VIZ Media is publishing Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, created by Horoyuki Asada, in book-form in North America this September. The steampunk/action manga series was first serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan, and its animated counterpart is scheduled to debut in Japan later this year as part of the annual Jump Super Anime Tour.
VIZ sends this description of the story:
“In a land of perpetual night, your heart is your light.
“Amberground is locked in darkness. A man-made star casts only a dim light over the land. The pitch-black wilderness is infested with Gaichuu—colossal insects with metal exoskeletons. The Gaichuu make travel between the cities of Amberground extremely dangerous. But thankfully the Letter Bees, a brave corps of messengers, risk their lives in order to keep the hearts of Amberground connected.”
VIZ’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing Gonzalo Ferreyra said “This unique story blends visually captivating motifs of steampunk, an inventive mix of antique and futuristic technology, with the adventures of a boy who runs deliveries across a strange fantasy world.”
In the 204-page volume 1, scheduled to be released any day, “Gauche Suede is on his last delivery before a big promotion. In the outskirts of Yodaka, the darkest area of Amberground, Gauche is surprised to find that the package is a young boy named Lag Seeing. Lag had been traumatized by his mother’s abduction and is due to be delivered to his aunt. In this remote area rife with Gaichuu, Lag and Gauche face a dangerous journey that inspires Lag to become a Letter Bee.”
Volume 2, scheduled to be released in March 2010, follows the story of Lag, who “is close to becoming a Letter Bee! On the way to his final interview at the National Postal Service, he found a dingo: Niche, a feral young girl with shocking strength and hair made of golden swords. Now, as they approach the bridge to the middle-caste district, they stop to rest in Kyrie, a desperado town. They meet Nelli, a friendly young man who shows them to an inn. Nelli’s so helpful that neither Lag nor Niche notice him steal Lag’s Crossing Pass!”