Battleangel

Some time ago I incorrectly stated that no volumes had been translated. In fact the first two volumes are already out in the US from what I can tell. That doesn’t mean that I can get my hands on them though.

I got my complete Gunnm collection from United Publications and I plan to do the same with Last Order. As soon as they have them in stock that is. I checked up on them today and they have a “Battle Angel Alita Last Order Vol.1 TP (M)” (M stands for medium package and Tp stands for Trade Paperback) at £7.00 (RRP : $9.95). The release date is specified simply as “JUNE 2003”.

As for the EXACT difference between GN (graphic novel) and TP (trade paperback) I couldn’t tell you. Here is what the manual says:

TP: A trade paperback.

Trade Paperback: In comics, the term is used differently than in the book trade. A comic book trade paperback is a squarebound edition that collects and reprints in mini-series, maxi-series, or story arc in this sturdier format, giving readers a complete story at one time, rather than over a period of months. Sometimes, a trade paperback may collect stories that are not interconnected, but rather are related by some theme. Many trade paperbacks also contain additional material, such as an introduction or foreword, or character sketches.

GN: A graphic novel.

Graphic Novel: A comic book that is longer in format that the usual “pamphlet,” and typically contains a complete story unto itself. Graphic novels usually have higher production values than the typical stapled comic book – they may be squarebound, for example, with cardstock covers. Some may be hardcover volumes. Although a graphic novel usually stands on its own as a complete story, it is possible to have a ongoing series or limited series of graphic novels telling a single story or series of related stories.

(taken from Diamond Bookshelf Glossary)

According to Dark Horse Comics the two terms are interchangeable. It shouldn’t matter really. It’s just that the Gunnm volumes are all listed as GN.