YAY! YAY! YAY!
New York-based independent publisher Vertical, Inc. has announced it is publishing its third Osamu Tezuka property in June 2007. Apolloâs Song will be published as a single-volume graphic novel at approximately 500 pages in length and will follow the same design format as the award-winning classic Buddha, and the runaway hit Ode to Kirihito. Apolloâs Song will have the same trim size as well as an obi-band mini book jacket just like its two American predecessors, and will be published as a trade paperback.
In a continuing effort to show Americans the more literary and adult side of Osamu Tezukaâs manga-graphic novels, Vertical proudly introduces Apolloâs Song, the story of Shogo, a troubled young man who has no faith in love. When his misanthropy reaches its peak, he is met by the Goddess of Love, who condemns him to an eternity of heartbreak.
Vertical, Inc. launched its manga publishing venture with Buddha, an 8-volume biography of the iconic religious leader, thereby making a name for itself as a publisher of prestige-edition comic books. Coincided with the release of its more affordable paperback version was the release of Ode to Kirihito, wherein âkirihitoâ? represents an implied pun on the name Christ as pronounced in Japanese (kirisuto). With nominal appreciation of the ancient Greek god, Tezukaâs homage to spirituality comes full circle in Apolloâs Song.
Tezuka & Vertical = already sold on it
This is just amazingly wonderful news. Vertical is just blowing me away lately. Count me in for two copies!
Tezuka is, without a doubt, my favorite comic creator of all time. This is fantastic news, now when are we going to get more Blackjack?
I stupidly bought 4 out of the 5 Adolf volumes last summer at a con. The one I’m missing? The first one, and it’s out of print.
Off to ebay I go….
Aside from early childhood exposure to Tezuka’s creations via Astro Boy and Kimba, I have only recently *discovered* Tezuka, thanks to friend of mine. Just finished Buddha v1, and have v2 and Ode to Kirihito waiting on my shelf. I look forward to upcoming releases from Vertical.
Kerry, Viz is also publishing Phoenix, which Tezuka considered the culmination of his life’s work.
Yes, Phoenix is also on my list of must purchases. The friend who inspired my recent Tezuka fanaticism, mentioned Futureman Kaos, and Dust 8 as formative works for his artwork.
I got “Ode to Kirihito” from Vertical and it’s indeed great. I also got Buddha vol1 TP (softcover), but it’s from Harper Collins; translated by Vertical (!) and Chip Kidd is not mentioned. Vertical has released all 8 Buddha volumes in HC and so far only 4 in SC, while Harper Collins has released all 8 volumes in SC. What gives? Which company should one prefer?