Planetes Returns: Makoto Yukimura’s Classic Manga Gets a Stunning Deluxe Edition!

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Makoto Yukimura is undeniably one of the top manga creators today, and “Vinland Saga” serves as a testament to his talent. This historical epic has been captivating readers since 2005, initially published in “Weekly Shonen Magazine” before moving to “Monthly Afternoon.” However, “Vinland Saga” is not the only masterpiece he’s produced. Although it was easier to find “Vinland Saga” in English up until now, that is soon going to change as more of his works become available in English translation.

Dark Horse Comics announced via their official platform that the popular series “Planetes” will soon be available as a Deluxe Edition. These hardcover books will measure 7 inches by 10 inches, similar to the Vinland Saga Deluxe Editions. The first volume is set to release on July 29, 2025, and it will retail for $49.99.

As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in space-themed productions, I find myself captivated by the narrative presented in “Planetes.” Unlike many, the protagonist, Hachimaki “Hachi” Hoshino, isn’t driven by adventure but rather by an unyielding passion for space cleanliness. His dream is to be part of a mission destined for Jupiter, not for thrill-seeking purposes, but to combat the growing menace of cosmic debris that threatens our exploration of the universe. The series delves into the complexities of life beyond Earth, exploring themes such as family ties, romantic entanglements, and the sobering truth about the arduous nature of space travel.

Regarding the graphic novel Planetes, it’s essential to note that although it falls under the sci-fi genre, its focus lies more on the human characters than the technology. This story unfolded from 1999 to 2004 over a concise four volumes, yet each character is given an impressive level of depth. The manga doesn’t shy away from portraying the grimmer aspects of space exploration and Earth’s future, providing a stark and thought-provoking look at life beyond our planet. Yukimura’s writing demonstrates the intricacies and complexities that life can entail when venturing into the unknown cosmos.

In this instance, he had created his inaugural serialized manga following his stint as an assistant to Shin Morimura (notable for ‘Manzai Highway’ and ‘Aishiteru’). Instead, Yukimura shifted attention away from the routine chores of space debris removal, centering the narrative on the emotional and mental struggles of his characters.

Initially published in 2003 by Tokyopop, the book was later reprinted in 2015 by Dark Horse Comics, utilizing the same translation. After a decade, Dark Horse is revising their version with a fresh English translation penned by Yuki Johnson.

This publication is significant, not only for Yukimura’s supporters but also for those who didn’t catch up on Planetes during its initial run. With a revised translation and premium hardcover format, this could be the optimal method to immerse oneself in the series.

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2025-02-05 18:14