Introduction to American comics and toys in Akihabara [Akihabara News]

A corner introducing shops unique to Akihabara and unusual spots in Akihabara!
Some of you may have been touched by the romance of the boy stuck in the weapon shop in the previous episode.

This is the third installment, and the topic is "Introduction to American Comics and American Toys in Akihabara," where we visited a specialty American comic book store and a specialty American toy store in Akihabara.
We will introduce you to a world with an American feel that is a little different from Japanese works!

↓Click here for the previous Akibabura News article "A Weapon Shop Blending into Akihabara"

Akihabara Weapons Shop, Armed Shop TARGET-1 [Akihabara News]

The American comic and American toy videos aired during the Passion Conferenceclick here

The archive of Jonetsu Kaigi's American comic and toy introductions isclick here

What is the joint project "Akibabura News"?

"Passion Conference" is a 30-minute live broadcast by Ichigo Animation that delivers various information about Akihabara.
Akihabara Base Camp is a blog and video streaming service that provides information on Akihabara stores and Akihabara-related information.
A collaborative project between two people who love Akihabara and work daily to revitalize the city!
We bring you the latest happenings in Akihabara using blogs, videos, and live broadcasts!

It's packed with information on Akihabara, from the latest news to hot spots, and more to help you enjoy Akihabara to the fullest!
You might discover a new side of Akihabara that you didn't know existed?

It's packed with information on Akihabara, from the latest news to hot spots, and more to help you enjoy Akihabara to the fullest!
You might discover a new side of Akihabara that you didn't know existed?

Blister Comics

Blister Comics, located along Akihabara Tashiro Street, is an American comic book shop that carries over 1 comics.
The store is filled with a large number of original American comics as well as translated versions, but many of them seem to be sold in a way that is unfamiliar to Japanese manga.

Leaf? Paperback? American comic book sales format

How are American comics developed in the first place?
I think many people think this way.
So let me briefly explain the sales method.

There are two main types of American comics.
One is a booklet of about 20 pages called a leaf, which is similar to a magazine serial in Japan.
However, there are not multiple titles in one book; each book basically contains one title.
This is the kind of item that commands a premium, resulting in high-value transactions that occasionally make the news.

And the other is a paperback.
This is what is called a tankobon in Japanese manga, a collection of several of the aforementioned leaflets.
The appeal is that you can read the entire episode in one go, and it comes in a variety of formats, including hardcover.

Also, the same comic may have multiple different covers.
These are called variant covers, and some of them have quotas, such as one cover for every specific number of books purchased.
It seems that when a large new series features popular characters from Marvel or DC, there are sometimes more than 10 different variant covers.
In terms of Japanese manga, it would be similar to store bonuses.

Blister Comics Popular Items of 2021

We asked the store staff about the most popular comics these days.

One translated American comic that has been doing well recently is "The Rise of Ultraman."
This is a comic version of Ultraman with an original story, and the gap between the release of the original book and the translated version was short, so it seems to be popular perhaps because it is a Japanese hero.

To digress, it seems that Japanese characters like this often end up in American comics with their own unique stories, and there were American comics such as "Captain Harlock" and "Street Fighter" on display.

The translated version of "Spider-Man: One More Day," an episode that could be considered the inspiration for the upcoming film "Spider-Man: No Way Home," is also said to be popular.

A popular original American comic book was "Superman: Son of Kal-El."
The series features Jon Kent, the son of Clark Kent, aka Superman.
His coming out in #5 became a big topic of conversation.

Also, magazines with covers by Japanese illustrator Momo Momoko are apparently popular.

There are also American comic goods other than comics!

Blister Comics also had American comic goods other than comics.

This "Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook" is a collection of recipes inspired by Marvel characters.

There are a lot of dishes with shocking colors!

This is a storage box that fits leaves perfectly vertically.
It's a popular item and sells out quickly.

On this day, in addition to Superman, there were also storage boxes with Batman and Walking Dead designs.

Lots of posters too!!
Why not decorate your room with some cool posters?

Toy & Comic Garimpeiro

Located about a 3-minute walk from Suehirocho Station, Toy & Comic Garimpeiro is a store that mainly sells American toys, which is rare even in the Akihabara area.
The store is packed with comic and movie figures and merchandise!
Seeing the colorful items will surely bring back memories for fans, as well as those who have only had a brief experience with the series through movies and games.

The growing popularity of American comic book heroes

The store is visited by people of all ages, mainly in their 20s to 40s, looking for American toys, and some even have small children.
Since the release of the film "Iron Man" in 2008, the number of domestic fans has increased, and continues to grow to the present day.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of drama series based on related works being developed on video streaming services, and this may lead to further expansion.
By the way, when a new movie or TV drama is released, related products sell well, and recently "Eternals" and "Venom" seem to be popular.

For fans of "those days"!

The figure boom that occurred in the 90s.
Recently, many items have been released that will delight those who collected figures from that era.

Spider-Man and X-Men in classic TOYBIZ-style packaging.
The original figure was released around the time when American comics were gaining recognition in Japan thanks to Capcom's fighting games, so many people may be familiar with it.

The 80's revival boom that had been going on for a while had hit American toys as well, but it looks like the 90's are finally taking over.

Additionally, McFARLANE TOYS, which is an essential part of the "super rare, super awesome, get it now" era, seems to be making a comeback recently.
DC Comics figures like Batman have been released at affordable prices and have been popular, and now the Spawn figure series is finally being relaunched!
The infamous variation sales tactic is still alive and well, causing trouble for both users and retailers.

Large role-playing goods that look great on social media

Garimpeiro also has large role-playing items on display, such as Mjolnir and a vibranium shield.
Unfortunately, many items have already sold out, but if you ask the staff, you can pick them up and take photos!

When you pick it up, it's quite heavy, even though it's a toy.
The light and sound gimmick will get you excited!
This makes me want to buy so many things...

Also recommended as a Christmas gift!

Garimpeiro is currently running a Christmas sale!
Marvel Legends figures such as Mighty Thor and Iron Man, as well as McFARLANE TOYS figures, are on sale.

American comic T-shirts are also available at affordable prices.

They also sell gift bags, which are perfect for Christmas presents!

Advent calendars were also on sale.
If we open them now it will be right before Christmas, but opening them all at once might be a great feeling.

If you're new to American comics and toys, it's best to start with the original movie!

There are a wide variety of American comics and toys on sale, and you might be wondering, "Where should I start?"
First of all, I think it's best to follow your heart and pick up something that you really want.
However, it is human nature to want to try this and that...
Why not start by looking at some popular American comic book-based works that are also available in Japan?
Because it is such a popular series, in addition to figures and role-playing sets, there are also many accessories and watches that can be used on a daily basis.
Why not start your introduction to American comics and toys with the long-running Spider-Man or the currently popular Venom?