ICv2 got to sit down with Hideki Egami, the editor-in-chief at Ikki magazine. That would be the original Japanese Ikki magazine from Shogakukan, by the way, just to differentiate from VIZ's new website and line, collecting materials from the Japanese version. In addition to Ikki itself, Egami talks a bit about the effect that an anime adaptation can have on manga sales, among other interesting topics.
VIZ Kids gets some attention from Eva Volin, who chats with editor Traci Todd at Good Comics for Kids on the School Library Journal. Todd talks about the creation of VIZ Kids, the audience, and the titles, including some that aren't Pokemon.
Finally, Pop Culture Shock's Manga Recon Roundtable, which asks a really cool question: what manga is your real life most like?
My answer is Genshiken...specifically during the arc where they're at Comiket with Ohno's American friends. Nothin' but nerds as far as the eye can see.
How about you?
hmmmmmm... I mean, I could say Well, the issue seems to boil down to not "really" being able to list anything super fantasy based (My life isn't much like Berserk of Claymore), and yet, school molds are both generic and umm... undefined... so its hard to say that, esp. since I just finished college.
Off the top of my head, I'm at a lack for a large number of non-fantasy manga that take place outside of the educational system.
So what do we have... my life "often" reflects the seemingly strange and unpredictable nature of Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei. Obviously removed from the educational system. That's my best answer at the moment. I'll get back to you when something else crops up.