VIZ Media has announced the license acquisition of Gosho Aoyama’s Yaiba: Samurai Legend manga and anime series during their industry panel at this year’s New York Comic Con.
The company also announced the release of the first volume of Vagabond: Definitive Edition next January and Akira Himekawa’s new manga series Kamudo on the VIZ Manga app.
Here are the details on VIZ’s announcements at NYCC:
Aoyama’s Yaiba manga series will be released in English print sometime in July 2025. The manga ran in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine from September 7, 1988 to December 1, 1993. A total of 24 tankobon volumes were released.
The manga inspired a 52-episode TV anime series between 1993 and 1994 and a new upcoming remake series from WIT Studio, which VIZ has also licensed.
Additionally, the first volume of Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond: Definitive Edition was announced for release in print on January 21, 2025. The definitive editions of the manga will be released in 3-in-1 hardcover volumes, and feature a large trim size with textured cover design and as removable obi.
VIZ describes the synopsis of Vagabond as:
At 17 years of age, Miyamoto Musashi—still known by his childhood name, Shinmen Takezō — is a wild young brute just setting out along the way of the sword. In the aftermath of the epic Battle of Sekigahara, Takezō finds himself a fugitive survivor on the losing side of the war. Takezō’s vicious nature has made him an outcast even in his own village, and he is hunted down like an animal. At this crucial crossroads in Takezō’s life, an eccentric monk and a childhood friend are the only ones who can help him find his way.
Meanwhile, VIZ also announced that it will be releasing manga artist duo Akira Himekawa‘s newest manga series Kamudo simultaneously in English. The first two installments of the manga are now available to read for free on the Viz Manga service and app. New chapters will debut on the first and third Thursday of every month.
A video featuring the manga duo introducing the manga was released by the company, as well as a manga trailer.
The manga recently launched in Japan on Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry service on October 20, 2024. The title was first announced at Anime Expo in 2017.
Viz Media describes the synopsis of Kamudo as:
Before humans claimed their place in history, the skybound paradise of Hinoaruchi was ruled by demi-beings — creatures that appeared half human, half beast. The realm flourishes under the tenuous peace maintained by the demi-dragons of Ryujinkyo, until prophecy predicts the dawn of a new era shrouded in uncertainty. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, will the birth of Kamuna, the first human child, bring disaster or salvation?
Source: VIZ Media Official Twitter, Anime News Network
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