Shogakukan’s popular children’s manga magazines, Coro Coro Comics and Ciao, are set to launch a brand-new collaborative publication titled “CoroCiao” on December 19. The inaugural issue of the joint venture aims to combine the distinct audiences of both magazines, targeting a broad demographic of children with an exciting lineup of content and exclusive bonuses.
A Fusion of Two Manga Powerhouses
Coro Coro Comics, established in 1977, is renowned for its boy-centric manga, games, and toy promotions, having launched cultural phenomena like Doraemon and the Pokémon series. Ciao, also launched in 1977, caters primarily to a young female audience with its girls’ manga. The creation of CoroCiao signifies a strategic move by Shogakukan to blend these two successful imprints, offering a diverse range of stories and features that appeal to both boys and girls.
The new magazine is expected to cater to a children’s audience, bridging the gap between the typically separate demographics of Coro Coro and Ciao. This collaboration could introduce readers of one magazine to the content and style of the other, potentially broadening the readership for both parent publications in the long run.
What to Expect: Content and Exclusives
The first issue of CoroCiao is already generating buzz, with Shogakukan revealing plans for an impressive roster of creators. The magazine’s webpage indicates that 20 top creators will serialize manga in its pages, promising a high-quality and varied content offering.
Confirmed series for the inaugural issue include:
- “Juro” by Hiroyuki Takei, the acclaimed creator of Shaman King. The series is described as being set in a sci-fi world where spirits exist, and the lead character pilots a mecha with their help.
- “Killrate Chaos” by Sesuji and TERU.
- “Kawaii Senki” by Miyuki Okumura and Inukorosuke.
In a move characteristic of Coro Coro Comics’ tradition of including valuable bonuses, the first issue of CoroCiao will come with an exclusive Pokémon card. This type of tie-in has historically been a significant draw for Coro Coro readers, enhancing the magazine’s appeal as a collector’s item and a source for exclusive game-related content.
Pricing and Release Frequency
The inaugural issue of CoroCiao will retail for 1,280 yen, which is approximately double the price of a typical manga magazine. This higher price point suggests that Shogakukan is positioning CoroCiao as a premium or collectible publication, emphasizing the significance and scale of this new venture.
While the initial announcement confirms the December 19 launch, the exact release frequency of CoroCiao has not yet been clarified. It is speculated that it might be an irregular publication or, at best, a monthly one, with further details expected upon the release of the first issue.
The launch of CoroCiao represents an exciting development in the Japanese children’s manga landscape, bringing together two influential magazines under one new banner to offer a fresh and diverse reading experience.
