The return of Hetalia

The latest Tokyopop license rescue is by' Tokyopop. Well, sort of: The online retailer RightStuf announced yesterday that it will be co-publishing the first three volumes of Hetalia: Axis Powers with Tokyopop, mostly as print-on-demand. The first two volumes, which were released in English but are now hard to find, are available now for $15.99 each; RightStuf is currently taking orders for volume 3, and the pre-ordered volumes will include all color pages. The next run will be all black and white. I have the details at MTV Geek, and I talked to Alison Roberts of RightStuf about the thinking that went into this deal'and where things might go from here. And RightStuf has put up a video as well!

Lissa Pattillo checks this week's new-release list in her On the Shelf column at Otaku USA. Sean Gaffney looks farther ahead with his list of the best of next week's manga. And Kristin checks out the manga highlights in this month's Previews at Comic Attack.

Lissa also has a handy list of manga events at this weekend's Toronto Comic Arts Festival, which will feature Chi's Sweet Home creator Konami Kanata.

Why are manga titles so long? Kotaku talks to the author of That's Why I Can't Have Ecchi to find out.

I mentioned MTV Geek's Battle Arena Otaku Fight! Fight! a little while ago; well, now they are down to the final four: Luffy D. Monkey vs. Rick Hunter and Ultraman vs. Voltron. Go check it out, join the fun, and cast your votes!

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now accepting entries for the Sixth International Manga Awards.

Reviews

John Rose on vol. 10 of 13th Boy (The Fandom Post)
Connie on vol. 9 of Arata the Legend (Slightly Biased Manga)
John Rose on vol. 6 of Black Butler (The Fandom Post)
Kate Dacey on vols. 1 and 2 of Durarara!! and vol. 1 of Kamen (The Manga Critic)
Sean Gaffney on Fallen Words (A Case Suitable for Treatment)
Connie on Golgo 13: Into the Wolves' Lair (Slightly Biased Manga)
Matt Brady on vol. 2 of King of RPGs (Warren Peace Sings the Blues)
Connie on vol. 13 of Kimi ni Todoke (Slightly Biased Manga)
Kate O'Neil on vol. 9 of Pandora Hearts (The Fandom Post)
Matt Brady on Rohan at the Louvre (Warren Peace Sings the Blues)
TSOTE on vol. 26 of Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei (Three Steps Over Japan)
Kristin on vol. 9 of Toriko (Comic Attack)
Michael Buntag on Velveteen and Mandala (NonSensical Words)
Connie on Yuri Sensei Is in a Good Mood Today As Well (Slightly Biased Manga)
Connie on vol. 6 of Ze (Slightly Biased Manga)