UDON Entertainment has revealed a large number for this Summer’s printed-media releases with a solicitations program called the Diamond Comics Preview Catalog. This program aims to give comic book stores information on what new and re-offered UDON products will be arriving every month; and so that customers can directly tell their local retailers to order them.
Beginning from the month of May, here are the items that will be arriving for retail. You may visit here to look for the closest comic book store in your neighborhood.
MAY
Haruhi-ism: Noizi Ito Artworks HC
Art book featuring illustrations by Noizi Ito, the artist for the original Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi light novel series. The product is 8×12 inches, and contains 120 pages worth of artwork including DVD covers, magazine pin-ups, rare promo art, and more. Haruhi-ism: Noizi Ito Artworks HC will cost $39.99, and is arriving in stores between late June and early July.
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Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Collection CV01
This Hatsune Miku art book contains 150 interpretive illustrations by 40 different artists, with each artwork containing different themes from high-fashion to everyday activities, pin-up art to concert pieces, and more. Releasing in stores this month, the art book is 8×12 dimensions, runs at 96 pages, and costs $29.99.
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Disgaea 3: School of Devils Volume 1 SC
One of two volumes for the manga based on Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice. In this volume, Mao — the prized student of truancy, poor hygiene, unfinished homework, and more — sets out to succeed his father in becoming the new overlord of the Netherworld. The manga is in stores now, and runs at $13.95.
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Devil Survivor: Official Material Collection SC
Art book based on the DS game, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor. Containing 176 pages worth of storyboards, character illustrations, promotional art, creator interviews, and a detailed demon guide, this is an essential item for fans of the Devil Survivor. The art book costs $39.99, and will be in stores this month.
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JUNE
Street Fighter Classic Volume 1: Hadoken HC
A collection of UDON’s highly acclaimed in-house Street Fighter comics in an oversized hardcover format. This re-release contains 304 pages of amazing artwork by several different artists, with an entertaining story to boot. Shipping between July and August, the product will run at $49.99.
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Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Works CV02
This art book will be based on the two characters, Kagamine Rin and Len. Featuring over 150 illustrations by 35 different artists, each artwork will include fashion themes, beach scenes, everyday activities, musical performances, and more. The art book is 96 pages with a cost of $34.99, and will ship this July.
ALSO: UDON will re-release products such as Super Street Fighter Vol 1: New Generation ($34.95), Street Fighter Legends: The Ultimate Edition ($59.99), R.O.D Read or Die: Official Archive ($39.99), and Shining Hearts Collection of Visual Materials ($39.99).
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JULY
Persona 4 Arena Official Design Works SC
Art book based on Persona 4 Arena. The art book contains 176 pages of content, such as character illustrations, storyboards, and pin-ups. It also includes character profiles, story summaries, creator interviews, and much more. Running at $39.99, the Persona 4 Arena art book will be arriving in stores this August.
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Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Works CV03
This 96-page art book contains 150 different illustrations based on 35 artists’ takes of the Megurine Luka. Such artworks include material from high-fashion to leisurely activities, pin-ups, musical performances, and more. The item will cost $34.99, and will be arriving in stores this July.
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Sonicomi Artbook: Super Sonico Picture Album
An art book collecting the best images based on the Sonico visual novels, including illustrations of cross-over costumes, merchandise artwork, pin-ups, and more. The product is 168 pages with a softcover, and will be releasing this July for $39.99.
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Haruhi Suzumiya Illustrations: SPRING AND SUMMER
An art book based on the Kyoto Animation-produced Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi anime series. The SPRING AND SUMMER volume contains key visuals and promotional art, including illustrations of the many various activities and shenanigans by the SOS Brigade. The art book will be releasing in late July for $39.99.
ALSO: Both the Persona 4: Official Design Works ($39.99) and Persona 3: Official Design Works ($39.99) will be re-released.
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AUGUST
Street Fighter Origins: Akuma HC
A Street Fighter comic detailing Akuma’s back story from a frustrated young man to the nefarious demonic fighter that we all know. The comic is 148 pages with a hardcover, and will release this August for $34.95.
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Disgaea 3: School of Devils Volume 2 SC
The second and final volume of the Disgaea 3 manga series. In this volume, Mao steals the “Hero” title from someone, and, thus, ruins his reputation as the “bad boy” of his school. He then devises a scheme to overthrow his overlord father; but he may run into trouble with the school senior, Salvatore. The manga is arriving in August, and will run at $14.95.
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MM25: Megaman & Megaman X Official Complete Works
Celebrating the Blue Bomber’s 25th anniversary, UDON will release a 400-page art book that contains every artwork behind the Megaman and Megaman X games, featuring character art, concept sketches, game covers, rare pin-ups, and more. The art book will also contain 100-pages of never-before-seen material, including interviews from creators behind the Megaman franchise. The book will cost $59.99, and will release this August. The retail version will only be softcover, as hardcovers will be available at conventions. You can read more about it here.
ALSO: There will be a re-release for Valkyria Chronicles: Design Archive ($49.99), Valkyria Chronicles 2: World Artworks ($49.99), and Valkyria Chronicles 3: Complete Artworks ($44.99).
That’s a lot of stuff UDON is releasing. Hopefully, by communicating with comic book retailers with the Diamond Comics Preview Catalog, it will not only build stronger relationships between UDON and retailers, but also encourage its fans to support their local comic book stores.
These upcoming artbooks are also available on Amazon:
