In a series of tweets, Yen Press, publisher of the official English translations of HOTD and Triage X, announced today that they will release a digital version of Highschool of the Dead Act.30 on April 9, the date the chapter will be released in Japan. As far as I know, they haven't been clear yet as to the method of release. I'm not familiar with their online magazine, but I would guess it would be in that, or at least available to subscribers. They also have not made it clear whether they will release all future chapters like this or if this is a one-time thing.
This came as a major surprise to me. It makes me rather nervous as a scanlator, especially after what happened to Mangastream after Viz decided to start releasing weekly Shounen Jump chapters. I've decided not to take part in scanlating this chapter. As unhappy as I've been with Yen Press, and as sure as I am they are trying to exploit manga fans and force subscriptions on innocent readers, I have to keep in mind that some of the money goes to the author and artist, and that's a good thing. (Then there's the legal ramifications I want to avoid at all cost). Sorry for the inconvenience, but the most you will have to pay is $2.99 for a one-month subscription, and you get to read it a few days earlier.
If I am right and they don't do any more chapters after 30, I will resume the scanlation, so don't worry. I know plenty of you will be groaning and complaining about not getting a free version, but you'll get over it. Remember, by spending the $3 you're supporting the author and artist and maybe keeping this series alive a little longer.
I'll still have my regular Dragon Age update and monthly raws. Plus I'll scan any of the extra stuff (covers, maybe the poster) that Yen Press doesn't include. See you soon.
UPDATE:
I've spoken with Renzokusei, and it looks like they will continue with the scanlation. Scans of the Dead will have no association with the chapter, but I fully support what they're doing. That being said, if you do choose to pay for the Yen Press version, you will get to read the chapter at least a few days earlier. Those of you who read the bigger shounen series know how this works. You can read the speedlation for a quick fix or you can wait a few days for higher quality. The important thing is you have a choice.
Thanks for doing the right thing! Paying for the manga is the best way to ensure it continues. I for one want it to continue and have purchased it all in both Japanese and English.
ReplyDeleteHOTD manga is not free.
where could I buy it!? >:O I REALLY want to support Sato ! Im most definitely buying it. whether I get the English or not. I want Sato to continue this series. this is the ONLY zombie series there is out there and this is just borderline.. AMAZING.
DeleteThey haven't said anything about how to get the chapter yet. I'm guessing it will have something to do with their online magazine. I can't be sure yet, though, so I wouldn't pay for anything just yet.
DeleteBut the chapter is literally 2 days away! [ I seriously hope it does get released on that day.. ill Jizz a Pool. Sorry for a very descriptive picture.. BUT COMON!! WHO ISNT READY FOR MORE HOTD?!?!?] they should release the thing like now! I want to support Sato for all his hard work of creating an awesome Anime specifically made for me! But hopefully they post it here so I can go to the link and pay those 3 dollars for Sato ^_^
Delete- TFOs -
hey HoTd is not the only zombie manga out there . search for " I am A hero" . i love hotd so much%-) but its not the only one.
DeleteDo you know if it'll be available in the UK?
ReplyDeleteThe Yen Press online magazine is available to UK subscribers, so I would expect this would be also. It may actually be part of that normal monthly subscription.
DeleteI don't know. I really have no idea how they do things at Yen Press. I'm sure they'll have more information soon.
DeleteI feel bad for people who donated for the scans. especially after begging for money towards FCE vol 7 when you had no plans on actually scanning it besides the cover art(apparently scanning a cover is $21). a nice little loop hole over your supposed "We do not use donations for personal items"
ReplyDeleteThis. If you're not going to translate, at least provide raws.
Deletehmmm....
DeleteI was clear about my intentions for the FCE, and people still donated. A lot of things changed after the fundraiser. Namely, HOTDcups moved on with his life and real life got busier for me. I didn't intend to fool anyone and I don't think I begged. Remember, I spent quite a bit out of my own pocket before I started getting donations, and it was getting to a point where this site would no longer fit into my budget. Those who donated chose to do so. Anyway, I never said definitively that I wouldn't do anything with Volume 7.
DeleteIf I did provide raws to another group, you wouldn't know it was me. I've managed to fly under the radar so far, and I'd rather not change that. I have my own future to look out for.
Fuck dude, don't bash on Turambar. He's provided us a service ever since the hiatus, and he didn't make us pay for it. Donations are just that... voluntary. This blog is free to the public. If you're unhappy about the amount of content being uploaded, next time, donate to the Red Cross instead of here.
DeleteYou expect anybody to actually support Yen Press after their shitty translations of Triage X?
ReplyDeleteI don't expect a lot of people to support Yen Press. I don't support Yen Press. But as I said, you're also supporting Shouji Sato and Daisuke Sato and the series in general.
DeleteI was under the impression that pretty much none of the money from manga sales actually makes it back to the artist.
DeleteIn fact, from what I understand most of the time the artist remains dirt poor; the only thing that keeps the magazine from sacking him is whether or not his work is popular.
Arguably then you could say you are paying for the series, and many companies use sales as a way of trying to figure out popularity.
I'm not sure where you heard that. I think it's probably just like here in the US with book authors. Royalties are relatively low, but when you sell a lot of books, like Shouji Sato does, you make a pretty nice living. He's not going hungry, I can assure you that, especially with the anime.
DeleteEither way, you are supporting more than just the American licensee.
I don't think it's likely Yen Press will continue to release new chapters. I think this is a strategic maneuver to boost subscriptions and generate some good revenue. They wouldn't release all of them because that might affect the sales of the volume, which is their main source of income.
ReplyDeleteProbably... Well time to pass this info on to the people over on Facebook. Got to make sure people stay informed. Anyways I still hope they don't do any more chapters, though one question do they do translated or raw chapters? I can't find anywhere on their site saying which one they do, I can only assume it would be raws though.
ReplyDeleteThey're the official English translator, so it will be translated.
ReplyDeleteTurambar: Do you have any idea where these posters came from?
ReplyDeletehttp://i4.minus.com/ibqgPA3eFWECS0.JPG
http://i1.minus.com/jbgfGY1DGJfw9Y.JPG
I came across them on a japanese auction site, but i don't remember seeing before in any previous post of yours, so I'm assuming they aren't from Dragon Age.
I don't think those are posters. That looks like the two sides of one of the binder folder things (not sure about the technical name) that sometimes come with the magazine. I've scanned them before when they had Maken-Ki! or Triage X. In fact, there was one last month that I included with the Maken-Ki! raws.
DeleteThis particular one must have come with an issue before I started getting the magazine, because I've never seen it.
someone send me the link for me to support this $3 for Sato and HOTD Act 30. I came from Yen Press and there wasn't much information of the new chapter. Is it not released or what?
ReplyDelete- TFOs -
did you read this post? lol...........
DeleteRead the post. It comes out April 9. The $3 is for a one-month subscription to the online Yen Plus magazine, but I'm not sure if the chapter will be done through that, so I would hold off a few days before paying.
DeleteDid you not read what I said? I asked for the $3. All I want to do is support Sato. I bought the dvd off Amazon but I don't even think that's counted for anything. So what if I subscribe to them/for the HOTD act 30.. im still basically supporting Sato right?
Delete- TFOs -
I also got no means to get that chapter. Dang, I love to support the artist but not on monetary basis. If I won't be able to find a way to get those chapters then there is nothing else left but to subscribe.
ReplyDeleteMore info on animenewsnetwork.
ReplyDelete"Yen Press confirmed with ANN that the publisher has plans only to release the manga's next chapter digitally and simultaneously for now, but that Yen Press will discuss whether to release future chapters after the manga's publishing schedule in Japan is finalized."
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-04-05/yen-press-to-release-next-highschool-of-the-dead-chapter-simultaneously-with-japan
Well, since the scanlation will be happenning anyway, they may not get the "fan support" they're hoping for. I hope they don't come after people like me because of it.
DeleteRegarding the text on the new image of Saeko.
ReplyDeleteFirst time I've 'officially' seen HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD spelled with a space between HIGH SCHOOL. You think Shouji messed up on that one.
Yeah, it's strange, but then again it's been a while since he's written it out. Maybe he realized "highschool" isn't a real word in English.
DeleteWhy do people hate on Yen Press so much? I thought the Color Omnibus was beautiful. Very excited about getting the second edition. And now they are offering us a legal way to get an English language version when its released. Way Cool!
ReplyDeleteSince I don't live in Japan, $3 to get an officially translated version of the manga when its released is far less expensive than the $50 it costs me to import it from Amazon Japan. And at least part of that $3 should go to Shouji and Daisuke. I hope they continue doing this beyond act 30.
I never had a problem with their omnibus, though they aren't as good as the Japanese FCEs. My problem is in the translations. They are overly Westernized (even Americanized) to appeal to a broader audience. I believe in sharing culture through manga. They also changed names and things with no apparent reason, perhaps even mistakenly.
DeleteAside from that, their black and white volumes are simply atrocious. They raped the art, in my opinion. The paper quality is not much better than average printer paper, and they removed most of the grey tones, which is an unspeakable act when it comes to Shouji Sato's work. The reason people thought the omnibus was so good is because it was such a vast step up from the volumes.
I'm buying both, personally. I want to see the art in its original beauty.
I know the Yen Press changed "Shintoko Third Elementary" to "Niidoko Third Elementary", but what else did they change, name-wise?
DeleteThe art's not too bad - I can't really see many examples of "raped" artwork, though some of the translations annoy me. They've changed some of the wordings, so I sometimes look at the scanlations to get a better idea. They also occasionally don't use the speech bubbles to their full advantage, leaving more white space than a properly-formatted code in Pascal (yeah, a programming joke, I know). I hope they can clean this up a little for Volume 8; I love having physical copies of my things - books, games, etc. - and I don't want to have to resort to scanlations by themselves, as good as they are.
To truly see the difference in the art, you need to see a physical copy of the original Japanese manga. I would put together a side-by-side comparison, but I don't have time right now. It's not much worse than what most scanlation groups do, but the paper quality makes it a lot worse.
DeleteI made lists of differences for the first three volumes and had HOTDcups look over and comment on them. You can find them in the blog posts on the HOTD Wiki. According to HOTDcups, YP was in the wrong most of the time. Of course, some changes were more trivial and only annoying to picky people like me (e.g. otaku>nerd, senpai>sempai). I've only seen the first three YP volumes, but I just got an overall feeling they didn't really know what they were doing, like they threw together an inferior product and said, "Sure, whatever, that'll work."
I checked out your comments. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who picked up on "Kouta", though I didn't know about the use of the name "Humvee". They use that in the English Dub of the animé, too. I agree that they have improved with each volume, though some phrases do still come off weird even in Volume 7. As for the honorific, I always use "Senpai". They seem to Westernise them less, anyway, except for Saya's use of "munchkin"; I can't imagine her saying that at all, even in an English Dub.
DeleteDon't get me started on the dub. They're usually worse than official translations.
DeleteHere's a comparison of the original (left) and the Yen Press (right) versions:
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?b2c2m13kc44c1cj
Notice how much detail is lost and how much is cut off in the Yen Press version. The loss in the facial expressions is the worst (other than art being cut off around the edges, which is the "rape" I mentioned). I didn't modify either in any way. Those are identical scans. That's my problem with Yen Press. I've only seen the first three, so I don't know if they got better.
I am shocked. I can notice the loss of shading, and some of the darker lines seem to be even darker in the Yen Press version. It's also cut off, like you said, and I don't like that. That particular panel had me confused; in the animé, she grabs his leg, but the Yen Press cut-off meant that I couldn't understand where the hell his foot was! I even thought that was his arm at one point, though I couldn't see a hand. -_- However, after a quick consultation with Volume 7 and it's respective scans, none of the art seems to be have been cut off, and the shading seems to be pretty much exact. There are also only a couple of parts where the translation seems a little iffy, so that's something, I guess.
DeleteIf they're getting better, that's good. That means they are listening to fan response. I'll have to buy the later volumes and see for myself.
DeleteActually in the Anime she grabbed his arm. which is why I was confused to why she grabbed his leg in the manga. But I can see your point. Oh hell no. I hope its not the same for every other chapter. Cause I got the full color omnibus from volume 1-4. I never opened it though. I was thinking of getting the manga whether its in English or Japanese. Just to have a HOTD collection on me.
Delete-TFOs-
I have the first full color omnibus and I really didn't see anything bad about it. I also got to learn few character origins. For example did you know there was supposted to be another girl in the original group? She got written out after chapter 1 and Saya filled in her shoes after that.
ReplyDeleteI think first omnibuus is really good. I'd rate it 10/10.
Also I'm pumped to see the new chapter. Also I'm pretty sure we will see the english translation of it in torrents. Someone is just going to screecap the entire chapter when it is released in english. Still, can't wait!
Someone make this happen.
DeleteI would be strongly opposed to that. Renzokusei will still be scanlating. If you want to read it for free, wait for that. Don't read a pirated version of the Yen Press chapter.
DeleteYes, Mom.
DeleteDo you have any info on anyone willing to take over the translation of Triage X
ReplyDeleteI haven't technically dropped it. I'm still looking for a translator. I was going to get help from Renzokusei, but no one over there can take on the project right now. I'm ready to start immediately when I find a translator. If you know anyone, please send them my way.
DeleteDude, I will admit, at first I was mad. But you helped us out so much during this hiatus, I refuse to get upset. Thank you so much for all you have done. And I know your a good person. You help us when there is no other way, and when there is a legal way you do the right thing. You are an honorable person.
ReplyDeleteThank you for understanding. A lot of groups won't even touch a licensed series. I do because I don't think fans deserve to wait, but now that there's a legitimate option that doesn't involve waiting, I have to support it.
DeleteThanks for letting us know will read it from Renzokusei or here if you do the chapters onward. Everything you said about Yen Press is spot on, people said I was crazy. I bought the first volume black and white and canceled my subscription after that I really wanted to support the english version but for 13-14 dollars I paid and that is what I got I was pissed.
ReplyDeleteI have all the japanese versions and the comparison is like chocolate and shit. What's even worse is that other english manga publishers don't have the problems their release had so they can't say that it couldn't be done right. The translations I could have lived with but the art no way in hell.
Even the english color edition is a step up but no where near the japanese version. I bought it because it was so cheap to add it to the collection. In fact I just picked up color volumes 5-7 today can't wait to read them.
So sad I read like a few pages of the Yen Press version and threw in it the closet with frustration and haven't touched it since. Maybe I should recycle it or throw it in the garbage.
Even scanlations from groups that do a lot of editing are much better by comparison. I used to be skeptical of the color omnibus, but then Shouji Sato himself praised it. I don't think it was a promotional move because it was on his site in Japanese. I still haven't seen it myself, though.
DeleteRANDOM
ReplyDeleteI only realised few days ago that Rei has only 4 fingers in this picture:
http://api.ning.com/files/8ds-Qhw3KCVkuerfVvLxxdVrAUKOFcWQG008p4LJKp*fOR3BNeppudcBUtjOWoyDtmarcgNRaWqZ*B-i0rzOFg__/hsotd1.jpeg
Her thumb is under her hand.
DeleteShe has fingers? I never even noticed her hand.
Deletehere comes a rant i love Turambar work
ReplyDeleteI hate the Yen Press. but i buy from them so they keep bringing us new manga we all need to look at buying manga and anime as a investment to new manga and anime.
not saying don,t get the free DL if you like it buy it keep it alive. i have seen a lot of good Companys go bye bye. i hate the Yen Press byt they make the cassh they need not to die like alot of Companys have. so buy when you can plz for all of us.
Turambar keep up the good work
I buy plenty of legal anime and manga and me buying the actual Japanese releases more money goes directly to the author and the companies they work for, more than any drop in the bucket Yen Press sends their way.
ReplyDeleteWas going to give Triage X a try but if it was as bad as the HOTD release then I'll probably pass. I know US manga publishers can't compare with the Japanese releases but if every other company can put out a acceptable release like Viz or Darkhorse or whoever why can't Yen Press get their acts together. I'm the biggest HOTD fan you'll meet and really want to support them but they ruined one of my all time favorite series.
An interesting thing is happening as it relates to content piracy. One could argue and maybe even prove that sites like Turambar's help far more than they hurt the content creators.
ReplyDeleteWe are exposed to way more manga and anime now then ever before due to the online access. I suspect some people who would have paid, or paid a lot more, now pay less. But there are a lot more people more likely to at least pay something once they are exposed to manga. Even the music studios are starting to admit that online music piracy isn't hurting sales. And could actually be helping.
I for one would have never purchased any manga without having first read it online for free. I would have not purchased any anime without first seeing it online.
Be interesting to see a real study done on how manga piracy impacts sales.
Knowing that Yen Press will eventually print volume 8 of HOTD, it would be nice if they would allow people to pay in advance for the volume, then be able to view it electronically under that same fee, while its being released. Then get the printed volume when its released.
so basically scans of the dead is not translating anything at all, right? pretty useless
ReplyDeleteYep. Like male nipples.
DeleteHere's an idea: start your own group and run it the way you want to. I'll be rooting for you.
thx i really appreciate your feelings XD
DeleteI dunno what's worse, you not doing the chapter, or you honestly thinking that any of these subscription fees go to the author / artist.
ReplyDeleteAs ALL subscription sites will tell you, all you're paying for is to help them stay operational. That's it. You're paying for their server costs, so they can provide a shitty scanslation.
If they have licensed this manga they have already paid the brothers their licensing fee and every person they get to subscribe is money in the pocket. I have to wonder what ulterior motive you have, trying to convince people to spend $3 on their shitty scanslation.
I don't think I could have been much clearer than I was, if you read the post. I don't want legal trouble. It's as simple as that.
DeleteMost groups won't work on licensed series. I will, but not when the official licensed version is out before I can get a scanlation out.
If you don't want to pay, wait a few days for Renzokusei's scanlation. In the meantime, I'll do some spoilers here.
I'm really surprised at the level of ingratitude in these comments, after what I've done over the years. You all need to realize that a lot of people work hard to get you the manga you read. Reading it is a privilege, and you're lucky to have gotten it for free all this time.
Oh and Shouji and Daisuke aren't brothers.
Fuck dude, don't bash on Turambar. He's provided us a service ever since the hiatus, and he didn't make us pay for it. Donations are just that... voluntary. This blog is free to the public. If you're unhappy about the amount of content being uploaded, next time, donate to the Red Cross instead of here.
Deleteif you don't like it, go make your own HOTD blog.
Deletechildish fool.
i don't get what the big deal is. you either subscribe to yen press or read Renzokusei's scanlation a week after tomorrow. i don't understand where all this negativity is coming from.
DeleteWait... hold up hold up hold up... Shouji and Daisuke aren't brothers??? DAMNIT!!! I always thought they were! Anyways, dude don't hate on Turambar he's been about the only one (if not the only one) that has kept us informed for the past 3-4 years on the status manga. If you honestly don't have anything nice to say about the guy who has given up his spare time and money to do this for us then just leave dude.
DeleteTo bad issue 31 will come out in a undetermined date.....
ReplyDeleteDoesn't look good does it. WTF is Daisuke up to?
Deletehttp://www.sankakucomplex.com/2013/04/09/hotd-back-in-the-grave-restart-just-a-one-off/
this is srsly retarded. sure, i'm glad we're getting chapter 30, but ANOTHER long hiatus would be totally unacceptable and I wouldn't admire the author anymore.
DeleteHey Shouji is the one working on two series. I wouldn't completely rule him out for the blame.
DeleteI think this could be a "market test" chapter. We'll just have to wait and see.
several sources i've read says that a final schedule just "needs to be finalized". which means the uncertainty is only due to current planning... not because the two satos are fucking around. well, they may be fucking around... but i highly highly highly doubt another hiatus. just need some time to commit to a rigid promised schedule to pump out chapters.
DeleteOK, 1 chapter for about 3 dollars I could consider. I just got one issue - am I buying myself a DRM in addition to the chapter? If yes then 1 chapter isn't worth it, 3 dollars or 1.
ReplyDeleteDear God I hope there isn't a huge Hiatus. Wheres the place where I can pay the $3 to Sato so I can support his ass and know that people LOVE HOTD! Just hope the chapters don't take years to make. Hopefully the longest it will go is for a month like Rosario + Vampire. That would be fine. But seriously where can I support.. the Yen Press page?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you understand completely. The $3 (or $2.99) is for a subscription to Yen Plus, but we now know the chapter is not in there. It's available for $1.99 from different ebook sellers (see newest post).
Deletedamn I got the color omnibus from Amazon for 40 dollars. That's of course shipping and handling. I got it really early. 3 business days :D but of course its from Yen Press.. idk I left it in my packaged box and the plastic on I didn't touch it until im in the right mood and actually read it. hopefully the rumors of everyone saying its terrible isn't true... it may but hell I might just like it. I wanna buy the rest of the volumes [ I got 1-4 in one book ] and Triage X. But unless im at Oni-con and theres a place to buy it directly from Sato.. im stuck here... but still... HOTD NEXT CHAPTER/ACT BABY COMON!!!
ReplyDelete