 1A03 in primetime from 8:45pm. Members of the Vertical staff will reveal their Summer 2012 catalog which features a handful of new manga properties that are certain to be the highlight of the weekend.

New York Comic-Con
Jacob K. Javits Center
Booth #2652
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 216-2000
Thursday October 13 through Sunday October 16

Panel: Friday October 14 at 8:45pm in Hall 1A03