Hero’s Inc., a company known for its diverse media ventures, is diving into the world of Boys’ Love (BL) with its new label, Re;zz. The company has announced the upcoming launch of a new BL web magazine, also titled Re;zz, with the first issue slated for release on April 29. This move signals a significant expansion in the availability of BL content and a fresh platform for creators in the genre.
Re;zz: A Magazine for the Modern Reader
The Re;zz web magazine aims to capture the attention of contemporary audiences with its focus on short stories and diverse artistic styles. The first issue will be available for a limited-time discounted price on the Comic CMOA website. Following this initial release, Re;zz will then become available on other online bookstore platforms at a later date. From the second volume onward, the magazine will adopt a bi-monthly release schedule, appearing every other month on even-numbered months.
Featured Artists and Content
The inaugural issue of Re;zz will feature a variety of talented manga artists. Tezuka is creating the cover illustration for the debut issue, and contributing a short story to the magazine. Other artists whose work will be featured in the first issue include:
- Hachini
- Setoame
- Sū
- Yui Amano
- Tona Fujise
- Komichi
- Yorunaku
- Eda Hachigo
The magazine will focus on publishing short stories, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talent.
Hero’s Inc. and the Re;zz Label: A New Direction
The launch of the Re;zz web magazine is part of a broader initiative by Hero’s Inc. to establish a strong presence in the BL market. In October of last year, Hero’s Inc. announced the launch of the Re;zz label, encompassing both the web magazine and an accompanying manga label, Re;zz Comics.
Embracing “Rizz” and Individuality
The name “Re;zz” itself is a playful nod to modern slang. Hero’s Inc. intends the name to evoke the Gen Z and Gen Alpha term “rizz,” which refers to someone possessing charisma or romantic appeal. The “Re” prefix is meant to suggest repetition and the idea of rediscovering appealing content. According to Hero’s Inc., a core objective of the Re;zz label is to showcase the unique individuality of creators and provide readers with the opportunity to discover and enjoy that individuality.
Previous Releases
Prior to the magazine launch, Re;zz has already released some works:
- Yū-chan manga’s first compiled book volume by Hachini was released on November 28.
- The digital edition of Umi no Oshiro by Hachini was released on December 25.
The Growing Popularity of Boys’ Love
The launch of Re;zz comes at a time of increasing global interest in BL content. Once a niche genre, BL has gained mainstream recognition in recent years, attracting a diverse audience. The genre often explores themes of romance, relationships, and self-discovery through the lens of male-male relationships.
Accessibility and Representation
The increasing availability of BL content through platforms like Re;zz is important for several reasons:
- Accessibility: Web magazines and digital platforms make BL content more accessible to readers worldwide.
- Representation: BL offers representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and provides a space for exploring diverse identities and relationships.
- Creative Expression: The genre provides a space for artists to explore different storytelling approaches and challenge conventional romance narratives.
What is “Rizz?”
The label name Re;zz is intended to evoke the Gen Z and Gen Alpha term “rizz,” used to refer to someone that has charisma or romantic appeal. The “Re” in the label’s name is intended to evoke repetition.
What to Expect from Re;zz
With its focus on short stories, diverse artists, and a modern sensibility, the Re;zz web magazine has the potential to become a significant player in the BL landscape. The bi-monthly release schedule will ensure a steady stream of new content for fans, while the emphasis on creator individuality could lead to the discovery of exciting new voices in the genre.
Key Takeaways:
- Hero’s Inc.’s Re;zz label is launching a new BL web magazine on April 29.
- The magazine will feature short stories from various artists.
- The label aims to showcase the individuality of creators and appeal to a modern audience.
- The launch reflects the growing popularity and accessibility of BL content.