From Publisher's Weekly and ICV2: As reported by many sources last week, the July 2009 issue of Shojo Beat will be the last printed edition of this monthly shojo manga magazine.
Many bloggers got wind of this news thanks to a blurb on Alinimag.com, a magazine subscription services website that mentioned that Shojo Beat was being discontinued as of the July issue and that subscribers would receive Shonen Jump in its place instead. Sadly, this news was also confirmed by VIZ Media, publisher of Shojo Beat. Here's their official comment:
"We are very proud of the past issues of Shojo Beat magazine and the efforts of the entire team. The magazine developed quite a fan base but unfortunately in today's difficult economic climate we felt the need to place our resources elsewhere at this time. Of course all of our great shojo manga titles previously serialized in Shojo Beat magazine will still be published and available as graphic novels under the Shojo Beat imprint from VIZ Media."So what does this mean for current Shojo Beat subscribers? Here's the deal:
"Each Shojo Beat subscriber will be receiving a free copy of the August 2009 issue of Shonen Jump magazine with the pertinent information on what their subscription/refund options will be. Subscribers and fans of shojo manga can get the latest information on all new Shojo Beat titles and news by visiting www.shojobeat.com."The last issue of Shojo Beat will hit the newsstands on June 16, 2009.
When Shojo Beat first arrived in the U.S. back in June 2005, it was pretty exciting to see a new magazine devoted to shojo manga (girls comics) -- and to see hot series like Nana by Ai Yazawa serialized monthly, and to be introduced to quirky yet interesting shojo series like the family slice of life comedy of Baby and Me, historical adventures like Kaze Hikaru and sports manga like Crimson Hero. More recently, Shojo Beat also gave readers their first taste of new and upcoming series like Honey Hunt, Kimi ni Todoke and Otomen.
While it's sad to see Shojo Beat become a casualty of the current magazine publishing slump that's hit numerous other print publications, it's good to see that VIZ is continuing the Shojo Beat imprint and brand. Perhaps Shojo Beat will continue it as an online-only magazine? We'll see what the specifics will be when the July issue hits readers' mailboxes in the coming week.
So what do you think of the end of Shojo Beat? Were you a subscriber? Why, or why not? Add your comments below and let other readers know what you think.
Image credit: © Karuho Shiina, © VIZ Media
Comments
I think this is just plain sad. I received my Shojo Beat in the mail just today and realized there was no ‘next month’ feature at the end (plus they don’t say anything in the Editor’s Letter). So I searched for any news on the subject and found this article.
I think I will just ask for my refund (if possible), then put it towards some Shojo Beat Manga.
I hope it is brought back (is it possible for a magazine to get discountinued and then restarted?), perhaps after the economic downturn :’(
I was devastated after just finding out today after recieving Shonen jump in it’s place. I thought it was a mistake and went to call them when I saw the letter in the back. I was shocked and I hope that they can somehow bring it back because it was an amazing magazine, the only one I enjoyed.
Love you shojo beat! I’ll always buy your manga!
I was heartbroken when I got Shonen Jump in the mail in place of Shojo Beat. I’ve been a subscriber for almost two years, and I seriously thought it was just a bad joke. While I’m sure many people may like Shonen Jump just as well, I personally would like a refund of my subscription; unfortunantly I lost the letter that came with the magazine and am currently in need of the number again. My computer is messed up to say the least, and I can’t get to Shojo Beat.com to get the number. If anyone would please post the number here for me I would greatly appreciate it.
Do you get your money back then?
Even thought you pay for it, but it’s done, I still wonder if you get your money back of what oyu didn’t get.
because that’s a lot of money there too
Rachel – 1 800 541 7919
bring back shojo beat (hope that’s possible) sign the petition
http://www.gopetition.com/online/29281.html
While Shojo Beat magazine may have been discontinued, that doesn’t mean that something else cannot fill the hole it left. Currently there is no English magazine that focuses directly on shojo manga.. We are attempting to start a magazine project, named ShojoBerry, to do just that, primarily due to the demise of Shojo Beat..
It will be several months before we have anything ready, but if you’re interested, it might be worth checking out! You can find us at:
Shojoberry Facebook Page
or at:
Shojoberry Homepage (under construction)
Hope to see you there!
-Garrett