Hetalia: Axis Powers Volume 1

This article is about the first volume of the Hetalia manga. For other uses, see Volume 1 (disambiguation).

Hetalia: Axis Powers Volume 1
Volume Information
Publisher	Gentosha
Released	March 28, 2008
Pages	134
Size	A5
ISBN	ISBN 978-4-3448-1275-8
Chronology
The World of Hetalia Exhibition Commemoration Anthology: Premium Hetalia: Axis Powers Volume 1 Hetalia: Axis Powers Volume 2

The first volume of Hetalia: Axis Powers was released in Japan by the publisher Gentosha. It contains several strips from the original webcomic series, as well as new material.

Contents

Chapters

Meeting of the World (Meeting of the World, Miitingu avu za Waarudo)

Nations of the world meet to discuss modern problems the world is facing. America proposes that a giant hero should be built to end global warming, which inadvertently leads to chaos and off-topic arguing. Germany attempts to calm the group and create an organized debate. He calls on Italy to give his opinion, but Italy only replies by shouting "Pasta."

This chapter is a reconceived version of the webcomic "Opening of the Meeting at the Center of the World". It was later adapted in the audio track "Meeting Of The World I ~All the Countries of the World Appear~" from Hetalia Drama CD: Prologue, and Episode 01 of the anime series.

Track.0 - Prologue (Prologue, Purōraggu)

Germany narrates a brief history of Ancient Rome, who grew wealthy and strong but eventually disappeared. During World War I, Germany is in a descendant of Rome's country. He finds an odd tomato box while traveling in the woods, inside of which is Italy. Initially, Germany believes Italy's innocent and terrified demeanor is simply an act and hits him with his gun. Italy lays on the ground whimpering while Germany, confused, stands over him. A third person narration states that Germany did not realize how the encounter would change his destiny.

This chapter is a reconceived version of the beginning of the webcomic "Hetalia Chapter 1". It was later adapted in the audio track "Prologue" from Hetalia Drama CD: Volume 1, as well as Episode 01 and Episode 02 of the anime series.

Track.1 - Axis Powers (Axis Powers, Akushisu Pawāzu)

This chapter explores the relationship and budding friendship between Germany, Italy, and Japan. Germany takes Italy as his prisoner, but is perplexed by Italy's relative happiness. Germany eventually becomes annoyed enough to send Italy back to his country. However, after WWI ends, Italy returns to Germany and asks for work in order to feed his people. Germany pities Italy and offers him a low-paying job. During WWII, Italy proposes an alliance and friendship with Germany, who accepts after a bit of persuasion. They subsequently journey to Japan and create an alliance with him. Shortly after, Italy introduces his brother Romano, the personification of the southern portion of Italy. Romano is crass and rude towards Germany, and promptly leaves after taunting the nation. Afterward, Germany begins training Italy and Japan for war, attempting to prepare them for any situation.

This chapter is a reconceived version of the webcomic "Hetalia Chapter 1". It was later adapted in Episode 02, Episode 03, Episode 04, Episode 05, Episode 06, Episode 07, Episode 08, Episode 12, Episode 14, Episode 15, Episode 19, and Episode 27 of the anime series.

Track.2 - Power Ranger Allied Forces (Power Ranger Allied Forces, Pawā Reinjā Araido Fōsizu, renamed "Allied Forces" in the Tokyopop edition.)

This chapter focuses on the relationships between America, England, France, Russia, and China, as well as their efforts in the war and personal affairs. The Allies make an effort to work together, but often fail due to a variety of problems and vendettas against each other. For example, England is bitter over the Revolutionary War, Russia is partially insane, France and England constantly fight, and Canada is unnoticed by his comrades. America captures Italy, but he and England are unhappy to learn that he makes a terrible prisoner of war and servant. The pair then return him to Germany.

This chapter is a reconceived version of the webcomic "Hetare 2: Allied Forces". It was later adapted in Episode 06, Episode 07, Episode 08, Episode 10, Episode 11, Episode 13, Episode 19, Episode 29, and Extra Episode 3 of the anime series.

Track.3 - America's Cleaning Of The Storage (アメリカの倉庫掃除, Amerika no sōko sōji, trans. "America Cleans Out His Storage Room" in the Tokyopop edition.)

America attempts to clean his storage room, a place filled with clutter and relics from the past. He finds toy soldiers and an old jacket that remind him of growing up with England as his older brother. He decides to throw them away for being old or useless. He eventually finds a musket he had used the day of England's surrender, and flashbacks to England's last stand on the battle field: England rushes America and disarms him, but finds himself unable to shoot at his younger brother. England breaks down while America solemnly states that England used to be "so big." America quits cleaning his storage, but chooses to make one toy soldier a house decoration. However, he hides it when England visits.

This chapter is a reprinted version of the webcomic "Cleaning Out The Storage". It was later adapted in the audio track "Cleaning Out The Storage ~During Lithuania's Stay at America's House~" from Hetalia Drama CD: Prologue, as well as Episode 17 and Episode 20 of the anime series with a special compilation director's cut later included on the Axis Powers Fan Disc.

Track.4 - Chibitalia (ちびたりあ, Chibitaria, lit. "Little Italy")

This chapter revolves around Italy as a child, particularly focusing on his romantic relationship with the Holy Roman Empire. At the time, the pair lived with Hungary at Austria's house. Holy Rome had falsely thought that Italy was female due to his feminine voice, characteristics, and clothing. He developed a crush on him, but was unable to express his feelings and often scared Italy. Austria's country and the lands surrounding it soon enter a time of turbulence. Holy Rome finally confesses his love for Italy before leaving Austria and heading out to war. They promise to reunite after the wars end, but Holy Roman Empire disappears and never returns. A set of bonus strips focuses on Spain's difficulty dealing with Romano's ever-changing emotions.

This chapter is a partially reprinted and rearranged version of the webcomic "Chibitalia". It was later adapted in Episode 01, Episode 02, Episode 04, Episode 05, Episode 06, Episode 07, Episode 08, Episode 09, Episode 10, and Episode 11 of the anime series, as well as the compilation episode "Chibitalia".

Track.5 - Chaos at Daybreak (夜明けのカオス, Yoake no Kaosu)

This chapter explores portions of the War of Austrian Succession. Prussia disapproves of Maria Theresa becoming the Queen of Austria and demands that he gets Silesia lest he never recognize her. Prussia creates an alliance with Spain and France, while Austria gains England. However, England abandons Austria after being able to "beat up" France and becomes neutral. Thereafter, Hungary joins Austria and is able to reclaim Silesia. Italy becomes upset that Spain and Austria are fighting over him, so Spain attempts to comfort him and offers to let Italy live with him and Romano. Italy runs back to Austria, fearing the consequences of living with them.

This chapter is a reprinted version of the webcomic "Maria Theresa and the War of Austrian Succession". It was later adapted in Episode 64 and Episode 65 of the anime series.

Track.6 - :) in the World (:) in the World, :) in za Wārudo)

Still stranded on a deserted island, Italy, Japan, and Germany build makeshift Christmas trees in order to celebrate Christmas. The Allies attack them, but are stopped by Finland, flying a sleigh and dressed as Santa. He delivers both sides gifts and advises that they take a break from war and enjoy the holiday. The nations agree to a truce for Christmas.

This chapter was later adapted in the audio track "In The World" from Hetalia Drama CD: Volume 2, as well as Episode 28 of the anime series.

Postscript (あとがき, Atogaki)

A message from Hidekaz Himaruya accompanied by an illustration of Jeanne d'Arc.

Extra Track: To The Unfinished Tomorrow - Preview (見果てぬ明日へ―予告編―, Mihatenu Ashita e ―Yokokuhen―, trans. "Toward an Unknown Tomorrow" in the Tokyopop edition.)

An extra chapter that shows Germany and Austria heading out to fight in the early stages of World War II. Italy comes to wish them good luck and good-bye. Russia watches the scene and believes that he will be able to take advantage of Germany with ease. Meanwhile, England and France decide they have no choice but to declare war on Germany.

This chapter is a reprinted version of the ending of the webcomic "Hetare 5: Lietuvis!!". The first strip, featuring Italy and Germany discussing the name of their alliance, is loosely adapted in Episode 05 of the anime series.

Side Content

World's Sexy Leader (世界のお色気担当, Sekai no Oiroke Tantō, trans. "The World's Number One Pervert" in the Tokyopop edition.)

Printed in two parts. France decides to pass his world authority on horniness to England, much to the other's chagrin. He attempts to pass it on to Greece, who doesn't see anything scandalous about sex, before talking to Japan and receiving a lecture on 2-D love. This comic is a reprinted version of the webcomic "Erotic Ambassador" from Comic Diary Summary Part 8.

Shouting S.O.S. From the Center of the World (世界の中心でSOSを叫ぶ, Sekai no chūshin de esuōesu o sakebu)

Italy, Germany, and Japan are stranded on a tropical island and work to gather provisions. While they admit how scenic a place the island is, they would much prefer to go home and have constructed a giant "S O S" on the beach. This comic is a reprinted version of the webcomic "You Know, We're Kind of...". It was later adapted in the audio track "Shouting S.O.S From The Center Of The World!" from Hetalia Drama CD: Volume 1, and Episode 05 of the anime series.

England Has The Final Weapon (イギリスには最後の武器がある, Igirisu niwa Saigo no Buki ga aru, trans. "England's Secret Weapon" in the Tokyopop edition.)

After being beaten by Germany and Italy, England decides to put a curse on them, but is interrupted by America. This comic is a reprinted version of the webcomic "It's Their Proud Skill" from Comic Diary Summary Part 8. It was later adapted in Episode 13 of the anime series.

Snake vs Mongoose (はぶVSマングース, Habu VS Mangūsu)

In the follow-up to "England Has The Final Weapon", England attempts to seek revenge on America for interrupting his ritual using Busby's cursed chair. However, Russia sits in it instead, causing the chair to disintegrate due to his darker aura. Later, England attempts to summon a monster from hell, only to summon Russia instead. This comic is a redrawn and reworked version of a strip from the webcomic "Hetare 3: G-R Nonaggression Pact?". It was later adapted in Episode 13 of the anime series.

Rather, Gamba vs Noroi (というよりガンバVSノロイ, Toiuyori Ganba VS Noroi, renamed "Good Luck Beating That Curse" in the Tokyopop edition.)

In the follow-up to "Snake vs Mongoose", England demands to know why Russia keeps interfering with his plans. England challenges him to a magic duel, but after seeing Russia give Japan a stomach ache simply by staring at him, he calls it off. This comic was later adapted in Episode 13 of the anime series.

A Wonderful Canadian Journey (素晴らしきカナダ紀行, Subarashiki Kanada kikō, renamed "Legendary Tales of Canada" in the Tokyopop edition.)

America reads about the man who discovered Canada while Canada himself makes some hotcakes in the same room.

I'm Going to be the King of Adventure (俺もいつか冒険王になるんだ, Ore mo itsuka bouken ninarun da)

In the follow-up to "A Wonderful Canadian Journey", America finishes reading about the discovery of Canada and vows to discover Canada someday as well. Canada offers America some coffee, scaring him.

Ghost Hotel (ゴーストホテル, Go-suto Hoteru)

Japan, England, and America all stay in a haunted medieval-style hotel and have different reactions to encountering a ghost.

An Accident at the Ethiopian War Front (エチオピア戦線異状あり, Echiopia sensen ijyō ari, tran. as "Strange Status Report From Ethiopia" in the Tokyopop edition.)

Italy calls Germany from Northern Africa because he can't tie his shoes... and England is also there. This comic was later adapted in Episode 08 of the anime series.

A Deeply Rare Emotion is Spoiled (せっかくの感動が台無し, Sekkaku no kandō ga dainashi, trans. "A Touching Conversation Ruined" in the Tokyopop edition.)

England is greatly injured by a developing weapon and attempts to confess something to America. He is interrupted by the Grim Reaper and seems to die, wakes when America invites the Reaper to celebrate over England's death. This comic was later adapted in Episode 48 of the anime series.

German Simulator (ドイツ人シミュレータ, Doitsujin Shimyurēta)

A story written as an advertisement for a fictional video game. In it, other nations' customs interfere with Germany's grocery shopping. This comic is a reprint of "German Simulator" from Get the World!! Kitayume Anthology Hetalian. It was later adapted in Episode 14 of the anime series.

England, I Have Something to Tell You (イギリスお前に伝えることがある, Igirisu omae ni tsutaeru koto ga aru)

A depressed and war-torn France proposes marriage to England, who refuses to cooperate with such an idea. This comic is a reprint of the webcomic "Dream United Kingdom". It was later adapted in Episode 12 of the anime series.

Go! Sealand (すすめ!　シーランド, Susume! Shīrando)

Sealand introduces himself to the reader and then sits outside a world meeting in an attempt to be recognized. However, all the nations ignore him because he is a micronation, and Lithuania tries to warn him away from trying so he won't be invaded. This comic is a partial reprint of the webcomic "It's Sealand-kun!". It was later adapted in the audio track "Go Forth! Sealand!" from Hetalia Drama CD: Volume 2, and Episode 21 of the anime series.

Aliens and Photoshop (宇宙人とフォトショップ, Uchūjin to Fotoshoppu, trans. "Photoshopping with Aliens" in the Tokyopop edition.)

A pair of Aliens experiment with making pictures of circles in photoshop, with the save location set on their computer as "America", causing crop circles to show up at his house.

Back Cover 4koma

Italy pets a cat while Germany lectures him, and becomes upset when the cat licks his face with it's rough tongue. This comic was later adapted in Episode 13 of the anime series.

Hetalia School (ヘタリア学園, Hetaria Gakuen)

A pair of bonus strips released with some first edition copies of the book sold in bookstores.

In the "Axis Powers" version, the Axis Powers appear.

In the "Allied Forces" version, America forgot to do his homework and asks the other Allies to see theirs. France and Russia both turn him down and tell him to take care of the problem himself. America is unhappy with this, and England tells him to stop whining because it reflects badly on him as well. However, he admits that it's better than if he became a "Pasta-eating Germany-relying loser", and he finally convinces America to go do his homework on his own.

Character Profiles

Hetalia and His Merry Friends (ヘタリアと愉快な仲間たち, Hetaria to yukaina nakama-tachi)

Profiles outlining each character's official country name, country capital, official language, birthday, and national flower. Characters featured include Italy (listed as "North Italy"), Romano (listed as "South Italy"), Germany, Japan, America, England, France, Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Austria, Hungary, Spain, and Switzerland.

Release

The first volume was first released by Gentosha of March 28, 2008. In the proceeding years, it has been published in several nations. Tokyopop announced its acquisition of Hetalia in 2010 and released the first volume on September 28, 2010 in North America.

• 

  Chinese Edition (原動力亞細亞)
  ISBN 978-986-6628-36-8
  Released on May 16, 2009

• 

  Polish Edition (Studio JG)
  ISBN 978-83-61356-18-9
  Released on November 14, 2009

• 

  Czech Edition (Zoner Press)
  ISBN 978-80-7413-080-9
  Released on April 27, 2010

• 

  Hungarian Edition (Fumax)
  ISBN 978-963-9861-27-5
  Released on May 22, 2010

• 

  Thai Edition (Siam Inter Comic)
  ISBN 978-61-60104-93-2
  Released June 16, 2010

• 

  North American Edition (Tokyopop)
  ISBN 978-1427818768
  ISBN 978-1427845832 (POD)
  Released on September 21, 2010

• 

  Brazilian Edition (NewPOP)
  ISBN 978-85-60647-50-7
  Released on December 17, 2010

• 

  Italian Edition (White Cover) (J-POP)
  ISBN 978-88-6634-147-5
  Released on November 17, 2011

• 

  Italian Edition (Silver Cover) (J-POP)
  Released on November 2011 (Sold exclusively during the Lucca Convention)

• 

  German Edition (Tokyopop Europe/Germany)
  ISBN 978-3842004702
  Released on March 12, 2012

• 

  Russian Edition (Хеталия) (Comics Factory)
  ISBN 978-5-7525-2801-9
  Released on August 8, 2012

• 

  Chinese Edition (Tong Li)
  ISBN 471-0-9455-4333-8
  Released on April 22, 2014

• 

  Argentinian Edition (Utopia Editorial/Deux Studio)
  ISBN 978-987-1485-55-0
  Released on February 2015

Notes

• During the initial release of the Japanese edition, Animate included a bookmark with a chibi from the 2006 Kitayume character profiles with text on the back. Later that year, during a promotion by Gentosha, autographed copies of the book with a small doodle were available.
• The Tokyopop Edition of the book contains an extensive section of Translation notes, as well as a section entitled Cosplayers Galore! which features Hetalia cosplayers from the United States, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Errors

• In the Polish edition, Estonia and Latvia's profiles were mistakenly swapped with one another. Latvia's profile also incorrectly listed the two of them as brothers.
• In the Argentinian edition, China's gender changed between male and female in some strips.