Manga fans, get ready to rejoice! Kana, an imprint of Abrams ComicArts, has officially announced the upcoming release of Tsukasa Hojo’s iconic manga series, City Hunter and Cat’s Eye, in beautiful omnibus editions. This exciting news promises a fresh, high-quality experience for longtime fans and a perfect entry point for new readers.
September Can’t Come Soon Enough: Release Details
Mark your calendars! The first omnibus volumes of both City Hunter and Cat’s Eye are slated to launch on September 9, 2025. These deluxe editions will feature:
- New English Translations: Kana is providing brand-new English translations, ensuring a modern and accurate reading experience.
- Deluxe Omnibus Format: Each volume combines the first three original manga volumes into one hefty edition.
- Dust Jackets: The releases will come in paperback format with stylish dust jackets.
- Color Inserts: City Hunter Volume 1 will include six pages of full-color inserts, while Cat’s Eye Volume 1 will boast 16 full-color pages and 48 pages with two-color inserts, preserving the original artwork’s vibrancy.
- Page Count: City Hunter Volume 1 will contain 582 pages, and Cat’s Eye Volume 1 will have 602 pages.
- Price: Each omnibus volume will retail for US$26.99.
- Pre-order: Pre-order information is already available on Abrams’ website.
Following the initial release, Volume 2 of both series is scheduled for release on January 13, 2026.
City Hunter: Action, Comedy, and a Heart of Gold
City Hunter, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, is described by Kana as “James Bond meets Lupin the Third!” This action-comedy follows Ryo Saeba, an exceptional marksman and “compassionate sleazeball” who takes on underground odd jobs to clean up Tokyo’s nightlife in the 1980s. Whether he’s protecting a beautiful madame or preventing a corrupt politician’s assassination, Ryo navigates thrilling situations with quick wit and a hidden heart of gold.
What to Expect
City Hunter is beloved for its blend of:
- Hard-boiled Action: Expect intense fight scenes and thrilling escapades.
- Raunchy Comedy: Ryo’s “sleazeball” antics provide plenty of laughs.
- Smoldering Drama: The cases Ryo takes on often involve high stakes and emotional depth.
Given that the omnibus editions contain three original volumes each, fans can anticipate 11 or 12 omnibus volumes to collect the entire 35-volume City Hunter series.
Cat’s Eye: Art Heists and Sisterly Bonds
Cat’s Eye tells the story of three sisters—Rui, Ai, and Hitomi—who run a café by day but lead a double life as sophisticated art thieves by night. Their targets are works of art created by their missing father, a renowned artist named Heinz. Hitomi faces a unique challenge, as she is dating Toshio, the police officer tasked with catching Cat’s Eye!
What Makes Cat’s Eye Captivating?
Cat’s Eye offers a captivating mix of:
- Intrigue and Mystery: The sisters’ search for their father and the truth behind his disappearance drives the narrative.
- High-Stakes Heists: Witness daring art thefts with clever planning and close calls.
- Romantic Tension: Hitomi’s relationship with Toshio adds a layer of complexity and suspense.
Assuming that the Cat’s Eye omnibus editions also follow a 3-in-1 format, the entire 18-volume series will be compiled into 6 omnibus volumes.
A Legacy of Manga Excellence: Tsukasa Hojo
Tsukasa Hojo is a highly influential manga artist known for his stylish art, dynamic characters, and captivating storytelling. His works capture the glamour and energy of the 1980s, and he has inspired numerous manga artists, including Haruto Umezawa (BØY) and Takehiko Inoue (Vagabond, Slam Dunk). Hojo is also the founder of Coamix, a manga publishing company.
Beyond the Pages: Adaptations and Influence
Both City Hunter and Cat’s Eye have enjoyed immense popularity and have been adapted into various forms of media, including:
City Hunter
- Anime Series: The original City Hunter anime premiered in 1987.
- Anime Films: Several City Hunter anime films have been released, including Shinjuku Private Eyes (2019) and Angel Dust (2023).
- Live-Action Adaptations: A new Japanese live-action film launched on Netflix in April 2024.
Cat’s Eye
- Anime Series: Two seasons of the Cat’s Eye anime aired in 1983-1984 and 1984-1985.
- Live-Action Adaptations: Cat’s Eye has inspired a TV movie (1988), a theatrical film (1997), and a French TV series (2024).
- Crossover Anime: A crossover ONA with Lupin III, titled Lupin the 3rd vs. Cat’s Eye, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2023.
- New Anime: A new Cat’s Eye ONA adaptation is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2025.
A Treat for Collectors and New Fans Alike
Kana’s release of City Hunter and Cat’s Eye in omnibus editions is a significant event for manga enthusiasts. With new translations, beautiful presentation, and the convenience of collected volumes, these editions are sure to be prized additions to any manga collection. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Tsukasa Hojo, now is the perfect time to experience these timeless classics.
