It's on regular ol' Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Excel-Saga-Vol-Rikdo-Koshi/dp/1421536412) and Book Depository (http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781421536415/Excel-Saga-Vol.-23) now. April 10, 2012. Did anyone really expect any sooner?
(http://i56.tinypic.com/2ed5jt1.png)
And the waiting game beginneth once more.
...April 2012... :lordilvryannoyed:
Quote from: Foggle on May 12, 2011, 09:16:28 PM
Did anyone really expect any sooner?
*raises hand* I did! I did! :e_tongue:
So I'm guessing this year long wait will be a regular occurrence for now on for the remaining volumes.
Quote from: Ekuseru on May 13, 2011, 11:05:42 PM
So I'm guessing this year long wait will be a regular occurrence for now on for the remaining volumes.
Looks like it. Wouldn't be surprised if they sped things up for the final two volumes, though (assuming 27 really is the end).
Through the art of wishful thinking I wanted vol. 23 to come out in November/December just before the Holidays. Really did. The sad reality is that I figured this wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in a deep fryer of happening.
Quote from: Foggle on May 14, 2011, 07:36:08 AM
Quote from: Ekuseru on May 13, 2011, 11:05:42 PM
So I'm guessing this year long wait will be a regular occurrence for now on for the remaining volumes.
Looks like it. Wouldn't be surprised if they sped things up for the final two volumes, though (assuming 27 really is the end).
I agree. The current year long release dates between volumes would seem to make little sense if the source material is indeed wrapping up..
This is my wishful thinking kicking in again but I'm definately hoping for at least a two volume release per year once again.
Does Viz look at preorder numbers? Should I preorder this even though the release is nearly a year away?
I have to admit, I've come to the point I almost don't care anymore, it's so long between the volumes I almost forgot I had vol 22 waiting for me at the shop at all. I'm thankful that they keep the series afloat (barely), but I'm not looking that forward to them anymore.
Vicious cycle isnt it? They take longer to release because there isn't enough interest, they kill the fanbase because they lose interest in the wait.
Quote from: Foggle on May 12, 2011, 09:16:28 PMApril 10, 2012. Did anyone really expect any sooner?
Excel is not amused (http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/El_Sargento/ex_blacklist.gif)
Fortunately (or unfortunately) I've my japanese books...
Its a tragic situation that can only be remedied by hypnotizing a large portion of the population during the Super Bowl or something and implanting a subliminal message to buy Excel Saga.
so the series comes out 1 volume per year now eh?
i managed to find scanlations up to chapter 30 online, but i'm fairly certain that i owned atleast up to volume 6 or 7...maybe 8?
hell i can't remember...
I really want to pick up the manga again and get the storyline ...i want the entire storyline (seeing this on netflix made me wanna get it again...and reminded me of you guys :D)
I'm not gonna bother paying 5$ per book (including shipping) however i'm afraid...so if any of you want to "lend" you rcollection or let me buy it for a relatively cheaper set price for all of it i'd do that D:
I miss this series, but it's unlikely i'll ever manage to pick it up again and get the story :/
Good sign... it actually has its own description on Amazon now (instead of just being a copy-paste of #22's). It may not be coming any faster, but at least we know it's still coming. It contains what I consider to be mild spoilers, though, so I'm gonna' tag it.
[spoiler]
QuoteThey were always hassling Number Six about why he resigned, but when your boss is Dr. Kabapu, there should be no mystery that the younger and still human members of the City Environmental Security Administration have just given notice. But their mass walkout from the office is about to collide with the massive presence(s) coming in, known as Miwa Rengaya. Will this noted motivational speaker help Kabapu's employees face what could be the greatest challenge of their careers--namely, actually doing their supposed job...to face down ACROSS in mortal combat?
[/spoiler]
Sounds like a pretty interesting volume. I certainly have high hopes after the last four.
:lordilvryannoyed: GAHH!! reading that just wants me to have it now :lordilvryannoyed:
The fact that it does not have the dreaded 'Final Volume!' pleases me. (Honestly, now that it's over, maybe Viz will do the last 4 in omnibus format to rush it out the door. Then again, it does seem to sell better in the Direct Market than many of their other titles, judging by those figures.)
It's finally up for pre-orderin' on RightStuf. (http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/HNdPicoEAcLCUY01xW/browse/item/93596/4/0/0) I totally recommend buying from them if you're in NA; I usually get the books 2-3 weeks early.
I'd wait any length of time for a Misaki cover.
Though it is a shame that they lost focus on the series. The golden age of translated print manga is long gone, unfortunately.
April sure seems to be far away.
On an interesting note, I spoke to a couple of Viz reps at New York Comic Con. First of all, they had to be reminded they actually put it out. :) But once I mentioned the one-per-year thing, it was implied that it had as much to do with Carl Horn's schedule as it did any sales issues. Let's remember that about 2 years ago is when Dark Horse started pumping out a volume of Oh My Goddess (which he also edits) every two months, and they had a lot of Evangelion (which he also edits) as well. And that Dark Horse are his actual employers now.
So, since it appears OMG has finally caught up with itself, perhaps Carl will have a bit more free time in the future.
You should've told them to get Excel Saga out asap.
Tearful begging might help. I'd be up for it.
Brilliant news! Carl Horn is just as much a part of what makes Excel Saga amazing as Rikdo himself. Looking forward to (possible) quicker installments in the near-ish future. :)
I just finished re-reading all the books(again), so I'm hyped for the continuation. 4 months... and then you read it in a day, even if you try to spread it out, then another year for the next one...
I really hope they will speed up the publications a bit now when it's actually ended. Especially because it sells bad, they should want to be done with it.
Less than two months left now! Body is ready, etc.
Yes, the release date is my birthday, just like it was last year.
Quote from: Foggle on February 15, 2012, 10:03:48 AM
Less than two months left now! Body is ready, etc.
My nasal passages are ready.
...
What? I love the smell of a freshly printed Excel Saga manga!
It's a good read as well. :e_wink:
And thank you so very much Carl for your continuing efforts to have these last volumes published! Quite a cliffhanger at vol. 22. :ehail: I vowed I wouldn't spoil myself with what happens next.
I may have to celebrate volume 23's release properly with a cup of sake. Not the cheap tasting stuff, either. :lordilsmile:
As usual, I will be performing my New Excel Saga Ritual Dance, which involves dressing up as Kabapu in his Solarian clothing and rubbing the book vigorously against my
:e_crying: :hdead: :elcry: :pedronooo:
...What?
^lmao!
The impending arrival (Woooo!) of 23 reminds me to check with the local comic shop to ensure they don't eff up my order. They've been pretty good the last few years, however.
I like to support small book shops when I can because they're becoming like an endangered species these days. But.. I need to have good service too.
Just last week I was looking up the release date, thinking it would be out soon...
Two months!? Two whole months... D^=
Still, I am so glad Viz hasn't given up on it.
E^d
Good news. Review copies are arriving! It'll be a bit before I get to sink my teeth into #23. Viz really should add the series to their digital store, I'm sure they could pick up some new readers and they wouldn't have to worry about those out of print volumes. *sigh*
It's one month from today.
Wow, I'm almost 2 volumes behind.
Quote from: Lord Dave on March 10, 2012, 07:36:08 AM
Wow, I'm almost 2 volumes behind.
Not really a bad thing. You have more to look forward to. :e_wink:
Quote from: Lord Il on March 12, 2012, 03:49:24 PM
Quote from: Lord Dave on March 10, 2012, 07:36:08 AM
Wow, I'm almost 2 volumes behind.
Not really a bad thing. You have more to look forward to. :e_wink:
That and I probably should re-read all 21 volumes prior to make sure I remember it all.
And I should do it before I get married.
Three weeks left!
Must... contain... excitement... :hdead:
So I got the book early like I usually do... haven't had time to read it yet, but I have some bad (though not unexpected news) from the Oubliette:
"We will most likely see you again with vol. 24 in 2013"
:e_crying:
On a happier note, E^D Crow's tat is now forever immortalized within the hallowed pages of the English Excel Saga canon!
This once a year release schedule is going to kill me. Via suspense.
I highly advise everyone to reread at least volume 22 before picking this one up, because you'll be completely lost if you don't. Even so, some of the plot points are still nearly incomprehensible. I liked this volume a lot - it's hilarious, of course - but I couldn't figure out what was happening in much of the second half. Anyway, some spoiler-free observations (I'll post my full thoughts once everyone has a copy):
- Missions 4 & 5 are seriously amazing
- Excel and Watanabe are straight-up awesome in this book
- Some of the plot progression happens in cryptic scenes like the weird foreshadowing from the earlier volumes
- Hyatt and Iwata have cameo appearances only, but Sumiyoshi has a surprisingly large (hurr) amount of dialogue
- Shiouji is creepy as phuk
- I don't know if I can handle another year's wait...
All in all, a very good volume, but not as good as the last four. Someday soon I'll have to spend tens of hours poring over series details to try and make sense out of what the hell happened in this one, though.
Thank you Based CGH for continuing your brilliant English localization of Excel Saga! :im_nabeshin:
Got a status report on my vol. 23. It'll be in by the 11th. Which in turn means I'll be picking it up next weekend.
And yes, I'll be giving #22 another read for sure.
Holy shit, where is everyone? I go away for a year or two and everybody jumps shit. I wanted to find someone online to talk about 23 with. Is it not being sold in stores or what?
lol! The street date was yesterday so it shouldn't be too long before just about everyone has their copy.
I received mine today actually. Shall we gush?
We shall!
I pre-ordered my 23 off Amazon.co.uk awhile ago, but they haven't dispatched it yet.. I'm looking forward to it coming though.
I guess I've waited a year I can wait another few days or a week.
I'll have a review on my site by the weekend.
More reviews here:
http://slightlybiasedmanga.com/2012/04/11/excel-saga-23/
http://www.fandompost.com/2012/04/10/excel-saga-vol-23-manga-review/
Short version: Awesome as always, particularly Excel and Misaki, who are about 20% cooler than the rest of the cast. (And would make great ponies.)
Quote from: Randomness on April 11, 2012, 09:44:02 PM
I received mine today actually. Shall we gush?
Quote from: Foggle on April 11, 2012, 11:44:17 PM
We shall!
Commence with the gush. :e_tongue:
Quote from: Duomaxwe on April 12, 2012, 10:35:45 AMI guess I've waited a year I can wait another few days or a week.
You probably have just spoken on behalf of us all. :e_wink:
Quote from: Sean Gaffney on April 12, 2012, 02:49:54 PMExcel and Misaki, who are about 20% cooler than the rest of the cast. (And would make great ponies.)
Best laugh I've had today. :il_hahaha:
The part I'm confused about is, are they saying that Excel [spoiler]is also a robot and she transferred her consciousness?[/spoiler]
Also, what's the spoiler policy around here?
How odd. It seems that the forum ate my message. So reposting times.
Quote from: Sean Gaffney on April 12, 2012, 02:49:54 PM
Short version: Awesome as always, particularly Excel and Misaki, who are about 20% cooler than the rest of the cast. (And would make great ponies.)
Cool reviews. Also what butt marks would they have?
Okay so lets gush. I really loved this volume. A lot. Its hard to overstate my satisfaction.
[spoiler]I thought it was a really nice moment when Elgala said that "my senior is a very, very bad person... but not so bad she should die." Coming from Elgala who is frequently having fantasies that Excel has died and considering it comes right after Excel forces her to make a suicide attack and then ditches her.
Shouji stripping Excel in order to threaten Excel was pretty horriblarious.
Its kind of hard to pinpoint good moments that I liked. It seems like it was just overall satisfying. I liked the covert message exchange. ARROW TO THE BUTTS. And the Environmental Security team just carrying resignation letters everywhere they go.
All in all some really good stuff in this volume. I always enjoy a running away sequence in Excel Saga. And I am pleased that the Miwa rape face has finally occurred. I waited so long after it was posted in the spoilers thread. So long.[/spoiler]
Things really feel like they're coming to a head. Like we are moving towards some kind of conclusion. The wait for the next volume is going to be painful.
Quote from: Mullon on April 13, 2012, 09:07:16 PM
The part I'm confused about is, are they saying that Excel [spoiler]is also a robot and she transferred her consciousness?[/spoiler]
I think [spoiler]that original Excel's body was not a robot. But because of her link to the Core, she was able to transfer somehow to President Excel. I blame Miwa.[/spoiler]
Also, does anyone have an online version of that Touhou/Excel Saga fanart?
Quote from: Mullon on April 13, 2012, 09:07:16 PMAlso, what's the spoiler policy around here?
We never had anything really etched in stone about a definite spoiler policy here. However, I would think just the important key events would be best to use the spoiler tags. This is just to give some consideration to those who haven't yet gotten their copy to read. :e_wink: There's no need for anyone to feel limited by what you can post - [spoiler]The spoiler tags are your friend. :ehail:[/spoiler]
Here is my spoiler-filled review of Vol. 23: http://suitablefortreatment.mangabookshelf.com/2012/04/15/excel-saga-vol-23/
You can also find reviews of Vols. 1-22 there if you hit the dropdowns.
Got my copy today, I'm looking forward to reading it but I'm actually kind of busy now lol
I'll get to it soon though.
Read through it, I enjoyed it, as I expected to.
Don't want to wait another year. Plus I have to admit it is kind of upsetting that the end has sort of been spoilt for me >_>
Still waiting on my copy. :lordilvryannoyed:
From Amazon.co.uk?
Na mine came quickly once they dispatched it.
I actually left the last mission so far though, gonna savior it a few days before finishing the volume.
My copy is coming from a local comic book shop. I'm disappointed they didn't get it in when I thought for sure they'd have it. But I can wait it out. I'm tough. lol!
Quote from: Sean Gaffney on April 15, 2012, 10:19:46 AM
Here is my spoiler-filled review of Vol. 23: http://suitablefortreatment.mangabookshelf.com/2012/04/15/excel-saga-vol-23/
You can also find reviews of Vols. 1-22 there if you hit the dropdowns.
Those were really interesting reviews. I think you have some good insight into the series.
The way you described some events wasn't quite how I remembered them happening but its been a while since a reread, I could easily be wrong.
I can't remember, did we know already that[spoiler]Miwa had cat eyes too[/spoiler]?
Quote from: Foggle on March 29, 2012, 10:27:45 AM
On a happier note, E^D Crow's tat is now forever immortalized within the hallowed pages of the English Excel Saga canon!
Damn straight!
I wonder if Rikudo is ever going to see it..? *sigh*
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Every time I look at this tattoo, I think to myself
"FUCK YEAH!"Quote from: Mullon on April 20, 2012, 05:58:08 AM
I can't remember, did we know already that[spoiler]Miwa had cat eyes too[/spoiler]?
I don't think that's every come up..? If it has, I hadn't noticed.
_________________________________________
I just got it today. This was a great volume, and nice continuation from the previous. Personally, I didn't have to re-read the last one to follow what was going on.
I agree that Excel and Misaki were the MVPs for this volume.
Thankfully, I have stayed far away from spoiling what happens in the remaining volumes. As much as I would like them to be released sooner, I can deal with a year between releases.
I'm going to read it again, then come back to discuss things more in-depth. So many allusions, and things are definitely getting weirder, even for Excel Saga.
E^D
^ Yeah the ending is semi spoiled for me, and believe m it takes a lot of the fun out of reading it.
If you can avoid the spoilers for years do so.. lol
I can't remember why everyone started calling Ropponmatsu Ishikki.
Because it's the way the cast distinguished between the two - Isshiki is 'First'.
Quote from: Randomness on April 13, 2012, 09:58:13 PMAlso, does anyone have an online version of that Touhou/Excel Saga fanart?
:3
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/El_Sargento/12213688.jpg)
Good volume by the best part for me was.
[spoiler]The "we let them get away" punchline and as soon as I read that and saw Kabapu's reaction I burst out laughing on the spot.[/spoiler]
So simple yet so effective.
Problem is these long waits between volumes are finally starting to take their toll on me but it's still better than no Excel Saga at all.
For those who don't know, the New York Times Bestseller list bears no resemblance to reality, and has in fact featured on it titles that were taken out of print for poor sales immediately after appearing on it.
That said, seeing Excel Saga #23 on it is awesome, and I hope Viz Media is smart enough to slap a NYT Bestseller banner on Vol. 24. :)
Quote from: SWamP on April 26, 2012, 04:11:54 AM
Quote from: Randomness on April 13, 2012, 09:58:13 PMAlso, does anyone have an online version of that Touhou/Excel Saga fanart?
:3
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/El_Sargento/12213688.jpg)
That piece was created by Mas (http://www.excelsagaforum.com/index.php?action=profile;u=25). ^_^ Did it get included in the vol. 23 fanart pages? (I still didn't get my copy.)
Quote from: Sean Gaffney on April 27, 2012, 06:05:01 PM
For those who don't know, the New York Times Bestseller list bears no resemblance to reality, and has in fact featured on it titles that were taken out of print for poor sales immediately after appearing on it.
That said, seeing Excel Saga #23 on it is awesome, and I hope Viz Media is smart enough to slap a NYT Bestseller banner on Vol. 24. :)
Holy shit! It's currently at #4 on their top manga list! :ehail: :im_nabeshin: :elhail: :g_hail: Wooooooooooooo!!
Quote from: SWamP on April 26, 2012, 04:11:54 AM
Quote from: Randomness on April 13, 2012, 09:58:13 PMAlso, does anyone have an online version of that Touhou/Excel Saga fanart?
:3
[spoiler](http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/El_Sargento/12213688.jpg)[/spoiler]
Ah, thank you kindly for finding that for me. And if Mas is reading this topic, nice picture. Its cool that they use fanart from this website for the back of the translated volumes.
Quote from: Randomness on May 03, 2012, 07:48:58 PM
Quote from: SWamP on April 26, 2012, 04:11:54 AM
Quote from: Randomness on April 13, 2012, 09:58:13 PMAlso, does anyone have an online version of that Touhou/Excel Saga fanart?
:3
[spoiler](http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m73/El_Sargento/12213688.jpg)[/spoiler]
Ah, thank you kindly for finding that for me. And if Mas is reading this topic, nice picture. Its cool that they use fanart from this website for the back of the translated volumes.
We have connections. :e_wink:
Finally got to read it, and what a read that was, the cliffhanger endings in the later volumes are unbearable..! I must have mooooore..!
Congratulations to all who made the fanart submissions, they're all awesome :D
Finally got volumes 21, 22, and 23 a few days ago. It was great. Gosh, I got so emotionally attached to all of the characters over the years, I love them all so much.
And I laughed at my fanart being submitted under the name Fluttershy, how embarrassing. I need to stop changing my name.
[spoiler]It was nice to see so many new character interactions. Excel and Misaki surprisingly can get along quite well.
Now I'm wondering again, just how artificial is Excel's body? Since her mind can transfer to Isshiki, I'm guessing she is probably in the same situation as Iwata. It's depressing to think about Excel dying and being revived in the past.
I'm still confused about Hyatt. I used to be a little suspicious of her being a robot especially after that dream Excel had (with dozens of robotic Hyatts). But in the first volume she was a new recruit, so I'm guessing she was still a normal girl at that time. A very very sick girl, but yeah. And Il Palazzo didn't know about her medical condition at first. I wonder if he altered her body somehow not long after her first introduction. I'm sure she still has a human mind though, at least. It's adorable when she actually shows some signs of emotions.
Elgala is probably the only normal person of the trio.
I'm glad Watanabe is finally back. It's hilarious how he still occasionally goes back to his creepy self.
I found it cute how upset Sumiyoshi got when he thought that Shiouji was doing lewd things with Nisshiki. I guess they had some nerdy conversations in the past about "sticking to 2D".
And wow, Miwa is turning out to be really fucking scary. I wonder what she did to Il Palazzo.[/spoiler]
Finally read it--too many cliff hangers! AAAAAAA!!!!! It will be hard to wait for the next volume, as usual. :lordilsmile:
Excel was pretty awesome in this one, and I like that they've sort of semi-confirmed some of the things they've been hinting at. There was definitely a feeling that the answers are around the corner and coming up fast.
Quote from: Inkwolf on June 07, 2012, 09:12:14 PM
It will be hard to wait for the next volume, as usual. :lordilsmile:
Well, at least is only until November :e_cool:
Is November concerned?
Quote from: Squeezit on August 04, 2011, 11:43:06 AM
so the series comes out 1 volume per year now eh?
i managed to find scanlations up to chapter 30 online, but i'm fairly certain that i owned atleast up to volume 6 or 7...maybe 8?
hell i can't remember...
I really want to pick up the manga again and get the storyline ...i want the entire storyline (seeing this on netflix made me wanna get it again...and reminded me of you guys :D)
I'm not gonna bother paying 5$ per book (including shipping) however i'm afraid...so if any of you want to "lend" you rcollection or let me buy it for a relatively cheaper set price for all of it i'd do that D:
I miss this series, but it's unlikely i'll ever manage to pick it up again and get the story :/
Damn, I really complained about paying $5 a volume?
Now I can't find volumes 26 or 37 for less than $200