Exciting news for manga fans! Kana, an imprint of Abrams ComicArts, has officially confirmed that they’ve licensed Tsukasa Hojo’s iconic manga series, City Hunter and Cat’s Eye, for release in English-language omnibus editions. These deluxe editions promise to bring these beloved classics to a new generation of readers while offering long-time fans a fresh way to experience the stories they love.
Kana to Publish Deluxe Omnibus Editions
Kana confirmed with Anime News Network (ANN) on Thursday, April 17, 2025, their plans to release both City Hunter and Cat’s Eye in omnibus format. These editions will feature new English translations, ensuring the stories resonate with contemporary audiences. Both series’ first omnibus volumes are slated for release on September 9, 2025, marking a significant moment for fans eager to own physical copies of these manga masterpieces. The second volumes are scheduled to follow on January 13, 2026.
What to Expect in the Omnibus Editions
Here’s a breakdown of what readers can anticipate from these upcoming releases:
- Deluxe Editions: Both City Hunter and Cat’s Eye will be presented in deluxe omnibus editions, indicating a high-quality presentation with attention to detail.
- New Translations: Kana is utilizing new English translations, which will provide a modern and potentially more nuanced reading experience.
- Original Art: The omnibus editions will be beautifully printed and packed with all of the original art.
- Color Inserts: City Hunter Volume 1 will feature six pages of full-color inserts, while Cat’s Eye Volume 1 will include 16 full-color insert pages and 48 pages of two-color inserts, enhancing the visual appeal of the stories.
- Page Count and Format: City Hunter Volume 1 will consist of 582 pages, and Cat’s Eye Volume 1 will have 602 pages. Both will be paperback releases with dust jackets.
- Retail Price: Each omnibus volume will retail for US$26.99.
- 3-in-1 Format: Each omnibus contains the first three volumes of the original manga.
- Availability: Pre-order information is currently available on Abrams’ website.
About City Hunter
City Hunter ran from 1985 to 1991 and spans 35 volumes. The manga follows Ryo Saeba, a skilled marksman and private investigator (a “sweeper”) working in the bustling nightlife of 1980s Tokyo. Described as a “compassionate sleazeball,” Ryo takes on various odd jobs, from bodyguard duty to assassinations, all while navigating the city’s underbelly with a blend of action, comedy, and romance. The series has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as a beloved manga classic.
The series has spawned four television anime series, one earlier anime film, and several video and television specials including a 2015 original anime DVD. A new Japanese live-action film launched on Netflix worldwide in April 2024.
City Hunter: A Synopsis
The official synopsis describes City Hunter as “James Bond meets Lupin the Third!” The story plunges readers into the world of Ryo Saeba, an exceptional marksman who cleans up the corruption plaguing Tokyo’s lavish 80s nightlife. With a heart of gold hidden beneath his playboy exterior, Ryo leads readers through thrilling adventures and simmering dramas as he tackles the city’s dirty work.
Given that it is a 3 in 1, it will be either 11 or 12 omnibus volumes to collect the 35 Japanese volumes.
About Cat’s Eye
Cat’s Eye, which ran from 1981 to 1985, is a captivating story about three sisters – Rui, Ai, and Hitomi Kisugi – who run a café by day and operate as a group of notorious art thieves by night. Their goal is to collect artworks that once belonged to their missing father, a renowned artist, hoping to uncover his whereabouts. The manga blends mystery, action, and family drama, making it a unique and engaging series.
The manga inspired two television anime seasons by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. The first 36-episode season aired between 1983-1984, and the second 37-episode season aired from 1984-1985. Coamix released the manga in English on it and Imagineer ‘s MangaHot app and website last July. A new anime is also in the works and is set to release in September.
Cat’s Eye: A Synopsis
The official synopsis sets the stage: “Café owners by day, art thieves by night.” The three sisters, Rui, Ai, and Hitomi, embark on daring heists to reclaim their father’s stolen artwork. As they navigate heavily guarded exhibits and evade the authorities, the sisters also grapple with the mystery surrounding their father’s disappearance and the looming threat of a syndicate.
Assuming that this one is also a 3 in 1, there will be 6 omnibus volumes to adapt the 18 Japanese volumes.
Tsukasa Hojo: The Master Behind the Manga
Tsukasa Hojo is a celebrated manga author-illustrator known for creating City Hunter and Cat’s Eye. As a representative of the 80s era, his works capture the stylish glamour and vibrant energy of that generation’s nightlife. Hojo’s influence extends beyond his own creations, as he mentored fellow manga artists such as Haruto Umezawa (BØY) and Takehiko Inoue (Vagabond, Slam Dunk). He is also the founder of manga publisher Coamix, where he continues to champion the manga industry.
Hojo was born on March 5, 1959, in Kokura, Japan. Even as a child, he loved drawing and often practiced. During his teenage years, he enjoyed novels and films, important influences that would continue throughout his career as an author.
In 1981, after publishing a short work, Third Deka, based on a story by Kazehiko TOKAI, he embarked on his first flagship series, Cat’s Eye. In 1985, Hojo stopped drawing Cat’s Eye and moved on to his most cult series, City Hunter. In 2001, he published Angel Heart in Comic Bunch magazine, a remake of City Hunter.
The Impact of City Hunter and Cat’s Eye
Both City Hunter and Cat’s Eye have left an indelible mark on the manga landscape and popular culture. Their influence can be seen in numerous anime adaptations, live-action films, and other media. The stories’ blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The City Hunter franchise also inspired the Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye cel-shaded CG crossover anime. The anime debuted in January 2023 worldwide exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and celebrates both the 50th anniversary of the Lupin III anime and the 40th anniversary of Cat’s Eye. Cat’s Eye also inspired a live-action French series that premiered in November 2023. The series is getting a second season on French channel TF1 .
Tsukasa Hojo’s works are part of the History of manga and he is still to this day one of the most iconic mangaka for whole generations.
Where to Pre-Order
Enthusiastic fans can already pre-order these highly anticipated omnibus editions through various online retailers. Checking Abrams’ website and major book retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble will provide the most up-to-date information on pre-order availability.
A Treat for Manga Collectors
The upcoming release of City Hunter and Cat’s Eye in omnibus editions is a significant event for manga collectors and fans of Tsukasa Hojo’s work. These deluxe editions offer a chance to own beautifully produced versions of these classic stories, complete with new translations and bonus content. With their blend of action, comedy, and heart, City Hunter and Cat’s Eye are timeless tales that deserve a place on every manga lover’s shelf.
