The Return of Hetalia?

Hello fans of Hetalia!

It seems that there is a possibility that the series might return. According to the message from Stu Levy via Facebook, all fans will be able to access the title, however, the access channel will be limited. For example: retail. Keep in mind that retail can mean a physical or online store. Along with volume 3, volume 4 would be published.

Also, here is some important information about this whole project from Stu Levy:

…this project is a partnership with the Hetalia rights owner, but titles owned by different rights owners are unrelated. That means even if TOKYOPOP wants to publish other titles, it can't. But if the model can be proven, perhaps other rights owners will let other titles be released as well. It's still at the experimental stage - and not fully within TOKYOPOP's control.

So, basically, it is a business relationship where both parties work together and it’s a starting point for such a project. If this type of business strategy becomes a success, there is a possibility that MAYBE other title rights owner will want to try it out or TOKYOPOP may come back as a player in the manga industry. Keep in mind that to make anything successful it will take time, patience and everyone to play a part. Yes, this includes fans supporting Hetalia and the companies by buying the official product. This is your choice, of course.

I am more curious about the "channel" that will make the title accessible. Physically accessible retailers could be Barnes and Nobles, Japanese bookstores, such as Kinokuniya Bookstores, local comic book shops, online shops like Amazon or independent bookstores. Digitally accessible could be Apple with their iPhone, iPod and iPad, E-Readers like Kindle, an Internet website or other technological advances. Although manga is available in a variety of book stores and has been making its way into the digital world, who’s going to step up and is willing to be a major retail player? Or maybe a company, exclusively, will sell it. Who knows, right?

Do you think that this project will be a success? Will TOKYOPOP make a comeback? If you have any opinions or thoughts about the possibility of the return of Hetalia in the USA, let’s hear it!
© 2011 Linda Thai

Click on the links below for more information:
Quick Hetalia question for you Hetalia fans out there
Hetalia #3 update