Discuss about anything related to the Twelve Kingdoms, also known as 十二国記, Juuni Kokki or Jūni Kokuki. Talk about the novels, the anime, the writer Fuyumi Ono or illustrator Akihiro Yamada, but beware for spoilers!
I have not seen the original book covers but I am quite fond of the one that will be released in the US (if anyone has a link or a picture of the original that would be great.)
As far as pre-ordering I actually thought it was coming out Feb 13th.. So I pre-ordered sometime late in January. Just have to remember to keep around $18 or so in my paypal account.. (I paid via paypal and apparently dont charge your account till they ship off the book).
But what I can say is I am very excited for the book to hit the states espically as I have never read the online scans (I am not to fond of reading books online, I like to hold the book.)
Yeah, the original covers were ornately designed, but much of Akihiro Yamada's artwork for the Twelve Kingdoms already show up in the DVD packaging. I really don't mind the new cover.
Here's actually the source of Youko on the U.S. cover:
This is the cover for Part 2 of Volume 1 of the novel series. I wasn't able to find an image of the cover for Part 1.
But I still like the cover design of the U.S. release:
ADD: Just pre-ordered my copy from Amazon! Woohoo!
The covers of all the releases (except for the Demon Child) can be seen here: http://www.dmwc.org/topic/12kokuki/goods/book.htm
I guess it's just that I'm used to the original covers.
I'm wondering if they will keep the illustration pages.
Hi, new here! *waves* I had considered pre ordering it, but since there's not much chance of the copies in my neighborhood selling out(hardly anyone likes anime here, and NO ONES heard of Juuni Kokki, I'd be better off going to Barnes and Noble in person to get it in the 13th, to avoid waiting for shipping and such.
The 464 page novel (another reason for the price) includes black and white artwork throughout the chapters in a traditional shounen action/adventure manga style.
This suggest that those are still in there.
Damn... I knew I should have become a book reviewer instead of a lousy anime reviewer...
I already pre ordered throght "Previews" catalogue. So next month I'll have the 1st volume. I can't hardly wait till then. I was going to read the novels in japanese, but a japanese friend told me that are kinda difficult to read. So I prefer to read them in English and then maybe get the originals.
I think I like the japanese cover better...it looks crisper and clearer and has Keiki on it so yeah, I think I like it better, but I still like the U.S. release one too. ^^
I will buy the book too. But why the tittle is just The Sea of Shadow. They do not translate the part tsuki no kage? I like the cover too, it not bad after all.
By the way, could you guy tell me which online book store use paypal?
yeah!!! this is great!!! more people from different countries can get access to it and become 12k fans!!! im lucky i can read the chinese versions that come out before the english ones.
Looks better this way, only problem with the design is when the cover is removed... that pure red book reminds me of to many school books -_-
Though the mark on it looks interesting.
Titan: Most hardcover books I've seen have a rather solid color and minimal design without the dust jacket on (I.E., only the book title on the front and on the spine). This book actually does have that design behind the title on the front, but it's difficult for me to capture with my camera.
Since my pics don't give a good idea of the size of the book, here's a pic of the book with a DVD next to it:
Not really a big book in general, but in terms of a normal Japanese translated work, it is very big at 464 pages (Most, like the Crest of the Stars novels, are around the 200 page size). It's also TOKYOPOP's first hardcover release.
Whoa! Nice zitch.. I dont think there supposed to sell it till the 13th... Ordered mine from Barnes & Nobles. That is awesome how you got it early. I also notice the design is different, not bad I like both.
but it's worthy 
so its both books in the "Shadow" arc amde into 1?
