Posted by: Katherine Dacey on
January 4, 2008 at 1:36 am
One of the most exciting trends of 2007 was the increased popularity of the omnibus, as evidenced by new editions of Azumanga Daioh, Fruits Basket, and Tekkon Kinkreet. Budget-conscious otakus will be thrilled to learn that Viz will be launching a new imprint devoted exclusively to this format. The first VIZBIG Edition, Rurouni Kenshin, will arrive in bookstores on January 29th. Fans can expect to see the first three volumes of the series repackaged with new cover art, color pages, author interviews, and a larger trim size of 5-3/4 x 8-5/8. (The standard American tankubon is 5 x 7-1/2.) The expected price will be $17.99. Other VIZBIG Editions slated for 2008 release include Dragon Ball (May), Dragon Ball Z (May), and Vagabond (September).
I’m thrilled to see the omnibus concept spreading far and wide… now if only Viz would reissue Rumiko Takahashi’s work in the VIZBIG format. I’d love to see new editions of Rumic Theater, One Pound Gospel, Maison Ikkoku, not to mention InuYasha, Mermaid’s Saga, and Ranma 1/2.
Click here for the official VIZBIG Press Release.