Asro
By Kara Dennison
August 27, 2025
For decades, the name Tsukasa Hojo has been synonymous with the golden age of Japanese manga. His works—specifically the gritty, high-octane world of City Hunter and the stylish, heist-driven intrigue of Cat’s Eye—did more than just entertain; they defined the aesthetic and narrative expectations for the medium throughout the 1980s and early 90s. Now, as these legendary franchises experience a massive global resurgence, Abrams Books is stepping in to ensure that a new generation of readers can experience the source material in its definitive form.
Through their Kana imprint, Abrams is set to release premium omnibus editions of City Hunter and Cat’s Eye. Collecting the first three volumes of each series into single, beautifully crafted hard-copy collections, these releases represent more than just a reprint—they are a cultural restoration. Having had the opportunity to peruse both volumes ahead of their September 23 launch, it is clear that these editions are an absolute essential for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The Chronology of a Manga Empire
To understand the significance of these omnibus editions, one must look at the historical trajectory of Hojo’s work. Cat’s Eye hit the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump in 1981, running until 1985. It introduced the world to the Kisugi sisters—Hitomi, Rui, and Ai—who managed a café by day and executed sophisticated art heists by night. It was a masterclass in cat-and-mouse tension, bolstered by the irony that Hitomi’s romantic partner, Toshio Utsumi, was the very detective tasked with catching her alter-ego.
Hot on its heels, City Hunter debuted in 1985 and maintained a staggering run until 1991. The series pivoted from the heist genre to the "sweeper" subgenre, focusing on Ryo Saeba, a legendary gunman-for-hire, and his evolving relationship with his partner, Kaori Makimura. These two series, while distinct in tone, established a shared universe of underworld operators, thieves, and vigilantes that would influence countless action manga to follow.
The modern "Hojo Renaissance" is not an isolated event but a confluence of global interest. From the 2018 French live-action adaptation Nicky Larson et le parfum de Cupidon—which was praised for its surprising fidelity to the source material—to the recent high-budget City Hunter film on Netflix, the IP has remained remarkably resilient. With a new Cat’s Eye anime adaptation slated for a September premiere on Disney+, the timing of these omnibus editions feels meticulously orchestrated.
Supporting Data: What’s Inside the Omnibus
The quality of these releases cannot be overstated. In an era where many manga collections are relegated to standard-grade paperbacks, Abrams has opted for a "collectible" ethos.
Cat’s Eye Omnibus Vol. 1
This volume serves as a comprehensive introduction, packing in 23 chapters across the first three original volumes. The physical construction is premium:
- Aesthetics: The edition features a high-quality dust jacket that immediately signals its status as a collector’s item.
- Visual Fidelity: The inclusion of full-color pages printed on high-gloss paper provides a vibrant contrast to the stark, clean black-and-white lines that define Hojo’s classic art style. Additionally, the 48 pages of two-color inserts offer a visual treat that captures the vibrant 80s aesthetic.
- Narrative Scope: By the end of this collection, readers are introduced to the core mystery—the disappearance of the sisters’ father and the secret history behind the art they steal.
City Hunter Omnibus Vol. 1
The City Hunter release is equally robust, collecting 25 chapters. It covers the pivotal transition in the series: the introduction of Ryo Saeba and his original partner, Makimura, followed by the emotional shift that brings Kaori into the fold.
- Technical Extras: Beyond the story, this volume is a treasure trove for fans of the craft. It includes behind-the-scenes commentary from Hojo himself, detailing the creative hurdles of the mid-80s manga industry.
- Contextual Insight: The inclusion of an interview focusing on the conceptualization of the first few chapters is invaluable. Furthermore, the translation notes—specifically those clarifying cultural terminology like the infamous "mokkori"—ensure that the modern reader fully understands the humor and tone that made the series a phenomenon in Japan.
Official Perspectives and Creative Intent
The decision to bring these works to a wider Western audience through high-end omnibus editions reflects a broader shift in publishing. Editors and licensors are increasingly recognizing that "classic" manga requires a premium presentation to compete with modern digital offerings.
According to preliminary materials from the Kana imprint, the goal was to adhere as closely as possible to the original Japanese intent while ensuring accessibility for English-speaking readers. The upcoming Cat’s Eye anime, which promises to stay true to the manga’s roots—including the return of the fan-favorite character "The Rat"—mirrors the approach taken by these books. By stripping away the "television edits" of the past and focusing on the unfiltered, original manga narrative, these publishers are effectively "restoring" these stories for the 21st century.
Implications for the Manga Industry
The success of these omnibus editions will likely serve as a litmus test for the viability of other 80s-era classics. For years, the "classic" manga market in the West has been fragmented, often relying on out-of-print singles or low-quality scans. By providing a unified, high-quality reading experience, Abrams is setting a new standard for how legacy content should be handled.
Why It Matters Now
- Cultural Preservation: As original printing plates and early volumes age, high-quality reprints prevent these cultural touchstones from being lost to time or poor-quality digital archives.
- Bridging the Gap: With streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ pushing these titles to a massive, non-traditional audience, these omnibuses provide the perfect "entry point" for viewers who want to see where the stories began.
- The "Sweeper" Legacy: By reading the original City Hunter volumes, new fans can trace the lineage of the "lone wolf" archetype that currently dominates modern seinen manga.
Final Verdict
The City Hunter and Cat’s Eye omnibus editions are more than just books; they are an invitation to revisit a transformative era of storytelling. With a perfect balance of action, mystery, and deep-cut historical context, these collections honor Tsukasa Hojo’s legacy while providing a sleek, modern reading experience.
Whether you are a longtime fan looking to replace your worn-out original copies or a curious newcomer eager to see what all the fuss is about, these volumes are the gold standard. They are physically comfortable to read, visually stunning, and historically significant.
Availability: Both Cat’s Eye Omnibus Vol. 1 and City Hunter Omnibus Vol. 1 are scheduled for wide release on September 23, 2025. Fans are encouraged to pre-order, as these editions are poised to become the definitive versions for the next generation of collectors. In a market currently saturated with temporary trends, the return of Ryo Saeba and the Kisugi sisters is a welcome, enduring anchor to the roots of the medium.
Nana
Jia Lissa
