Well, it’s finally here: the last month of 2018. It’s been one hell of a year for manga, with so many great releases, license acquisitions, and crazy announcements, the latest being Shonen Jump’s crazy new subscription plan! (Seriously, sign up for it—it’s only $1.99.) And while I’m sad to see 2018 come to a close, I’m excited for what’s to come next year.
But I’m getting ahead of myself, because we still have one month left of manga releases! Without further ado, here’s what I’m reading in December!
Pop Team Epic, Second Season
Original Title: ポプテピピック
Author: Bkub Okawa
US Publisher: Vertical, Inc.
Release Date: 12/4/2018
Purchase: Amazon
From the publisher: So you think that Popuko and Pipimi are just typical cute, sweet tweens? Think again f#%**ers! Ask the millions of fans in Japan and abroad… these girls are nasty, vulgar, and they don’t take crap from anyone!
The bizarre four-panel comic by Bkub Okawa, on which the hit anime is based, is filled with obscure pop culture references (including walk-ons by characters from other series) and tongue-in-cheek—and in-your-face—quips and snipes, as well as inappropriate physical violence. POP TEAM EPIC will keep you laughing, confused, and addicted!
READ POP TEAM EPIC, OR ELSE POPUKO AND PIPIMI WILL FIND YOU AND WILL KILL YOU.
Abara: Complete Deluxe Edition
Original Title: アバラ
Author: Tsutomu Nihei
US Publisher: Viz Media
Release Date: 12/18/2018
Purchase: Amazon
From the publisher: A visually stunning work of sci-fi horror from the creator of Biomega and BLAME! A vast city lies under the shadow of colossal, ancient tombs, the identity of their builders lost to time. In the streets of the city something is preying on the inhabitants, something that moves faster than the human eye can see and leaves unimaginable horror in its wake.
Tsutomu Nihei’s dazzling, harrowing dystopian thriller is presented here in a single-volume hardcover edition featuring full-color pages and foldout illustrations. This volume also includes the early short story “Digimortal.”
Tsutomu Nihei’s manga is definitely not for everyone. Most of his manga, including Biomega and Knights of Sidonia, heavily feature sci-fi elements, moody atmospheric art, and, at times, grotesque imagery. If that all sounds good to you, then consider picking up Abara.
Slumbering Beauty, Vol. 2
Original Title: ねむりめ姫
Author: Yumi Unita
US Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Release Date: 12/24/2018
Purchase: Amazon
From the publisher: Yoneko is so good at guiding people into sleep that Nerimu’s master is trying to recruit her to be a slumber spirit! Nerimu, however, thinks that is a terrible idea and is doing everything he can to keep her from following in his footsteps. Which path will Yoneko choose? The final volume of the whimsical, modern-day fantasy!
We all know how I feel about Yumi Unita’s most famous (infamous?) work, Usagi Drop. So imagine my surprise when I picked up the first volume of this manga and found myself actually enjoying it. Unfortunately, this is the final volume of Slumbering Beauty, and while I’m sad to see it end, I’m happy to see another josei title getting published over here.
How are you rounding out your manga-reading year?
Hakutaku 
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