 Hey everybody welcome back to the Manga Geekdom. Today we're going to go over the top 12 most anticipated new releases for the month of August 2023. Let's do it. Now before we get started let me mention real quick that dates are always subject to change. Please be aware of that. And if you're new to the channel let me tell you a little bit about this video series. There are a lot of manga coming out and instead of just going through everything I picked 12 books that I think everybody should check out or get excited about and these typically include new volume ones, boxes, hardcover deluxe editions, stuff like that. I know sometimes you might see a manga that has like 50 volumes and that's kind of hard to recommend to somebody starting new. That's why I always go for the new releases or maybe the standalone editions. The first one on the list here is Akane Banashi. This is being put out by Vizmedia. This manga is written by Yuki Suenaga and drawn by Takamasa Moe. Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his Shunichi exam. The test that would make him a top-ranked headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of Rakugo. His daughter Akane Osaki is his biggest fan and even practices the same performances while watching him behind the closed door to his study. When Rakugo master Isho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation. A fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth she has but one goal. To avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of Shinuchi. This one is pretty great. Akane Banashi I think is one of the better shonen job titles that are currently being put out and to have this in collected edition is always great. The art on this is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend it if you're looking for something distinct, new, with a funny bone, with great characters. It's great to see something like Rakugo being exposed to younger generations and of course to the international audience that might not be aware of this traditional art form from Japan. Heart Gear Volume 1. This is also being put out by Vizmedia. This action sci-fi manga is written and drawn by Suyoshi Takaki. You might know that creator from works like Black Torch. In a post-apocalyptic future a human girl and an android travel the world in search of a mythical utopia to protect those they love. Nearly 200 years after the destruction of humanity in World War 3, Rowe lives a happy life exploring the ruins of civilization with her uncle, a robot named Zett. But when their peaceful life is threatened Rowe must trust the mysterious robot Chrome to bring her family together again. Now I know that this manga has a huge delay and it's currently in hiatus but a cool sci-fi epic is something that I always gravitate towards so I had to recommend Heart Gear for all you sci-fi nerds out there. Go ahead and pick this up. It has wonderful art and a really intriguing plot that I think will appeal to most. Dead Company Volume 1. This is being put out by Tokyo Pop. This story is written and drawn by Yoshiki Tonogai. This horror mystery manga is about a death game where players are forced to kill one another until there's only one person left standing. This is the story of Ryosuke Miyaguchi, a young man who survived a real-life battle royale game three years ago and who has been struggling to live a normal life since then. One day Ryosuke was scouted by the enormously popular game developer EDC who asked him why don't you use your special experience to make a game. This sounds horrific, action-packed, and all the makings for a wonderful thriller. Be sure to check out Dead Company Volume 1 coming out this month. Mr. Villain's Day Off Volume 1 being published by Square Enix Manga. This slice of live comedy series is written and drawn by Yu Motikawa, the mysterious and dastardly man known only as the general within the evil organization plotting to take over the world is one of the top targets of Earth's defense unit, the Rangers, but on his precious days off he's more likely to be at the local zoo staring at his beloved pandas or trying out new ice cream flavors. Will his secret hobbies be jeopardized forever when his natural enemy, a ranger hero out to save the earth, catches him in the act. Mostly an episodic slice of life adventure like I mentioned earlier, Mr. Villain's Day Off is the perfect book to unwind and enjoy a good laugh. Go check it out if you can. From the world of Kazuo Umez, Viz Media brings us Cat-Eyed Boy Perfect Edition Volume 1 Hardcover Edition. Finally back in print after so long, I am so excited about this. If you don't know, Cat-Eyed Boy is hated by humans and demons alike dwelling in the shadows of the human world. Wherever he goes, disturbing scenarios involving both men and monsters begin to unfurl. And if I am correct in this, there will be two volumes of Cat-Eyed Boy to collect this whole thing and that is super exciting. I cannot wait for this. Pick this up if you're in the mood for some classic spooky stories from a master of sequential art. After we gazed at the starry sky, this is being published by Yen Press, story and art by Bisco Kida. It all started with a job. When a wheelchair-bound Subaru Miyazawa decides to visit the planetarium after finishing its brochure design, he unexpectedly bumps into Togo Awase, the photographer involved in the project. Although he admired his work, he never thought he'd see the man himself or that Togo would go so far as to carry Subaru down the steps to view the starry night sky up close. Subaru could only hope they would meet again. So this BL romance is a one-and-done volume which is great for all of you trying to save space on your bookshelves. I don't know which is love. Volume 1. This rom-com is also published by Yen Press, story and art by Oku Tamamushi. With high school graduation approaching, Mei Soraike tries to confess her love to her best friend, for whom she had long harbored a secret crush, only for her hopes to be crushed. But a little heartbreak is fine, because she will absolutely, definitely, without a doubt, get a girlfriend in college. And no sooner does Mei set her resolve than potential prospects start sidling up to her one by one. We're at the point of the video where I have to let you know that this book is my personal pick of the month. It is Toge Oni, Primal Gods in Ancient Times, Volume 1. This book is also being published by Yen Press, an action fantasy series written and drawn by Kenji Tsurubuchi in the ancient kingdom of Yamato, between the era of the gods and that of men. There was a time when the two coexisted. Mio is chosen to serve as a human sacrifice to her village's god, Kippuson no Mikoto. Hope I said that right. But she's not ready to die. Ken Ozuno, a monk with the special ability to speak one-on-one with the gods, saved her life. This is right up my wheelhouse, along with Cat-eyed Boy, when it comes to the supernatural, folklore, urban legends, mystical stuff, all that, you can sort of define my bonga taste by those genres. So yeah, I am absolutely excited to check out Toge Oni, Primal Gods, and this has fantastic artwork and I am super intrigued. Hopefully you guys are as well. Mobile Suit Gundam, Char's counterattack, Bel Torchika's Children, Volume 1, published by Denpa, with story by Takayuki Yanase and art by Sabishi Uruaki. In a new adaptation of Tomino's groundbreaking film, their first battle changed the tone of the one-year war. Their last battle could be believed as the end of that war. Now, more than a dozen years later, Char has emerged to lead a Neo-Zion and Amuro is ready to confront his rival once again. Created 25 years after Yoshiyuki Tomino's original novels, Bel Torchika's Children is an alternative telling of the legendary film. If you want, if you're a fan of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, specifically the Universal Century timeline, I think this is a worthy pickup. And of course, I always have to remind you, keep an open mind when reading adaptations like this. It's meant to be different. The Illustrated Guide to Monster Girls, Volume 1, this comedy fantasy school-life manga is being published by Yenpres, Story and Art by Suzu Akeko. In the world of monsters, where scaring and tormenting humans is a way of life, even monster girls need to pass their classes, graduate and get a job, enter Class Z. A bunch of failures more likely to be frightened and bullied themselves. Can this ragtag group of underdogs become successful, full-fledged monsters? I love the premise for this. I am fully on board for this. I really want to check this one out and I hope you do as well. The Witch's Marriage Volume 1, published by Yenpres, this GL fantasy series, is done by the studio headline. Opening the door of truth is the ultimate goal for many a witch. Gathering enough power to do so is no easy feat, however. And a popular method is entering into a witch's marriage, a contractual bound that generates more power the closer they grow. Melissa is one such witch, but is her heart truly immune to the adorable Tanya, as she claims. This one looks super sweet. I love the art for witch's marriage, and I've been interested in checking it out for a while now, so this is the perfect opportunity, thanks to the folks at Yenpres. Alrighty, let's close out this video with the last recommendation here. The Other Side of the Clouds, Volume 1 by Glacier Bay Books. This is a slice of life series, written and drawn by Yoruno Hitsujigumo. A young girl moves to the seaside town of Kumogawa. Wandering under the dazzling sun and ever-changing stars, she searches for meaning in an item from her past. The Other Side of the Clouds is a record of those hazy, dreamlike days in the mysterious little town by the sea. An atmospheric snapshot into the casual youth, a blossoming friendship, and the desire to travel. I can always count on Glacier Bay Books to provide amazing reads, great presentations, and just intriguing plot descriptions. I didn't know about this, I learned about it as I was making this video, and I was hooked not only by the slice of life elements, but by the fact that it's an atmospheric entry point into this town and people growing up and living their lives and all that wonderful stuff. So yeah, I do plan on checking this one out. There you go guys, 12 manga releases that I anticipate will be hot sellers in the month of August 2023. Thank you everybody for tuning in. Thank you for all the likes, the comments, the follows. Thank you for subscribing. It's amazing. Thank you so much. I know I say that a lot, but it's always true. I gotta be thankful for all the love. So that's gonna be it for now. God bless. Stay safe out there. I will catch all of you on our next video.