Showing posts with label Koyoharu Gotouge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Koyoharu Gotouge. Show all posts

Thursday, April 1, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 13

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 13
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1113-0; paperback (June 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Japan's Taisho era (1912 to 1926).  It focuses on Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer in order to find and destroy that demon, Muzan Kibutsuji.

As Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 13 (Chapters 107 to 115; entitled “Transitions”) opens, Tanjiro is up to his … neck in demons.  While recovering from injuries he sustained in battle, Tanjiro traveled to the mysterious and hidden “village of the sword-smiths.”  There, he would get his damaged katana repaired by Haganezuka, the man who forged the sword.  But once Tanjiro arrived, he started having strange experiences.

Now, Tanjiro is in a battle with the strange, shape-shifting demons, Upper Rank 4: Hantengu and Upper Rank 5: Gyokko.  Joining him in battle is the “Mist Hashira,” Muichiro Tokito, who struggles against these demons even with all his power.  Suddenly, only Tanjiro and another Demon Slayer, Genya Shinazugawa, stand against seemingly unbeatable demons.  Can the two Slayers handle a demon that can split itself into four separate bodies and regenerate almost instantly?

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga has become one of my favorite graphic novel series.  It is, however, hard to keep up with the series as VIZ is currently publishing it on a monthly basis, for which I don't blame them.  Demon Slayer is a huge bestseller on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel Volume 13 joins Vols. 7 to 12 to create a fantastic run of superb shonen dark fantasy action-adventure storytelling.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge ended a long and intense story arc in Vol. 11, but he put his readers right back into the thick of things with another demonic mystery.  Simply put, Demon Slayer is great because Tanjiro's struggles and battles are hard to ignore once you start reading, dear readers.

John Werry's translation and Steve “Stan!” Brown's English-language adaptation deliver an engaging read, as always.  In Volume 13, their work captures Genya Shinazugawa's conflicts and internal battle in all their full dark and bitter glory.  And since that is the case, why stop reading now?

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

----------------------------

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Tuesday, March 2, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 4

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 4
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0055-4; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

The Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He becomes a Demon Slayer to find and destroy that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 4 (Chapters 26 to 34) opens in the wake of Tanjiro and company's battle inside a house full of demons.  Now, Tanjiro finds himself fighting Inosuke Hashibira, a young man who wears a boar's head and who may be a Demon Slayer.  Tanjiro sees him as an ally, but what an ally they will need him to be as they face demons that turn Demon Slayers into marionettes.  Plus, Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward, discovers the existence of Nezuko.

[This volume includes four-panel comics and bonus text and art.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga was one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is still kickin' in the two-oh-one-nine.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 4 focuses on the characters outside of Tanjiro.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge has offered new intriguing characters, especially Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, both with interesting pasts and both possessing personalities that clash with the sweet-natured Tanjiro.  More characters are showing layers and textures in their personalities, an element that makes Demon Slayer a manga deserving to be read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia

The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).



Thursday, January 28, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 3

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0054-7; paperback (November 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

It is Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He became a Demon Slayer to find that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 3 (Chapters 17 to 25) opens as Tanjiro continues his battle with the servants of Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon master.  Susamaru (balls) and Yahaba (arrows) prove to be quite formidable, and Tanjiro will need help from an unexpected place to defeat them.  If defeated, will these members of the “Twelve Kizuki” (demons that serve Kibutsuji) reveal secrets about their master?

Then, Tanjiro and Nezuko meet Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward.  He proves to be little to no help when they find an unusual house that is full of demons.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is one of a group of excellent titles released by VIZ Media in 2018.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 3 takes readers into the grit and determination of series hero, Tanjiro Kamado.  However, creator Koyoharu Gotouge makes sure that readers how kind and considerate Tanjiro is.  That complicates a narrative that is quite gruesome at times.  At the same time, other characters begin to show layers and textures in their personalities, another element that makes Demon Slayer a manga to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia

The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).


Saturday, January 2, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 2

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0053-0; paperback (September 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 2 (Chapters 8 to 16) opens as Tanjiro battles a demon as part of the final selection for the Demon Slayer Corps.  Next, he must choose the kasugai crow that he will use for mission communication with the corps.  Tanjiro must also choose the ore from which his sword will be made, but after his sword is made, something unusual happens.

Tanjiro's begins to walk the path of the Demon Slayer by heading north to a town where young girls are disappearing.  Plus, Tanjiro learns of the name of the demon he must eventually confront, Muzan Kibutsuji.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is the latest in a line of excellent titles that VIZ Media has released in the last year.  A supernatural fantasy and revenge drama, Demon Slayer is demonic treat.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 2 takes reader into the beginning of Tanjiro's quest and of his profession.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge does not make things easy for his young hero.  I don't get the feeling that he will be defeated, but that he will undergo a learning process that we readers will get to experience with him.  I think that makes for a fun read.

I also like that Gotouge is not leaving Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, as a mere victim or as nothing more than a liability.  When Gotouge gives her something to do, the cursed sister becomes a wild card character, engaging and appealing.  I almost want her to have her own manga; in the meantime, she makes Demon Slayer twice the fun to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).


Thursday, August 6, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 12

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 12
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1112-3; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Japan's Taisho era (1912 to 1926).  It focuses on Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer in order to find and destroy that demon, Muzan Kibutsuji.

As Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 12 (Chapters 98 to 106; entitled “The Upper Ranks Gather”) opens, there is trouble in the demon world.  With the death of the “Upper-Rank 6” demon, Gyutaro, and his younger demon-sister, Daki, for the first time in 100 years, the upper ranks of Muzan Kibutsuji's “Twelve Kizuki” are not full.  So Kibutsuji sends the remaining upper-rank demons on a mission, but what is that mission?

Meanwhile, Tanjiro has regained consciousness after being unconscious for two months because of the injuries he sustained in the battle against Gyutaro.  While he recovers, Tanjiro travels to the mysterious and hidden “village of the sword-smiths” in order to get his damaged katana repaired by Haganezuka, the man who forged the sword.  But once Tanjiro is there, he has strange experiences.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga has become one of my favorite graphic novel series.  It is, however, hard to keep up with the series as VIZ is currently publishing it on a monthly basis.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel Volume 12, like Vols. 7 to 11, is among the series' best entries.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge ended a long and intense story arc in Vol. 11, but readers will find themselves right back at the beginnings of another mystery.  Simply, put Demon Slayer is a joy to read because Tanjiro's struggle continues in a way that makes for great reading.

John Werry's translation and Steve “Stan!” Brown's English-language adaptation deliver an engaging read, as always, that brings out all that is alluring about Demon Slayer's characters.  With this new mystery, the allure is as strong as ever.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.



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Sunday, May 31, 2020

I Reads You Juniors May 2020 - Update #93

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

COVID-19 - From CDC:  The Centers for Disease Control has "COVID Data Tracker."

DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  This link reveals a list of comic books titles that publishers (including DC Comics) are going to release through Diamond Comic Distributors for May 20, 2020.

DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  (May 8th) - Diamond has made it official that May 20th is the first on-sale date of its resumed distribution of comic books

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announced the shipping schedule for the following weeks:  May 27th; June 3rd, 10th, 17, and 24th; July 1st and 8th.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announced its shipping schedule for late July 2020 in the following weeks:  July 15th, 22nd, and 29th.

GEORGE FLOYD - From BleedingCool:  Comic book people respond to the protests related to the murder of George Floyd, an African-American man in Minneapolis.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has cancelled 22 planned reprint comic books.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has cancelled the prints editions of "RWBY #7" and "gen:LOCK #7," the final issues of two digital-first series.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  "Lucifer #18" will be the final issue of the series as a monthly periodical.  Lucifer issues #19 to #24 will be released as a collected edition.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics will give comic book shops all the giveaways it planned to hand out at San Diego Comic-Con 2020, which has been cancelled.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Writer Ram V and artist Fernando Blanco will be the new creative team on DC Comics' "Catwoman" series, beginning with September's issue #25

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actor Tom Ellis will return to play Lucifer in the Netflix series, "Lucifer," after some difficult negotiations, which could pave the way for a sixth season.  Filming on the fifth season had been halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS - From Newsarama:  "Newsarama" has announced that it is moving to "GamesRadar," Mon., June 1st, which will likely mean a change of web addresses.

MARVEL TV - From Newsarama:  Apparently, the seventh and final season of "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD" will have some kind of contact with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Zack Snyder reveals "Darkseid" for his upcoming "Director's cut" of "Justice League."

BRIT COMICS - From 2000AD:  The lastest "2000 AD Thrill-Cast Lockdown Tapes" podcast features Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Charlie Higson, Charlie Adlard.

Z2 COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Z2 Comics will publish "Gorillaz Almanac" in October 2020.  the hardback comic, done in the tradition of the British hardback annual, will feature the members of the Grammy-winning virtual (fictitious) musical act, "Gorillaz."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  The DC Comics blog has updated the list of DC publications scheduled to arrive in stores May 19th amd May 26th, 2020.

POLITICAL CARTOONS - From Newsarama:  CBLDF Protests TRUMP Campaign-Ordered Takedown of Satirical Political Cartoon

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director David Ayers would like their to also be a director's cut of his super-awful film, "Suicide Squad."

MANGA - From ANN:  Yen Press announces four new titles for October 2020 - three manga and an art book tie-in to a video game.

COMIC BOOK SHOP - From DuncanBanner:  Kenny's Comics of Odessa Texas has a "Traveling Comic Books Store" that travels throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

FOX MARVEL U - From CinemaBlend:  There is a reason for New Mutants fans to be excited opening the movie, "The New Mutants," and it is Bill Sienkiewicz

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Does Walmart's "Batman Giant #5" offer a new origin for the Joker?

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has launched a new monthly solicitation catalog, "DC Connect."  It will be a digital-only publication, as a downloadable PDF.

SONY MARVEL U - From DeadlineMarc Guggenheim is writing a script for Sony Pictures based on the Marvel Comics character, "Jackpot," a female character out of the Spider-Man line of comics.  Guggenheim has written comics featuring Jackpot for Marvel Comics.  Guggenheim is also working on another comic book project, "Prophet," based on the work by Rob Liefeld.

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  The word is out that Sony Pictures is developing some kind of female superhero or female superhero team movie based on characters from the world of Spider-Man.

DC TV - From Variety:  According to the article, actress Ruby Rose exited her lead role of "Kate Kane/Batwoman" in The CW's "Batwoman" because of the long hours her lead role required.

BRIT COMICS - From 2000AD:  Three legendary "2000AD" artists:  Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, and Mick McMahon, are together in one podcast interview.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Zack Snyder has announced that HBO Max, Warner Media's new streaming service, will stream his "cut" of the 2017 film, "Justice League" in 2021.  Snyder was the original director of the film, but, for personal reasons, left before the film was finished.  Director Joss Whedon finished the film, which has been panned by fans since its release back in late 2017.

COVID-19 - From THR:  The adult Halloween masks that resemble the one worn by "Bane" in "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) are a hot seller due to COVID-19.

DC TV - From Variety:  Actress Ruby Rose has announced that she is departing from The CW television series, "Batwoman," ahead of the second season.  Rose played the lead role of "Kate Kane/Batwoman."

DC COMICS DIGITAL - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has announced a digital-first "DCeased" series, "DCeased: Hope at World's End."  The twice-monthly, 14-chapter limited serial is written by Tom Taylor and the first chapter is available to read across all platforms.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  According to the site, artist Marc Silvestri will only continue work on his long-delayed, long-promised comic book, "Batman/The Joker: Deadly Duo," when he gets paid the big money that Greg Capullo is allegedly being paid for upcoming DC mega-project, "Death Metal."

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  The classic "Incredible Hulk" creative team of Peter David and Dale Keown, will unite with artist German Peralta for a story featuring the Hulk character, Maestro."  The untitled comic book debuts in August.

DC TV - From TVWeb:  There is a poster and official synopsis for The CW's 2021 series, "Superman & Lois."

COMICS TO TV - From Newsarama:  Netflix has set July 31, 2020 as the debut of "The Umbrella Academy" Season 2.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The release date for the upcoming, "Wonder Woman 1984," could change again.

SUBMISSIONS - From BleedingCool:  Comics publisher, Second Sight, is now accepting submissions for new comic book series.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics' series, "The Terrifics," will see its final print issue with #27.  However, the series will conclude with three digital issues, concluding with "The Terrifics #30 released on Sept. 1st.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Writer Mark Waid and legendary comic book artist Neal Adams are producing a new "Fantastic Four" comic book.  "Fantastic Four: Antithesis" arrives in August, but the duration of the project is currently unknown.

MARVEL TV - From Variety:  "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." has added actor Darren Barnet as a guest star to the Season 7 premiere.  It is currently unclear how many episodes in which Barnet will appear.

COMICS EDUCATION - From Newsarama:  Cartoonist Emma Kubert, the third generation in the Kubert comic book creating clan, will be teaching an online sketch class, via the Kubert schook, for kids beginning in June.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  The second season of "Doom Patrol" (from Warner Bros. Television) will debut on HBO Max and DC Universe on June 25th.

FOX MARVEL U - From Newsarama:  Disney has reportedly scheduled the long-delayed film, "The New Mutants," for an August 28th, 2020 release.

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DC TV - From NewsaramaRobert Downey, Jr.'s TV adaptation of Jeff Lemire's comic book series, "Sweet Tooth," is moving from Hulu to Netflix.

From NewsaramaJeff Brolin and Will Forte are among the cast members of Netflix's "Sweet Tooth" TV adaptation.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Jeff Lemire has announced that he will revive his former Vertigo comic book series, "Sweet Tooth," which originally ran from 2009 to 2013.  No debut date for "Sweet Tooth: The Return."

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DC COMICS - From BleedingCoolGeoff Johns and Jason Fabok's long-awaited three-issue miniseries, "The Three Jokers," is currently scheduled to debut August 25th.

COMICS TO FILM - From NewsaramaTim Story is negotiating to direct Kevin Hart's film, "Night Wolf," a superhero film.  Story directed Hart in several films, including the "Ride Along" and "Think Like a Man" film.  Story directed Fox's "Fantastic Four" films from 2005 and 2007.

DC TV - From DigitalSpy:  (May 12th) - The CW broadcast network will air the one existing season of DC Universe's cancelled series, "Swamp Thing."  [I have not been able to learn the air date as of this writing. - Leroy]

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has informed retailers that is approving Tuesday as the on-sale date of of all its comic book titles.  That includes products distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors, which has traditionally mandated a Wednesday release.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics is also getting rid of the six-day exclusivity window that comic book retailers has over the book trade market when it comes to trade paperback and hardback collections and graphic novels.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Scott Snyder talks "Dark Nights: Death Metal" and the changes to DC Comics' plans in the wake of for DC co-publisher Dan DiDio's "exit" from the company.

BOOM! - From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios will produce a 12-issue comic book based on the "Dune" prequel novel, "Dune: House Atreides," and will be written by the novel's authors, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.  The first issue is due Fall 2020.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  DC Comics writer-editor Martin Pasko has died at the age of 65, Monday, May 11, 2020.  Pasko is best known for his long tenure writing Superman and Superman-related comic books.  He was also a longtime writer and story editor for live-action and animated television series and won a Daytime Emmy for his work on "Batman: The Animated Series."

COVID-19 - From CBB:  The ComicBookBin's Herve St. Louis offers some reflections on what COVID-19 is doing to comics.

AWARDS - From PulitzerPrizes:  The 2020 Pulitzer Prize Winners have been announced.

NETFLIX - From Newsarama:  Here is a first look at Charlize Theron as the immortal warrior, "Andromache," in Netflix adaptation of the comic book series, "The Old Guard."

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Television and comic book writer, Marc Guggenheim, will reportedly write a film based on Rob Liefeld's "Prophet" comic book.

MARVEL COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel is making eight titles digital-only comics.  There are seven existing titles that are going digital only:  "Ghost-Spider," the limited series "Ant-Man," "Avengers of the Wastelands," "Ravencroft," "Star," "Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Black Cat Strikes," and "Hawkeye: Freefall," and and the new title, "2020: Ironheart."

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:   Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt are re-teaming to co-star and co-produce, "Ball and Chain," based on the Scott Lobdell Homage/Wildstorm four-issue limited series from 1999.

NETFLIX - From Newsarama:  Netflix has released images from its upcoming first season of "Cursed," which is adapted from the young adult novel of the same name by writer Thomas Wheeler and artist Frank Miller.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics shipping on Tuesday, May 5th and Tuesday May 12th.

COMICS - From Newsarama:   The site has confirmed that other comic book publishers have inquired with new comic book publisher, Lunar (owned by Discount Comic Book Service), about publishing their titles.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics shipping for May 19 and May 26, 2020.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics explains why Tuesday is the new on-sale date for their comics publications.

IN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  Longtime comic book inker, Juan Vlasco, died at the age of 51, Friday, April 24, 2020.  He had worked for both Marvel and DC Comics since the early 1990s, but he was best known for work for Marvel, especially on "Cable" and "Uncanny X-Men."

HISTORY - From CBR:  While cleaning out a closet, Todd McFarlane found a page of his original art that depicts the first appearance of the character, Venom.  From The Amazing Spider-Man #300, the page features the first full appearance of that character co-created by McFarlane and writer David Michelinie.

MARVEL - From Newsarama: (5/1) X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Gwen Stacy, Conan the Barbarian, and Star Wars that Marvel Comics will not be publishing over the next two months... and possible longer.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  (5/1) Marvel Comics explains the reasons for its "measured" release schedule over the next two months.

DC DIGITAL - From Newsarama:  DC Comics announces its "Week 3" list of digital comics releases.

DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  Diamond Comic Distributors plans to release a "Previews" catalog with a revised comics shipping lists for May and June 2020.

MANGA - From ComicBook:  The "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" manga is set to end in Japan, with the last chapter scheduled to appear May 22nd in "Weekly Shonen Jump."  Koyoharu Gotouge is apparently keeping to his plan to create a tight four-year series.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Classic "Green Lantern" comic book creative team, Ron Marz and Darryl Banks, reunited for new "Green Lantern" project.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:   Darren Criss, Zachary Quinto, and Alexandra Daddario will voice the lead characters in an all-new Superman film from Warner Bros. Animation, Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

DC COMIC-DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  DC Comics' exclusive distribution agreement with Diamond Comic Distributors seems to have ended almost 25 years to the day it began.

COMICS TO FILM - From ColliderRawson Thurber Marshall, the director of "Dodgeball: An Underdog Story," is in talks to direct a film adaptation of the "Mad Magazine" comic strip feature, "Spy vs. Spy."


APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020
From ComicsPit:  VIZ Media for April 2020

MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Aspen for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Behemoth Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Complex for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publihsing for May 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for May 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2020

JUNE 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Source Point Press for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for June 2020 [REVISED]

JULY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July and August 2020
From Newsarama:  Behemoth Comics for July 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for July 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for July 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for July 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2020

AUGUST 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July and August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  AWA for August 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for August 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2020
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing's "Transformers" solicitations for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  PS Artbooks for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2020

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Thursday, August 2, 2018

Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 1

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0052-3; paperback (July 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba is a shonen manga (comics for teen boys) from creator Koyoharu Gotouge.  VIZ Media is publishing this manga as a series of graphic novels both in print and digital form.  Demon Slayer follows a boy's quest for revenge against a demon that murdered his family and transformed his sister into a demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 7) opens in the Taisho era of Japan (1912 to 1926).  The story introduces Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.

Tanjiro and his sister leave their home, but they meet a demon slayer, Giyu Tomioka, who wants to kill Nezuko.  Now, Tanjiro also wants to be a demon slayer, but can he survive the cruel tutelage of Lord Sakonji Urokodaki, a trainers of swordsman?

The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is the latest in a line of fine titles that VIZ Media has released in the last year.  Some others high-quality titles include the supreme Golden Kamuy and The Promised Neverland.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 1 is one of Summer 2018's best comic book debuts.  What makes it so exceptional?  It is Demon Slayer's ability to convey power in simplicity.  Koyoharu Gotouge's art is nice looking, but is not overly detailed, nor are her compositions crowded.  The dialogue and exposition are straight-forward, which makes for graphical storytelling that advances with conviction – relentless like Tanjiro's quest for revenge.

Gotouge's characters are also immediately likable.  There is something universal in Tanjiro's quest; we can feel his pain.  Gotouge presents him to us as a boy full of love and focused on his family.  We can like him for that, so when he wants to cure his sister of being a demon and to slay the demon that destroyed his family, we not only buy into his quest, but we also want to follow him.  There are several good characters in this first volume, but Tanjiro is the star of this excellent manga.

9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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