Abrams ComicArts' Kana Licenses Hideout, Bye-Bye Beanbag, 'The Gentleman, the Cat, and the Tearoom' Manga
New Manga and Art Guidebook Licenses Announced by Abrams ComicArts' Kana Imprint
Abrams ComicArts' Kana imprint has revealed its acquisition of several new licenses, promising a diverse range of manga and an art guidebook for English-speaking audiences. The announcement, made via newsletter, includes Masasumi Kakizaki's Hideout, Kazuyoshi Takeda's Bye-Bye Beanbag (Sayonara Tamachan), Molico Ross' The Gentleman, the Cat, and the Tearoom, and Chiharu Yumenouchi's How to Draw Chibi art guidebook. These additions to Kana's catalog signal a continued commitment to bringing unique and compelling stories to readers.
Hideout by Masasumi Kakizaki Set for October Release
Masasumi Kakizaki's psychological thriller, Hideout, is slated to hit shelves on October 13. The story follows a young couple grappling with the death of their son. Seeking solace, the husband embarks on a trek to a remote waterfall rumored to bring happiness. The official description teases a dark and suspenseful journey into the depths of the rainforest. The narrative suggests a descent into something ominous, questioning the lengths one will go to for a fresh start. Kakizaki originally published Hideout in Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits magazine in 2010, and it was later compiled into a single volume. Kakizaki is also known for Rainbow - Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin, a prison manga that inspired an anime series, and Kansen Rettō, a horror manga adapted into a live-action film.
Bye-Bye Beanbag a Cancer Memoir by Kazuyoshi Takeda
Kazuyoshi Takeda's Bye-Bye Beanbag, scheduled for release on October 20, is a poignant autobiographical manga. The story recounts Takeda's personal battle with testicular cancer at the age of 35. It is not just a tale of illness but also one of unexpected love, friendship, and self-discovery. The manga explores the challenges of treatment, the bonds formed with fellow patients, and the support received from loved ones. Despite the severity of his condition, Takeda finds solace and motivation in his dream of completing a manga. This becomes his reason to persevere, even on the most difficult days. Bye-Bye Beanbag received nominations for the Manga Taisho awards and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize "Reader Award" in 2014. The manga was serialized in Kodansha's Evening magazine starting in 2012 and compiled into one volume. Takeda's other work, Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise, inspired an anime film adaptation.
The Gentleman, the Cat, and the Tearoom by Molico Ross
Molico Ross' The Gentleman, the Cat, and the Tearoom is set to arrive on September 29. The manga depicts a heartwarming story set in a small café run by Taki, a shy gentleman, and his cat, Keemun. The café provides a comforting space for visitors seeking solace. Taki and Keemun offer tea and snacks. They offer a listening ear to those burdened by their troubles. The narrative suggests that Taki's ability to understand and empathize with his customers is a key element of the café's appeal. The charming older man adds to the allure. Ross launched the manga in Coamix's Comic Zenon magazine in August 2022. Nobo and Her?, another manga by Ross, was serialized in Comic Zenon from 2012 to 2017.
How to Draw Chibi Art Guidebook by Chiharu Yumenouchi
Chiharu Yumenouchi's How to Draw Chibi art guidebook is scheduled for release on November 17. This book aims to provide aspiring artists with the skills and knowledge to create cute, miniature anime-manga characters. The guide is penned by Yumenouchi, an illustrator with experience in commercial chibi character art. Her portfolio includes work on popular franchises like Demon Slayer and Apothecary Diaries. The book claims to offer professional methods and techniques for creating appealing chibi designs. The illustrated demonstrations are designed to facilitate understanding and cater to visual learners. Yumenouchi and MdN Corporation originally released the book in Japan in October 2022. The book offers expertise on chibi character design.