The Renaissance of a Legend: Tsukasa Hojo’s City Hunter and Cat’s Eye Return in Definitive Omnibus Editions

By Kara Dennison | August 27, 2025

For enthusiasts of classic Japanese manga, the current cultural climate feels like a homecoming. Tsukasa Hojo, a titan of the medium whose work defined the aesthetic and narrative tropes of the 1980s and 90s, is experiencing a profound resurgence. With a high-profile City Hunter film currently streaming on Netflix and a highly anticipated Cat’s Eye anime adaptation on the horizon, Hojo’s two most iconic franchises are once again capturing the public imagination.

To capitalize on this renewed interest, Abrams Books—through their prestigious Kana imprint—is set to release comprehensive omnibus editions of both series. These volumes, which collect the first three installments of each manga into singular, high-quality collector’s editions, serve as both a nostalgic touchstone for longtime readers and a perfect entry point for a new generation. After an early review of these volumes, it is clear that they represent the gold standard for manga preservation and presentation.

The Pillars of the Hojo Universe: A Chronological Overview

To understand the gravity of these releases, one must appreciate the historical weight of the source material. Tsukasa Hojo did not merely draw manga; he crafted the blueprints for the "urban mercenary" and "gentleman thief" genres that would influence countless creators for decades.

MANGA REVIEW: City Hunter and Cat’s Eye Omnibus Editions

Cat’s Eye (1981–1985)

The saga of the Kisugi sisters—Hitomi, Rui, and Ai—first hit the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1981. It was a revolutionary blend of heist-thriller suspense and domestic comedy. By day, the trio operates a modest café; by night, they transform into the elusive art thieves known as "Cat’s Eye." The series is defined by the high-stakes irony of Hitomi’s relationship with Toshio, the very police detective tasked with hunting her down. This central conflict—the juxtaposition of romantic tension and professional duty—set a template for character-driven action that remains influential today.

City Hunter (1985–1991)

Following the conclusion of Cat’s Eye, Hojo launched City Hunter in 1985, arguably his most recognizable global property. The series chronicles the life of Ryo Saeba, a "sweeper" or mercenary who operates in the shadows of Shinjuku. With a complex reputation as both an unparalleled marksman and an incorrigible flirt, Ryo’s journey—bolstered by his partnership with the pragmatic Kaori Makimura—transformed the landscape of the "shonen" action genre. The series ran for six years and established the trope of the "Shinjuku Station message board" (XYZ), a shorthand for help that has since become an iconic image in Japanese pop culture.

The Physicality of the Omnibus Editions

The Abrams Books/Kana partnership has prioritized a tactile experience that justifies the "collector’s edition" designation. These are not merely reprints; they are artifacts of a golden age of manga.

Cat’s Eye Vol. 1: A Deep Dive

This inaugural omnibus packs 23 chapters across three volumes. Beyond the sheer volume of content, the production quality is remarkable. The inclusion of full-color pages printed on high-grade glossy paper provides a vibrancy often lost in standard tankōbon releases. Furthermore, the 48 pages of two-color inserts offer an aesthetic depth that pays homage to the original serialization style. The narrative arc contained within—covering the sisters’ initial heists and the growing mystery surrounding their father’s disappearance—is expertly paced, proving that Hojo’s storytelling remains as addictive as it was four decades ago.

City Hunter Vol. 1: Context and Commentary

The City Hunter omnibus is equally impressive, featuring 25 chapters and a similarly premium presentation with a full-color dust jacket and glossy inserts. However, the true value lies in the editorial additions. Hojo has provided extensive commentary regarding the creation of the series, offering fans a rare glimpse into the mid-80s manga industry. The volume includes an in-depth interview detailing the conceptualization of the early chapters, alongside essential translation notes. The decision to include an etymological breakdown of the term mokkori (Ryo’s signature catchphrase) is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that Western readers grasp the cultural nuances of the humor.

The Modern Media Landscape: Why Now?

The release of these books coincides with a strategic revitalization of the Hojo brand across digital platforms. This is not a coincidence; it is part of a deliberate push to solidify the legacy of these IPs.

The Netflix Factor and the Disney+ Reimagining

The recent Netflix City Hunter film served as a litmus test for the series’ international appeal. By focusing on the origin story of Ryo and Kaori, the film bridged the gap between modern cinematic standards and the gritty charm of the original manga. It also follows the success of the 2018 French production, Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon, which proved that the "sweeper" formula could transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.

Simultaneously, the announcement of a new Cat’s Eye anime, exclusive to Disney+, suggests a return to form. Industry reports indicate that this adaptation will adhere more strictly to the original source material, including the reintroduction of "The Rat," a beloved character whose presence in the manga adds a necessary layer of complexity to the heist dynamics. This alignment between the new anime and the upcoming omnibus release suggests a unified effort to re-introduce the Kisugi sisters to a global audience.

Official Responses and Editorial Philosophy

Representatives from the publishing team have emphasized that these editions are intended to be "definitive." The editorial team tasked with the translation aimed to preserve the "rougher" edge of 1980s urban manga while ensuring the dialogue flows naturally for modern readers.

"Our goal was to respect the legacy of Tsukasa Hojo while ensuring that the physical product reflects the status of these series as historical milestones," a representative stated. The decision to include the creator’s commentary was made specifically to transform the volumes from simple reading material into educational resources for those interested in the history of the medium.

Implications for the Industry

The success of these omnibus editions will likely dictate how legacy manga titles are treated in the Western market moving forward. There is currently a high demand for "luxury" editions of classic series—similar to the recent trends seen with titles like Akira or Berserk. By investing in high-quality paper, dust jackets, and supplementary historical material, publishers like Abrams Books are betting that the "manga collector" demographic is willing to pay a premium for archival-quality editions.

Furthermore, the "unified worldview" that Hojo cultivated between Cat’s Eye and City Hunter creates a synergistic effect. Readers who pick up one are statistically more likely to invest in the other, creating a "Hojo ecosystem" that can sustain long-term sales.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Every Library

Whether you are a veteran collector who remembers the original Japanese serializations or a modern fan introduced through the Netflix film, these omnibus editions are essential. They offer more than just nostalgia; they provide a high-fidelity look at a master at work.

As we look toward the September 23 release date, the anticipation is palpable. These books stand as a testament to the fact that great stories do not age—they merely wait for the right format to be rediscovered. In a market flooded with transient content, the arrival of these definitive collections is a welcome reminder of the enduring power of classic manga.

Release Details: