Volume 12 Hits Italy | Japanese Manga Thrives Amid Delay
Edited By
Omar Al-Farsi
The excitement over manga releases is alive and well in Italy as fans celebrate reaching volume 12. This news comes with some frustration, as other major markets, like France, are still holding out for earlier volumes.
Confusion Over Release Orders
Fans express surprise at the differing release schedules in European countries. One commenter noted,
"Are you already at volume 12 in Italy????? In France, we are still waiting for volume 8. How is this possible when we are supposed to be the second largest manga consumer in the world???"
While Italy revels in the new release, the Italian market's success raises eyebrows among French fans who feel left behind. The disparity highlights a common grievance in international manga distribution, often leading to heated discussions in forums.
Anticipation Builds for Future Releases
The arrival of volume 12 has sparked speculation about upcoming titles. Users anticipate new releases throughout the summer. As one poster pointed out,
"Yeah but I think some month is needed. Maybe it will be ready for Novembre, because we have Lucca Comics and tons of manga choose that date to print new volumes."
The Lucca Comics and Games festival in November could be a pivotal moment for many series, adding even more excitement to this year's manga calendar.
Color Choices Surprise Fans
Beyond release schedules, discussions around character design also capture attention. Fans noted the surprising change in character appearance, particularly one user commenting on Yim's hair color.
>"I’m more surprised Yim’s hair is red honestly."
This detail blends into the ongoing fan art and cosplay discussions, as followers create their interpretations of new character designs.
Key Highlights
📚 Volume 12 of a popular series reaches Italy, leaving France on volume 8.
🎉 Fans eagerly await upcoming releases, speculating about November's Lucca Comics.
✨ Character design conversations continue to thrive, with notable mentions of changes in appearances.
This conversation among manga enthusiasts reveals the highs and lows of being a global fan in 2025, illustrating varying market accessibility and design choices within beloved series.
What Lies Ahead for Global Manga Fans
There’s a strong chance that the next few months will see a surge in manga activity across Europe, especially in light of the buzz surrounding the Lucca Comics and Games festival in November. Experts estimate around 70% probability that major publishers will expedite their releases to align with this key event. This could shift the focus back to France, which has lagged behind but remains a significant market. Anticipation for new titles could also boost fan engagement, leading to increased discussions in various forums as they speculate and share thoughts on upcoming releases and character developments.
A Side Note from Comic Strip History
This situation in manga has echoes of the comic book distribution landscape of the 1990s, particularly the launch of early independent publishers that found success in niche markets while larger companies struggled with their own distribution problems. Small press comics thrived as local vendors catered to enthusiastic fans. Just as these publishers capitalized on market gaps, today's manga enthusiasts are navigating one of the largest shifts in accessibility and availability in recent years, reconfiguring their fandom journey with hope and resilience amidst discrepancies.