Makoto Yukimura, the acclaimed creator of Vinland Saga, is preparing to release his next manga in a completely new genre: science fiction. Known for his stunning storytelling and meticulous research, Yukimura has made a name for himself by weaving deep, emotional narratives in historical settings.
His debut work, Planetes, originally published in 1999, is a hard science fiction series that has garnered just as much praise as Vinland Saga. Now, nearly a decade after its first English publication, Planetes is getting a special rerelease for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The New Deluxe Edition: A Collector’s Dream
The Planetes Deluxe Edition will hit the shelves starting July 29, 2025, bringing fans the perfect collector’s item. Dark Horse Comics, the publisher behind the original English version, is giving the manga the deluxe treatment with higher quality paper, reprints of full-color art pages, and debossed cover art. This new edition promises to be the finest representation of Planetes to date, offering readers a chance to experience the story in the best way possible.
The Planetes Deluxe Edition offers much more than just a reprint. Each book will match the length of the original omnibuses but will be printed on much higher quality paper. With 44 full-color art pages printed on special gloss stock, this edition will the visual experience.
The hardcover also features a sleek, minimalistic design, depicting the Earth from the view of an astronaut in space. The tactile debossed patterns on the cover give it a unique feel, making it an ideal addition to any manga collection the visual experience. The hardcover also features a sleek, minimalistic design, depicting the Earth f
Even after more than 25 years, Planetes remains a standout in the hard science fiction genre. Yukimura’s attention to detail and thorough research make the world of Planetes feel grounded and believable. The story is set in a future where humanity has begun to colonize space, focusing on the lives of debris haulers working in Earth’s orbit. The realistic portrayal of space exploration, combined with the emotional depth of the characters, makes the series a gripping read.
Just like Vinland Saga, Planetes shines due to the way Yukimura develops its characters. The emotional arcs are as compelling as the thrilling space adventures, and seeing how the cast over time makes the story even more immersive.
The interplay of human drama against a backdrop of space exploration gives Planetes a unique appeal, blending hard sci-fi with personal storytelling. With the upcoming deluxe release, the story will finally get the treatment it deserves.