LETTER BEE ( information part 2 )

MEDIA

Manga

Main article: List of Tegami Bachi chapters

The first ten chapters of Tegami Bachi were originally serialized in the now-defunct Monthly Shōnen Jump. A special un-numbered chapter was published as a one-shot in Weekly Shōnen Jump prior to the launch of Jump Square, where Tegami Bachi is now serialized.

Viz Media has licensed Tegami Bachi for an English-language adaption in North America, and serialized chapters in its monthly manga anthology Shonen Jump, beginning in its March 2009 issue. Serialization ended after the March 2010 issue, while the volumes have since continued to be released. In Europe, the series is licensed in Italy by Panini Comics under their Planet Manga division, and by Kana in France.

Drama CD

On February 16, 2009 a Drama CD was released of the Jiggy Pepper arc. It was named "Drama CD Tegamibachi" and has the ISBN 978-4-08-901167-6.

Anime

Main article: List of Tegami Bachi episodes

A special anime adaptation, running for about 30 minutes, was shown during the Jump Super Anime Tour events in Japan in the fall of 2008.It was titled Tegami Bachi: Hikari to Ao no Gensō Yawa (テガミバチ 〜光と青の幻想夜話〜^?, Letter Bee: Light and Blue Night Fantasy), and was animated by Studio Pierrot. The Original Video Animation was translated for free by Anthony Carl Kimm on the Jumpland website with English subtitles. It was later released on DVD in the beginning of 2009.

A television anime series was stated to start airing in October 2009 in Jump SQ and the first season of the anime ended March 27, 2010. II vol.003, featuring the same voice actors as the 2008 special. The opening song is "Hajimari no Hi (はじまりの日)," sung by Suga Shikao and the ending song is sung by French-Canadian singer HIMEKA. Crunchyroll has announced that it will simulcast the series. It is to be available worldwide except Japan. A second season, called Tegami Bachi: Reverse was announced in the Puff magazine in Japan through an interview with the artist. The second season premiered on October 1, 2010.

RECEPTIONS

Manga

Deb Aoki of About.com reviewed Tegami Bachi Volume 1. Aoki said that the series "has the right stuff to appeal to both male and female readers: thrilling action, a magical world full of mysteries, likeable characters that are worth caring about, and lovely artwork, all done with a touch of light-hearted humor."

Anime

Carlos Santos of Anime News Network reviewed the first 6 episodes of Tegami Bachi. He commented that the series "may be one of the last few adventure series that is genuinely about adventure" and "an adventure with a unique vibe". Santos went on to say how the series as a whole isn't like typical adventure series, which deal with "the triumphs and tragedies of having the best sword", as it is built on "the triumphs and tragedies of the human heart". A negative point he said was about the animation - describing the Gaichuu as "plastic-looking CGI beasts looking woefully out of place among the scenery". However, Santos complimented the series' art direction by saying that "the artistry is far more commendable: the blend of feudal and industrial eras results in a unique visual aesthetic". Overall, Santos gave a positive review of the first 6 episodes of Tegami Bachi with an overall grade of B-.