$19.95 on dated material?

I recall seeing an add for an issue of Megami being released in the USA a few months back in the regular release and I was curious as to what the actual content in there would be. Considering that Megami is bishoujo eyecandy, focusing on more current series running in Japan, I wondered what series would be the focus in an American release. Apparently this issue was released well before Christmas, but none of the bookstores near me carried it. I did not think too much of it and just assumed it was not out yet. I saw it on sale online recently and came close to buying, but Dancing Queen obtained one for me cheaper (Thanks again!). As someone who follows what is getting released in Japan, instead of someone who (primarily) follows what is getting licensed in the US, the content of this version of Megami Deluxe is ridiculously dated. Excluding more recent OVA releases from Tsubasa Chronicle, Mai Otome, or Kimi ga Nozomu Eien, the most recent series covered in here finished airing in 2006, but most are 2004 or 2005 shows. All pre-Haurhi shows.

Although DVD releases have sped up a bit here, for the most part they are at least 1-2 years behind those who are watching stuff fansubbed. In that sense, I can understand the content of this issue. However, I find it somewhat surprising that there was a good handful of artwork from series that have not been licensed here in the USA (e.g., Da Capo, Mahoraba, Dokuro-chan, He is my Master, Futakoi Alternative, Akane Maniax, Uta Kata). I would completely understand with this issue contained ALL licensed series, but that is not the case. It is not just Ah! My Goddess, Shuffle, Mai HiME, Mahou Sensei Negima (the Xebec mess), and Air.

The actual issue itself it very solid. The artwork that was selected are some of the better ones available for the series chosen to be represented. Good art is never dated. The issue is more like an art book than your usual issue of Megami Deluxe, which has its perks and downfalls. Unlike its Japanese counterpart, the US version is printed on some high quality pages and bound much more securely than just a couple staples. But because of that you cannot freely turn the pages and enjoy the images without leaving creases and binding bends. In terms of the way the issue is set up, it is identical to the usual Megami Deluxe. Comparing Japan’s volume 9 with the USA’s volume 1, they look pretty much identical with the exception of the images inside. It is sectioned off by themes (e.g., swimsuits, uniforms) or by a particular series (i.e., Mai HiME and Mai Otome). And there is a portion towards the end that gives information about all the series covered.

The issue also comes with a double-sided poster with dakimakura-type images of Mai and Arika. It is a pretty lengthy poster, so that is an incentive to purchase. I have never been a fan of Arika, but the Mai poster is pretty cool.

For someone who does not follow fansubs primarily, this issue would be a definitely treat. Actually, it would be a treat for fans of the series that are covered. However, the fact that these series are 2+ years old and there are many (myself included) who have moved on from them. The Mai Otome section is titled “Pass the baton from HiME to Otome!” While that may be the case for those who are currently buying Mai Otome on DVD, that baton was passed on. Twice more. From Otome to Zwei, and just this week, from Zwei to S.ifr.

Bottom line: It is $19.95 well spent if you are (1) a huge fan of the covered series, in particular Mai HiME/Mai Otome, or (2) are now getting into the covered series. For others, it is $19.95 spent on pretty artwork that was probably used as desktop wallpaper back in 2005. It is nice to have, but I am almost certain you can find hi-res scans of every images on moe.imouto, Konachan, danbooru, or any other image site. Spend the $20 getting an imported copy of Megami 94 or next month’s issue 95 or whatever other magazine is to your fancy. But if you have cash to burn, it is not a bad purchase.

I read somewhere that volume 2 of Megami Deluxe USA is out sometime this month or next, but I have not seen it yet.

UPDATE: Amazon has volume 2 as being released in July 2008, whereas Barnes and Noble says February 2008. I would check DMP’s site for volume 2’s release date, but for some reason it is not loading properly on my machine.