News
Hetalia - Axis Powers Manga Listed by Amazon (Updated)
posted on by Egan Loo
The Amazon online retailer is listing the first volume of Hidekaz Himaruya's Hetalia - Axis Powers comedy manga for a September 28 release in the United States by Tokyopop. Amazon's listings do not necessarily indicate definite release plans or dates.
The manga and subsequent anime adaptation take the archetypal characteristics of about 20 countries and regions, and anthropomorphize them as (mostly) bishōnen characters. The story re-imagines various historical eras including World War I and II.
Funimation will release the first two anime seasons in North America, while a third season premiered online in Japan last month. Tokyopop has been hinting broadly on its official Twitter account about an upcoming manga license since last year. The upcoming film Ginmaku Hetalia - Axis Powers Paint it, White (Shiroku Nure!) — or literally, "Hetalia - Axis Powers on the Silver Screen: Paint it, White" — will open in Japan in early summer.
Thanks to Rachel for the news tip.
Update: More background information added.
Update 2: Tokyopop has confirmed its acquisition on April 30, but it dates the first volume for September 10, "just in time for International Hetalia Day!" Thanks, Rachel.
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