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Takahashi's new manga goes online


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POSTED: Sunday, April 19, 2009

It looks like the wait for Rumiko Takahashi's latest manga to debut in English will be shorter than anyone expected.

Back in February, I noted in this column that Takahashi, the creator of series including “;Inu-Yasha,”; “;Ranma 1/2,”; “;Maison Ikkoku”; and “;Mermaid Saga,”; would be starting a new series in the pages of Weekly Shonen Sunday in Japan.

That series, “;Rin-ne,”; debuts Wednesday. And now, courtesy of Viz, the manga will debut not only in Japanese, but also with a simultaneous English translation online. Watch for the first chapter and subsequent releases every week at www.TheRumicWorld.com.

“;Rin-ne”; is the story of Sakura Mamiya, a teen who can see ghosts but is tired of the ability to do so, and her long-absent classmate who suddenly shows up one day. Takahashi's manga are built for the long haul, so it'll probably be a while before we see the direction she's taking with this story. If the past is any indication, though, expect an entertaining, humorous ride.

 

Back to Tuesdays!

If this column seems a bit short, it's because we're still getting a sense of which features fit where in our new format. In my previous column, I promised I'd be here today, and here I am.

It does seem a bit cramped here, though, which is why “;Cel Shaded”; will be returning to Tuesdays starting ... well, this Tuesday. Come back next week then, when I'll share some thoughts on Kawaii Kon.