Tokyopop is continuing its line of books based on the popular multi-media .hack franchise in 2010 with the publication of .hack//Cell, a novel by Ryo Suzukaze, in March followed by .hack//4Koma, a collection of four-panel (yonkama) gag strips by Sumimaru Koichi, in April.

 

The .hack//Cell novel, which takes place before the events of .hack//GU: Rebirth, features a giant sword-wielding “Edge Punisher” named Midori who encounters Haseo (aka “Terror of Death”), the main character in .hack//Roots, and .hack//G.U.  Fans of the series should especially enjoy the stylish illustrations created for the novel by Akira Mutsuki.

 

The .hack//4Koma manga is a collection of funny four-panel strips set in the .hack// universe.  This first collection of .hack yonkoma concentrates on characters from the first two series of .hack video games, and contains lots of inside jokes that gamers (and those familiar with the .hack world) will enjoy.

 

On December 1st of this year Tokyopop will publish its next .hack release, .hack//Alcor, a single volume manga by Kanami Amou (writer) and Rena Izumibara (artist) that follows the adventures of a shy Twin Blade named Nanase, who falls in love with Silabus and is jealous of the more successful Alcaid.