Ali Ikhwan
For fans of classic manga, the 1980s represent a golden age of high-stakes action, witty banter, and iconic character design. Central to this era are the works of Tsukasa Hojo, the visionary artist behind two of the most influential franchises in the medium’s history: City Hunter and Cat’s Eye.
As these series experience a massive cultural renaissance—fueled by high-profile Netflix adaptations and upcoming Disney+ exclusives—publisher Abrams Books has stepped in to satisfy the growing demand for physical media. Through their specialized Kana imprint, they are releasing deluxe omnibus editions of these two legends. Having received early access to the inaugural volumes of both, it is clear that these editions are not merely reprints; they are definitive, collector-grade tributes to the legacy of Tsukasa Hojo.
The Cultural Significance of Hojo’s Universe
To understand the weight of these new omnibus releases, one must first appreciate the stature of the source material. Cat’s Eye, which serialized from 1981 to 1985, and City Hunter, which followed from 1985 to 1991, helped define the "sweeper" and heist genres in manga.
Hojo’s work is characterized by a unique duality: the ability to seamlessly pivot from heart-pounding suspense to slapstick, often risqué, comedy. His protagonists—the mysterious Kisugi sisters of Cat’s Eye and the legendary, if perpetually distracted, sharpshooter Ryo Saeba—remain cultural touchstones in Japan and abroad. These series did more than entertain; they established tropes that would influence decades of action-manga successors. By bringing these stories back to print in a premium format, Abrams Books is ensuring that a new generation of readers can experience the foundation upon which modern manga legends were built.
Chronology of a Renaissance: From Print to Screen
The timing of these omnibus editions is no coincidence. The landscape of anime and manga consumption has shifted toward global accessibility, and Hojo’s catalog has been at the forefront of this movement.
The Modern Adaptation Wave
- 2018: The French live-action film Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon proved that the City Hunter formula could transcend language barriers, delivering a surprisingly faithful tone that resonated with purists.
- 2024/2025: Netflix released its own high-budget live-action City Hunter film, focusing on the gritty, neon-soaked streets of modern Shinjuku. This project reignited interest in Ryo Saeba’s origin story, drawing in millions of viewers who were previously unfamiliar with the source material.
- September 2025: The momentum continues with a new Cat’s Eye anime adaptation slated for Disney+. Unlike previous iterations, this version promises a closer adherence to the original manga’s narrative arc, including the return of fan-favorite character "The Rat."
This surge in screen adaptations has created a "perfect storm" for the manga market. Readers are no longer satisfied with watching the stories; they are actively seeking out the original art, the pacing of the source text, and the specific nuances of Hojo’s storytelling that adaptations often leave on the cutting room floor.
Anatomy of the Omnibus: A Collector’s Perspective
The new omnibus editions, released under the Kana imprint, set a high bar for quality. Each volume collects three original manga volumes into one substantial, well-constructed paperback.
Cat’s Eye Omnibus Vol. 1
The first volume of Cat’s Eye is a masterclass in packaging. It houses 23 chapters, providing a comprehensive entry point into the lives of Hitomi, Rui, and Ai. The narrative hook—three sisters running a cafe by day while operating as high-stakes art thieves by night—remains as compelling as it was in the early 80s.
The physical production is notable:
- Materials: The use of glossy paper for full-color pages ensures that Hojo’s vibrant artwork pops.
- Extras: The inclusion of 48 pages of two-color inserts offers a visual treat that elevates the reading experience.
- Design: The addition of a beautifully designed dust jacket makes the book a standout piece for any bookshelf.
City Hunter Omnibus Vol. 1
City Hunter follows a similar premium philosophy. Collecting 25 chapters, this volume takes readers through the introduction of Ryo Saeba and the tragic, pivotal transition involving his partner, Makimura. The arrival of Kaori serves as the emotional anchor of the series, and having these foundational chapters in one binding allows for a superior reading flow.
Perhaps the most significant value for long-time fans is the supplementary material. Hojo provides commentary between chapters that functions as a "behind-the-scenes" documentary of his creative process. Furthermore, the volume includes:
- Interviews: Detailed discussions regarding the conceptualization of the series’ opening acts.
- Translation Notes: For Western readers, the inclusion of cultural context—such as the explanation of the infamous term "mokkori"—is invaluable. It bridges the gap between the 1980s Japanese zeitgeist and modern international readers.
Supporting Data: Why Physical Media Matters
In an era of digital subscriptions and ephemeral streaming libraries, the resurgence of high-quality physical manga is a testament to the "collectibility factor." Market data suggests that readers of classic series prefer "legacy editions" that offer durability and aesthetic appeal.
The Abrams Books/Kana initiative is designed to be the "forever edition" for fans. The weight and size of these volumes are specifically calibrated to be comfortable for extended reading sessions, while the high-quality binding ensures that the book remains in pristine condition despite repeated rereading. This is a critical factor for fans who have spent years tracking down out-of-print, yellowing copies of the original releases.
Official Responses and Creative Direction
Tsukasa Hojo has long been protective of his intellectual property, which explains the high quality control seen in these new editions. Official statements from the production teams involved in the recent adaptations have echoed a singular sentiment: "Respect the source."
The decision to include the original manga’s specific tone in these omnibus editions acts as a counterbalance to the stylistic liberties taken by some screen adaptations. By providing the "original intent" in a high-fidelity format, the publisher allows the audience to participate in a dialogue between the past and the present. The inclusion of Hojo’s own commentary effectively turns these books into archival documents as much as entertainment products.
Implications for the Future of Manga Publishing
The success of the City Hunter and Cat’s Eye omnibus releases could have a ripple effect on how older, classic titles are handled in the future.
- The "Omnibus Standard": Publishers are learning that fans are willing to pay a premium for consolidated, high-quality volumes that include behind-the-scenes content.
- Cross-Media Synergy: The success of the Netflix/Disney+ partnerships demonstrates that cross-platform promotion is the most effective way to introduce "vintage" titles to a Gen Z and Millennial audience.
- Archival Preservation: There is an increasing awareness that manga is a vital part of global pop culture history. By printing these omnibus editions, Abrams is essentially "archiving" the art of the 80s for future researchers and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The release of Cat’s Eye Omnibus Vol. 1 and City Hunter Omnibus Vol. 1 on September 23 marks a turning point for fans of Tsukasa Hojo. Whether you are a long-time devotee who grew up with these characters in the 80s or a new viewer who recently discovered the thrill of the "sweeper" life on Netflix, these editions are essential.
They are not just books; they are gateways into the mind of a master storyteller. With their elegant design, robust content, and historical insights, these volumes represent the gold standard for how classic manga should be presented to the modern world. As the anime adaptations continue to bring these characters to new screens, having the original text in such a refined format ensures that the spirit of City Hunter and Cat’s Eye will remain, as it always has been, timeless.
Lina Hope
Evan Lee Salim
