Table of Contents
- A Classic Reborn: The New Black & White Edition
- Parasyte: A Synopsis
- A Look Back: Previous English Editions
- The Enduring Appeal of Parasyte
- Translation Nuances and the “Parasyte” Spelling
- Anime vs. Manga: Key Differences
- The Full Color Collection: An Alternative
- Final Thoughts
Kodansha USA has announced a new black and white print edition of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s acclaimed manga series, Parasyte (Kiseiju), set to release in Fall 2025. This edition will feature a brand-new translation, restored original artwork, updated interior design, and new cover designs, offering fans a fresh way to experience the sci-fi horror classic.
A Classic Reborn: The New Black & White Edition
This upcoming release marks a significant event for Parasyte enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Original Black & White Art Restored: The new edition will present Iwaaki’s original black and white artwork, giving readers a classic manga experience.
- Updated Translation: A fresh translation will provide a new perspective on the story, potentially offering greater clarity and nuance.
- Updated Interior Design and Lettering: The interior design and lettering will be modernized for enhanced readability and visual appeal.
- New Cover Designs: The volumes will feature newly designed covers, creating a visually appealing collection.
- Eight-Volume Paperback Set: The complete series will be compiled into eight paperback volumes, matching the format of the Parasyte Full Color Collection.
Parasyte: A Synopsis
Parasyte tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn when Earth is invaded by parasitic aliens. One of these parasites attempts to invade Shinichi’s body, but only manages to take over his right arm.
Synopsis Highlights:
- Parasitic Invasion: Earth is under attack by creatures that infiltrate human hosts.
- Shinichi’s Unique Predicament: Shinichi becomes host to a parasite named Migi, but Migi only controls his right arm.
- Coexistence: Shinichi and Migi must learn to coexist.
- Shapeshifting Monstrosities: Parasites can transform their hosts into monstrous beings with incredible strength and deadly capabilities.
- Brutal Murders: As parasites spread, rumors circulate about gruesome murders committed by these creatures.
- Existential Threat: Shinichi finds himself caught in a battle for humanity’s survival.
- Moral Dilemmas: Shinichi grapples with complex moral issues as he fights the parasites while trying to maintain his humanity.
A Look Back: Previous English Editions
Before Kodansha USA, Parasyte had previous English releases:
- Tokyopop: Tokyopop published the manga in English from 1998 to 2002. However, this edition is now out of print.
- Del Rey: Del Rey also picked up the license and printed singles of the series after Tokyopop’s release. These are also out of print.
The Enduring Appeal of Parasyte
Hitoshi Iwaaki’s Parasyte has captivated readers for over three decades with its unique blend of body horror, science fiction, and philosophical themes. Several adaptations and releases attest to its lasting impact:
- Manga Debut (1988): Parasyte first appeared in a special issue of Kodansha’s Morning magazine in August 1989 before beginning full serialization in Monthly Afternoon in November 1989. The series concluded in December 1994 and was initially collected into 10 tankobon volumes.
- Kanzenban Edition (2003): The series was later republished in eight kanzenban volumes in 2003.
- Anime Adaptation (2014): A popular 24-episode anime television series, Parasyte -the maxim-, aired in 2014, further expanding the manga’s fanbase. The anime is a mostly faithful adaptation, although it does modernize some aspects of the story, such as updating technology and character designs.
- Live-Action Films (2014-2015): Two live-action film adaptations were released in Japan in 2014 and 2015.
- Neo Parasyte Tribute Series (2014-2016): A tribute manga series, Neo Parasyte m, featuring stories by various artists, ran in Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine.
- Parasyte Reversi Spinoff (2018-2021): A spinoff manga titled Parasyte Reversi by Moare Ohta was launched in 2018 and concluded in 2021, with Kodansha USA licensing it for digital release in English in 2024.
- Full Color Collection (2022): Kodansha USA released a Parasyte Full Color Collection in hardcover, featuring a revised translation.
- Netflix’s Parasyte: The Grey (2024): A South Korean live-action spinoff drama, Parasyte: The Grey, debuted on Netflix in April 2024, offering a new take on the Parasyte universe.
Translation Nuances and the “Parasyte” Spelling
The spelling of “Parasyte” with a “y” is intentional. According to Doceirias, the translator of the Del Rey version, “kiseiju” (寄生獣) is consistently translated as “Parasyte”, while “kiseichu” (寄生虫) is translated as “parasite.” The creatures are referred to as either “kiseichu” or “parasaito.” The word “kiseiju” appears only once and refers to human beings. The “y” in “Parasyte” distinguishes it from the common spelling of “parasite”. Another theory is that the “y” is a play on words related to the blood-brain barrier, referencing pericytes, cells that regulate blood flow in capillaries.
Anime vs. Manga: Key Differences
While the Parasyte anime is a faithful adaptation of the manga, there are some key differences:
- Modernization: The anime updates the setting to the 2010s, incorporating modern technology like cellphones and computers. The manga is set in the 1980s/90s.
- Visuals: The anime features updated character designs and more detailed expressions.
- Omissions: Some minor character development scenes are omitted in the anime.
- Pacing: The anime’s opening differs from the manga, with the anime starting with a parasite attack and the manga opening with the parasites falling from the sky.
- Character Design: Some prefer the anime’s character designs, finding the manga’s designs more generic.
The Full Color Collection: An Alternative
For those seeking a more vibrant experience, the Parasyte Full Color Collection offers the series in full color with updated translation and lettering. It is a premium hardcover edition presented in eight volumes, each containing approximately 300 pages. However, some fans prefer the original black and white artwork.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming black and white edition of Parasyte offers a unique opportunity to revisit or discover this manga classic. With a new translation, restored artwork, and updated design, this edition promises to be a valuable addition to any manga collection. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Parasyte‘s blend of horror, action, and philosophical exploration continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
