Tag Archives: akira himekawa

NYCC 2025: Akira Himekawa Brings the New Fantasy Saga Kamudo to New York Comic Con 2025

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Kamudo

VIZ Media has announced that Akira Himekawa, the celebrated manga duo known for their masterful adaptations of The Legend of Zelda series, will make a special appearance at NYCC 2025 to introduce their latest mythic adventure, Kamudo. The event will takes place October 9–12 at the Javits Center, NY. 

Fans will have a rare opportunity to meet Akira Himekawa at multiple signings, as well as during a special VIZ Industry Panel where they will share insights into their latest high-fantasy epic, Kamudo.

WHAT: Special signings and an industry panel at New York Comic Con 2025

WHEN & WHERE:

  • Friday, Oct. 10 | 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM | NYCC Signing, Hall 1A, Author Autographing
  • Friday, Oct. 10 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Kinokuniya Signing, 1073 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018
  • Saturday, Oct. 11 | 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM | NYCC Signing, Hall 1A, Author Autographing
  • Sunday, Oct. 12 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | VIZ Industry NYCC Panel (Room 409)

Fans will have a rare chance to meet the artists behind The Legend of Zelda manga, one of the most successful video game manga series of all time, and discover their newest fantasy epic, Kamudo.

Spotlight on Kamudo:

From the visionaries who brought The Legend of Zelda to manga comes a bold new saga. Set in the mythical realm of Hinoaruchi, Kamudo blends mythology, philosophy, and breathtaking adventure in a sweeping tale that reimagines the boundaries of manga storytelling.

At the heart of the story is Kamuna, a half-human, half-dragon child destined to challenge the ancient balance of his world. With demi-dragons, spiritual gateways, and the force of Prana sustaining all life, Kamudo is a spellbinding tale of acceptance, prophecy, and survival—wrapped in Akira Himekawa’s legendary artistic style.

In the utopian nation of Ryujinkyo, Kamuna—a boy born with the form of a human and the left hand of a dragon—grapples with his identity in a society that both questions and fears his existence. As he begins his training in the ancient art of ryuken, his determination to prove himself fuels a growing rivalry with the fierce demi-dragon Gindu. Meanwhile, tensions simmer beneath the surface as factions outside Ryujinkyo grow restless, seeking to control the divine pulse that sustains the land…

NYCC 2022: Marvel and VIZ Media announce 3 new manga titles

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Marvel is expanding its manga titles with VIZ Media with three new ones coming in 2023. The trio were announced at New York Comic Con 2022. Next year sees the release of…

WOLVERINE: SNIKT!

Story and Art by Tsutomu Nihei
Release Date: June 13, 2023
ISBN-13(s): 978-1-9747-3853-3
Format: Paperback

Tsutomu Nihei takes Wolverine to a desolate new dimension in Wolverine: Snikt!

Wolverine stands as the lone hope of the few remaining humans in a desolate wasteland as they fight to survive against robotic organisms. Will he manage to save the day and keep his own humanity, or will he lose himself to his berserker rage and bring on extinction?

In 2003, fresh off the success of his hit series Blame!, star manga creator Tsutomu Nihei connected with Marvel Comics, writing and drawing the limited series Wolverine: Snikt! Bringing his signature style to bear on the iconic X-Man, Nihei took Wolverine to a darker, more terrifying dimension, presented here in a deluxe edition.

WOLVERINE: SNIKT!

SPIDER-MAN: FAKE RED

Story and Art by Yusuke Osawa
Release Date: June 13, 2023
ISBN-13(s): 978-1-9747-3878-6

There’s a new Spider-Man in town! And he’s got a lot to learn about being a hero!

When an awkward teenager puts on Spider-Man’s suit, he quickly learns that being a hero isn’t all photo ops and social media likes.

Yu’s new high school is kind of awful. He’s failing his classes and striking out socially. Everything changes when he finds one of Spider-Man’s costumes abandoned in an alleyway. At first, it’s fun to put on the costume and play hero, but when powerful enemies start to appear, Yu quickly realizes he’s out of his element. Still, with Spider-Man nowhere to be found, the city needs someone to save it…

SPIDER-MAN: FAKE RED

MARVEL COMICS: A MANGA TRIBUTE

Featured Artists: Akira Himekawa, Chika Ogaki, Gurihiru, Hachi Ishie, Haruhiko Mikimoto, Hiroyuki Imaishi, Kamome Shirahama, Katsuya Terada, Kazuki Takahashi, Ken Niimura, Kia Asamiya, Mizuki Sakakibara, Peach Momoko, Q Hayashida, Sana Takeda, Shigeto Koyama, Shou Tajima, Studio Nadegata Circus, Takashi Okazaki, Yasuhiro Nightow, Yoshitaka Amano, Yūsuke Kozaki, Yusuke Murata.
Release Date: July 18, 2023
ISBN-13(s): 978-1-9747-3713-0
Format: Hardcover

Japanese artists celebrate the phenomenon that is the Marvel Universe!

Experience a fresh take on the Marvel Universe with this collection of stunning illustrations from over twenty exceptional Japanese artists, including Yasuhiro Nightow, Akira Himekawa, Peach Momoko, Yusuke Murata, and Yoshida Amano.

Marvel Comics: A Tribute explores Marvel’s rich and enduring legacy as a pop-culture phenomenon by paying homage to its most iconic characters and beloved stories. The book features a range of unique artwork, collected for the first time, celebrating characters from across the multiverse. A must-have for fans of Marvel Comics and Japanese art alike!

MARVEL COMICS: A MANGA TRIBUTE

Review: Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker – The Manga

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Star Wars: The Legends Of Luke Skywalker

In a franchise as loved by millions as the Star Wars saga, there are still mysteries to be uncovered about the main characters. The last trilogy of movies made for a passing of the torch for many fans. Every generation in the last 50 years, who have been fans of the franchise has had their own relationship with it. My generation grew up on the original trilogy while other generations got to know the universe the new movies and television shows created.

This is why when we hear that there are new stories culled from this universe about our most beloved characters we are mostly overjoyed. When Ken Liu released his book based on new adventures with Luke Skywalker I was definitely in line to pick it up. As I read the stories contained, it occurred to me just how much he loved this world as well. In VIZ Media’s graphic adaptation, Star Wars: The Legends Of Luke Skywalker, they bring to life the adventures he went on in Liu’s brilliant novel.

In the first story, “The Starship Graveyard”, with art by Akira Fukuya and Takashi Kiskaki, a Star Destroyer pilot crashes near a rebel base and has his own encounter with the infamous Jedi Knight, one which gives him a totally different view.  In “I Droid”, Haruichi illustrates how R2-D2 and C-3PO get sent to a work colony and Luke not only frees them but liberates the whole colony. In “The Tale Lugubrious Mote” Subaru brings to life a tale where an insect in Jabba The Hut’s lair tells from a different perspective Luke Skywalker’s meeting with Jabba in Return Of The Jedi and how Leia was not truly alone in her time there. In the final story, “Big Inside”, Akira Himekawa illustrates a story of a young biology student who gets rescued by Luke, only to go on her own adventure with the intrepid Jedi Knight as he encounters an old friend through the Force.

Overall, an engaging set of stories, though they rethread some familiar territory, it strikes that rich balance of nostalgia and intrigue. The stories by Liu are pure fan service. The art by the different creators is imbued with love and is very striking. Altogether, this book is the reason why so many fans have stayed in love with the franchise.

Story: Ken Liu Art: Akira Himekawa , Haruichi, Akira Fukaya, Takashi Kisaki, Subaru
Story: 9.7 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy

Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker Brings the Force to Manga

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Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga

43 years after Star Wars: A New Hope hit theaters, the legendary space saga unfolds in the galaxy of manga thanks to the latest story in the Skywalker saga.

Packing in all the adventure that fans would expect from Star Wars, publishing and entertainment juggernaut VIZ Media, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, presents Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga. 

Encounters with the elusive Jedi Luke Skywalkerhave mystified many in a galaxy far, far away. A cadre of renowned Japanese manga artists, Akira Himekawa, Haruichi, Subaru, Akira Fukaya, and Takashi Kisaki, brilliantly capture and bring him to life in this literary piece. 

Star Wars and manga fans alike will delight in the storytelling and humor narrated in Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga inspired by Nebula, Hugo, and World Fantasy award-winning author Ken Liu’s Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

VIZ Media Will Publish Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga

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Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga

VIZ Media adds the world-renowned Star Wars franchise to its publishing catalog with the acquisition of Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga.

Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga is scheduled for release in early 2020. The anthology will feature a collection of stories by a cadre of renowned manga luminaries that include Akira Himekawa, Haruichi, Akira Fukaya, Takashi Kisaki, and Subaru. Akira Himekawa created the bestselling The Legend of Zelda manga franchise, inspired by the classic Nintendo puzzle-solving, role-playing video games. Haruichi is the creator of Leia Organa: Ordeal of the Princess, an official Star Wars Line Webcomic based on the YA Novel, Leia: Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray.

Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker: The Manga is adapted from the hit Star Wars novel, Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi—The Legends of Luke Skywalker, written by the Nebula, Hugo and World Fantasy award-winning author Ken Liu.

For additional information on anime and manga titles available from VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

The Legend of Zelda Manga Creators Appear At MCM Comic Con London

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VIZ Media has partnered with ReedPop and announced the appearance of the creators behind the smash hit The Legend of Zelda manga series, known jointly as Akira Himekawa, at the 2019 MCM Comic Con London. This marks their first-ever professional appearance in the UK.

Akira Himekawa is the penname of two women, A. Honda and S. Nagano, who have created multiple bestselling manga adventures inspired by the classic Nintendo puzzle-solving, role-playing video games. Their latest continuing series is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, published by VIZ Media. 

Organized and presented by ReedPop, MCM London is the UK’s biggest annual pop culture event. The event will take place May 24th-26th at the London ExCel convention center.

Akira Himekawa’s MCM London Panels & Special Events Include:

Friday, May 24th

11:00am – 12:00pm Official VIZ Media Panel with Special Guests
Center Stage

Join VIZ Media for exciting announcements, exclusive first looks at upcoming new titles, and special prizes! THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga creators, Akira Himekawa, will also make a special appearance.

Saturday, May 25th

2:00pm – 3:00pm THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Panel
Main Stage

Join Akira Himekawa for an insightful panel to discuss their groundbreaking work, as well as catch a special live drawing session!

MCM London Comic Con On-Site Akira Himekawa Autograph Sessions:

Friday, May 24that 2:00pm – limited to 100 people

Saturday, May 25that 4:30pm – limited to 100 people

Signing session attendees each will receive an exclusive THE LEGEND OF ZELDA shikishi and poster from VIZ Media for Akira Himekawa to autograph (one item per person to be signed). Official signings are ticketed prior to the event, distribution details forthcoming.

Akira Himekawa Off-Site Autograph Sessions:

Forbidden Planet London Megastore
Friday, May 24th at 6:00pm
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Join VIZ Media to welcome Akira Himekawa for a special off-site appearance in London! Wristbands to attend the autograph session will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Signing session attendees will receive an exclusive VIZ Media-supplied poster and shikishi; attendees select which one will be signed on site by the pair.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords – Legendary Edition is Out July 11

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VIZ Media invites manga readers and adventure fans to enjoy creator Akira Himekawa’s classic The Legend of Zelda story in a whole new way with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords – Legendary Edition– on July 11th.

The Legendary Editions adapt Akira Himekawa’s 10-volume manga series based on the classic Nintendo role playing, puzzle-solving, action video game into a line of deluxe omnibus 2-in-1 editions that each feature new cover art and color illustrations. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords – Legendary Edition– is the fifth release in the series. Four Swords is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry a print MSRP of $17.99 U.S. / $24.99 CAN.

In Four Swords, Link finds himself broken into four different versions of himself – Green, Red, Blue and Violet Link – and pitted against a fifth, the malevolent Shadow Link who has kidnapped Princess Zelda. The Links must find the Four Sword, the only thing that can combine them so that they are strong enough to stop Shadow Link and save the princess – and the world!

The Legend of Zelda manga series was created by Akira Himekawa, which is the pen name of two women known simply as A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair created The Legend of Zelda manga series which was inspired by several games and story arcs in the Zelda video game series. They have created a variety of manga adventures, which are published by VIZ Media, featuring Link and the popular video game world of The Legend of Zelda, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords and more.

The Legend of Zelda Creators Head to New York Comic Con 2017

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VIZ Media and ReedPOP have announced the appearance of the creative team behind The Legend of Zelda manga series, known as Akira Himekawa, at New York Comic Con this October.

Akira Himekawa is the collaboration of two women, A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair will make their first professional appearance at New York Comic Con for a series of special events and autograph sessions.

The Legend of Zelda (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) manga series, based on the classic Nintendo® role playing, puzzle-solving, action video game, take place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the TriforceTM. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named LinkTM sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to ZeldaTM, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!

Legendary Editions of The Legend of Zelda (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) manga presents the classic 10-volume manga series in a line of five deluxe omnibus 2-in-1 releases featuring new covers and color illustrations.

VIZ Media also publishes the latest ZELDA manga series – The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (rated ‘T’ for Teen) – which picks up the adventure with a new story arc. Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards’ power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light.

 

New York Comic Con will take place October 5-8, 2017.

Viz Media Expands The Legend of Zelda Manga Collection

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VIZ Media expands its library of manga for The Legend of Zelda with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Legendary Edition – The Minish Cap/Phantom Hourglass on May 9th.

The Legend of Zelda: Legendary Editions adapt the 10-volume manga series, based on the classic Nintendo role-playing, puzzle-solving, action video game, into a new line of deluxe, omnibus 2-in-1 editions that feature new covers and color illustrations by creator Akira Himekawa. The Legend of Zelda: Legendary Edition – The Minish Cap/Phantom Hourglass is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry a print MSRP of $17.99 U.S. / $24.99 CAN.

In the latest adventures, as a hero and a knight of the realm, it is Link’s duty to serve Princess Zelda and protect the land of Hyrule. Dangers come in all forms both on land and at sea. Join Link on quests to overcome the threat of the Minish Cap and unlock the secrets of the Phantom Hourglass.

The Legend of Zelda manga series was created by Akira Himekawa, which is the pen name of two women known simply as A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair created The Legend of Zelda manga series which was inspired by several games and story arcs in the Zelda video game series. They have created a variety of manga adventures, which are published by VIZ Media, featuring Link and the popular video game world of The Legend of Zelda, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords and more.

Additional Legend of Zelda: Legendary Editions that are currently available from VIZ Media include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Legendary Edition, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Ages – Legendary Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask/A Link to the Past – Legendary Edition.

Readers also are invited to enjoy VIZ Media’s The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the latest manga series also created by Akira Himekawa.

Manga Monday Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Vol. 1

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Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards’ power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light.

Link once trained in swordsmanship, hoping to protect the world of Hyrule. After a fateful meeting, he sought out the anonymity and peace of life in a small village. But danger and adventure always find heroes to set things right, and when the dark minions of the King of Shadows threaten his new home, Link answers the call!

Akira Himekawa is really two women, A. Honda, and S. Nagano, who together have adapted this modern classic video game for the manga page. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Vol. 1 is all set up taking us into this new world of Link introducing us to the light and the dark and hinting at the adventure to come. The first volume is very much a set up with the action coming at the very end, so if you’re looking for a story to dive right into Link’s adventure, that’s not it. But, that slow start feels like a classic Link story and it’s hard to not read each page with the classic Legend of Zelda theme song playing in your head.

The art is fantastic and perfectly captures the video game’s imagery on the printed page. Characters look familiar and there’s so much detail without overwhelming the page. The manga’s art feels like it captures the video game series and is just a perfect translation. The balance between the light and dark is emphasized in the art and uses of grays and blacks on the page. We’re transported from one to the other with just a flip of the page. For as fun as the manga is the read, the art is just as fantastic.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Vol. 1 is perfectly timed to be released with Link’s latest video game adventure. It extends the fun to the printed page to relax and read when you’re not guiding the excitement yourself with a joystick. All these years later, the manga feels familiar and like home in many ways. For fans of this franchise, or those who enjoy a fantasy epic, this is a must get.

Story: Akira Himekawa Art: Akira Himekawa Translation: John Werry and Stan!
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Viz Media provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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