Last week VIZ LLC announced its new manga magazine, Shojo Beat. A magazine directed at "girls stories" instead of "boys". The anthology will be rated "T" and be covering six titles from Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc, and Hakusensha, all major publishers of girls comics in Japan.
The first issue is due out in July, with a preveiw issue availible in May. Retail cost will be 5.99 per issue, or 29.95 for a subscription.
Stories to be included are:
KAZE HIKARU by Taeko Watanabe
19th century Japan. Girl joins the Shinsengumi to avenge the death of her father and brother. She falls for Okita Souji, 1st captain of the Shinsengumi.
ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND by Yuu Watase
Yuu Watase, popular shojo writer of titles such as Imadoki, Ceres, Fushigi Yuugi, etc. Riiko Izawa has no luch with boys. She's always picked on, kinda awkward, etc. Her idea of the perfect man is someone nice, cute, smart, etc. A mysterious sales man offers her a 3 day trial of a new product after she helps him. The new product is an artifical human programmed to love his owner absoulutly and indefinitly.
CRIMSON HERO by Mitsuba Takanashi
Nobara Sumiyoshi is an amazing volleyball player. It's all she wants to do. She comes from a traditonal family though, and is expected to work at her family's restaurant where she has to dress and act like a girl, something she couldn't care less about. She decides to enter Crimson Field High School, who are known for their volleyball team, but her mother is out to stop her at all cost. With the help of her Aunt, Nobara goes head to head with her mom.
NANA by Ai Yazawa
Two girls, same name, very different personalities. Nana Komatsu has decided to move to Tokyo to change her life. After nothing but man after man problem, she's in need of a change and hopes the big city can provide it. Nana Osaki is confident, gregarious, and not going to let anything get in her way as she dreams to become a rock star. What happens when the two Nana's meet?
GODCHILD by Kaori Yuki
Creator of Angel Sanctuary and amazing artist, Kaori Yuki brings us this tale of a young man named Cain. Cain lives in 19th century Europe and is forced to become an earl due to his father's sudden death. As Cain assumes the role, he begins to uncover the families dark secerets. Disheartened and alone, Cain develops an uncanny ability to solve murders that seem to follow him everywhere, and slowly he begins to uncover the mysteries surrounding his father's death and involvment in a cult society.
BABY & ME by Marimo Ragawa
Takuya Enoki is an 11 year old boy, but he's hardly normal. After the death of his mother, Enoki becomes the caretaker of his 2 year old brother while his father works long hours at the office. This story follows the two brothers as they live together and grow, learning about life in a very different family environment.