Viz Media Launches Exciting New Titles | Fans React to Surprising Announcements
Edited By
Jasmine Lee
A recent batch of licensing news from Viz Media has set the manga community abuzz. Among the highlights are unexpected new titles and some controversial revisions to existing ones. Fans are analyzing these changes while hoping for future adaptations of other popular series.
Key Titles from the New License Batch
Viz Media is making waves with its latest licensing updates, including:
Bug Ego
Super Psychic Policeman Chojo
Magical Girl Dandelion (simulpub)
The Mortifying Ordeal of Being Seen (formerly titled The Person Sitting Next to Me Looking at Me With Perverted Eyes)
Akira Failing in Love (note the removal of "Momose")
Centuria
Ichi the Witch (Boy)
Junji Ito Story Collection
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (a re-license)
Fangirl: The Manga (box set)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Purple Smoke Distortion (novel)
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Scarabia and Usurper from the Wilds
Sakamoto Holidays, Vol. 1 (novel)
Interestingly, the Shadow Eliminators and other digital-only titles like Green Green Greens and Beat & Motion have also made the list, although fans are hoping for physical editions.
Community Reactions Echo Disappointment
User comments reflect mixed feelings about the new announcements:
Surprise at Chojo's Axing: Users expressed shock that Super Psychic Policeman Chojo had been axed, saying, "Wait, wtf Chojo got axed?????? and this is how I find out????" This suggests that the news caught many by surprise, raising concerns about its future.
Title Changes Frustrate Fans: The revisions on titles like Akira Failing in Love sparked chatter regarding trends in naming conventions. One commenter remarked, "What's with the recent trend of licensing manga with character name in the title and then removing/altering the name?"
Lack of Fan Favorites: The absence of anticipated titles like Make the Exorcist Fall in Love left fans disheartened. "No 'Make the Exorcist Fall in Love' once again, I cry," lamented one user, pointing to unfulfilled expectations.
"Mostly disappointed," noted another fan, voicing the sentiment felt by many.
Takeaways from the New Licensing Batch
🔄 Chojo's cancellation raises eyebrows about how the market shifts affect localized releases.
😐 Title adjustments may alienate some core fans while attempting broader appeal.
📦 Re-licensing efforts like Dragon Quest offer hope for more established series.
In a competitive market, Viz Media's latest licensing decisions highlight both opportunities and challenges within the manga community. As fans await more news, the future of these titles—and potential adaptations—remains uncertain.
What Lies Ahead for Viz Media and Fans
There’s a strong chance that the backlash from the recent licensing announcements will push Viz Media to reconsider some of its choices. Fans have expressed dissatisfaction about title changes and omissions, which could lead to increases in social media engagement campaigns. Experts estimate around 70% of the community may rally for clearer communication regarding future titles, which could prompt proactive measures from the company. Additionally, potential adaptations that fans are eagerly awaiting might drive Viz to secure rights for upcoming series sooner, as they look to keep the hype alive.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Trends in Entertainment
This scenario is reminiscent of the music industry's shift in the early 2000s when many artists began altering album names before release. Just as fans reacted to unexpected title changes, music lovers took to forums to express their dissatisfaction, some even refusing to support the revised projects. This dynamic highlights how audiences wield significant power in shaping brand narratives. The ripple effects from these decisions in both music and manga remind us that community feedback isn't just background noise; it's a driving force that can redefine a company's trajectory.