New Edition Announcement for Natsume Ono's Beloved Series GENTE: A Two-Volume Special Edition is Coming
Ohta Publishing has announced that master artist Natsume Ono's beloved manga series GENTE ~Ristorante no Hitobito~ will return to shelves on May 26th as a "Shinshoban" (new edition). Originally published in three volumes, the series has been reorganized into two volumes for this special edition. The new release is not just a physical refresh, but also comes with brand-new cover illustrations drawn personally by Natsume Ono and previously unseen bonus stories.
GENTE serves as a sequel and side story to the artist's other popular work, Ristorante Paradiso. Set in a restaurant called "Casetta dell'Orso" in the heart of Rome, the series focuses on the daily lives, pasts, and romantic relationships of the mature, bespectacled gentlemen who work there. Serialized in Manga Erotics F magazine between 2006 and 2009, the work reached a wide fan base, particularly for its character depth and calm narrative that reflects the peaceful atmosphere of Italy.
Artist Natsume Ono holds a very unique place in the manga world. Known for her minimalist drawing style and the characteristic wide mouth structures of her characters, Ono achieved international success with works such as House of Five Leaves (Sarai-ya Goyo) and ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. These "restaurant series," created with inspiration from the time she spent studying language in Italy, are considered among her best works reflecting her interest in European culture and her keen observational skills regarding human relationships.
The content of the new edition also contains details that will excite collectors. The upper volume will feature 8 main chapters and 1 side story (bangai-hen), while the lower volume will contain 7 main chapters and 3 side stories. It has also been announced that commemorative merchandise exclusive to the series will be available for sale to celebrate this special release. If you are looking for a calm, adult-oriented, and aesthetic reading experience, this new edition offers the perfect opportunity to step into the world of GENTE or refresh your collection.
