High School Debut
While the release of omnibus editions has been around for a bit, they largely just reprint material in bigger books that cost less and help to keep some out of print titles out there for fans to get a hold of. And sometimes, as is the case with today’s debut of the first High School Debut omnibus, we get a bit more. Viz Media is bringing Kazune Kawahara’s series back into print in the 3-in-1 format while also scheduling the second on for May 6th, 2014. The original series in Japan ran for thirteen volumes and completed in August 2013.
“The opening omnibus volume from the Shojo Beat imprint contains the first 3 volumes of the hit series by Kazune Kawahara, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. VIZ Media will release Vol. 2 of the 3-in-1 adaptations on May 6th. The final 3-in-1 volume (Vol. 5) will contain the series finale as well as 2 additional volumes of special side stories and collected new material that has never before been published in English.”
“Whether you are a seasoned shojo fan or new to the genre of girls manga comics, this 3-in-1 edition of HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT is a wonderful way to revisit this funny and endearing story or enjoy it for the very first time,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “The series has been named one of the Great Graphic Novels for Teens by the Young Adult Library Services Association and remains a favorite with readers. Don’t miss this new release from Shojo Beat!”
Kawahara is like a lot of creators in that she debuted at a young age, starting at 18 with Kare no ichiban sukina hito (His Most Favorite Person). High School Debut has definitely been her most populare as it’s also been released in Italy, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam. Her most recent work, My Love Story!!, known as Ore Monogatari!! in Japan, will be released by VIZ Media in Summer 2014. That series began in 2011 and has four volumes to its name so far.
Plot concept: Hapless Haruna needs help finding a boyfriend! After failing to win the eye of any guy in high school, Haruna enlists the help of cute upperclassman Yoh to coach her on how to make herself more appealing. Yoh agrees, but with one catch: Haruna better not fall for him! In the opening volumes, with Yoh’s help, Haruna starts to discover all sorts of dating tips – how to dress better, what guys to avoid, and what it feels like to fall in love for the first time. Haruna’s foray into love has its ups and downs, but nothing’s going to prepare her for when she actually lands herself a boyfriend!