Shogakukan has announced the upcoming launch of “CoroCiao,” a new children’s manga magazine slated for its inaugural issue release on December 19th. This collaborative effort brings together the renowned boys’ manga powerhouse CoroCoro Comics and the popular girls’ manga publication Ciao magazine, aiming to cater to a broad young audience. The debut issue is set to feature contributions from 20 top creators and will include an exclusive Pokémon card.
A Hybrid Approach to Children’s Entertainment
The “CoroCiao” magazine signifies a unique blend of editorial focuses, merging CoroCoro Comics’ traditional emphasis on hobbies, toys, and boy-centric manga with Ciao magazine’s established shōjo (girls’) manga appeal. This strategic combination targets a comprehensive children’s demographic, creating a diverse content platform designed to engage a wider readership than either magazine might individually.
Featured Content and Exclusive Offerings
The first issue of CoroCiao promises a robust lineup of manga series. Among the highly anticipated titles is “Juro” by Hiroyuki Takei, the acclaimed creator of Shaman King. Another notable series confirmed for serialization is “Killrate Chaos,” a work by Sesuji and TERU. The magazine aims to impress with content from a total of 20 prominent manga creators.
Adding to the excitement, the inaugural “CoroCiao” issue will come with an exclusive Pokémon card, a common strategy for Japanese manga magazines to serve as marketing tools for events and merchandise. This premium inclusion, coupled with a retail price of 1,280 yen (approximately double that of a standard manga magazine), suggests that the publication is positioned as a collector’s item, emphasizing the significance of this new venture.
Release Schedule and Market Impact
The first issue of CoroCiao is scheduled to hit shelves on December 19th. While the exact release frequency for CoroCiao remains unconfirmed, industry observers speculate it could be an irregular publication or released monthly at best. The higher price point and the caliber of creators involved suggest a high-quality production intended to make a significant impact on the children’s manga market.
The Legacy of CoroCoro Comics and Ciao Magazine
CoroCoro Comic, established in 1977 by Shogakukan, has been a cornerstone of Japanese children’s entertainment, known for popularizing franchises like Doraemon and Pokémon. It typically features an A5 size, is around 6 cm thick, and contains approximately 750 pages, with new issues released monthly on the 15th. Ciao magazine, on the other hand, is a prominent shōjo manga magazine, which has serialized popular series such as Yo-kai Watch: Exciting Nyanderful Days. The collaboration for “CoroCiao” leverages the established brand recognition and creative pools of both successful publications to forge a new path in children’s manga.
