Kodansha Print Club Launches Bringing…

Kodansha USA’s Bold Move: Enter the Print Game

Kodansha USA, a giant in manga publishing, is making waves again. This time, it’s shaking things up with a game-changing initiative called the Kodansha Print Club. The goal? To usher in English-licensed series previously available only digitally, finally giving them a tangible format.

Listening to the Fans: The Push for Print

Fans have long voiced a clear desire. They crave the touch and feel of their beloved manga in print. Ivan Salazar, Kodansha USA’s Senior Marketing Director, acknowledges this. He emphasizes the publisher’s storied digital-first catalog while revealing that the Print Club aims to meet fervent fan requests.

Haruko Hashimoto, Kodansha’s Digital Department Senior Editor, echoes this sentiment. According to her, converting digital manga to print could draw new readers to the genre. Many compelling tales are just waiting for that physical leap to reach more audiences. It’s an exciting move for both ardent followers and curious newcomers.

Three Titles to Watch

Kodansha’s newest venture kicks off with a trio of intriguing titles: Love, That’s an Understatement, Teppu, and Blade Girl. Each one promises a fresh narrative, ready to captivate new audiences.

Love, That’s an Understatement

Fujimomo’s Love, That’s an Understatement introduces Risa Amakawa, the epitome of a prepared high schooler. She encounters Zen Ohira, a delinquent, by chance. Her life soon shifts when Zen helps her more than she ever anticipated. It’s a romantic comedy laced with unexpected twists from the creator of Lovesick Ellie.

Teppu: An Athletic Challenge

By Moare Ohta, Teppu dives into the world of sports and rivalry. Natsuo Ishido, effortlessly talented in athletics, finds boredom in her easy success. Enter two Brazilian transfer students and their Mixed Martial Arts club, reigniting her competitive spirit. Finally, she discovers a rival worth her time.

Breaking Boundaries with Blade Girl

Blade Girl by Narumi Shigematsu tells Rin’s inspiring journey. After losing a leg, Rin is drained by recovery and expectations. Then, she meets the Blade Runners, athletes with specialized prosthetics. The story captures her newfound passion for the Paralympics, revealing a tale of resilience and rediscovery.

Gearing Up for Print Releases

Fans can start marking their calendars. These first Kodansha Print Club releases will hit shelves worldwide on December 10, 2024. Priced at $14.99 USD and $19.99 CAD, they’ll be available through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target. Moreover, fans can voice their desires for future titles through Kodansha’s Publishing Suggestion Form.

A Fan-Fueled Journey

Though Kodansha’s announcement at New York Comic Con sparked mixed reactions, this new campaign signifies progress. While some fans worry about the lack of shojo or josei genres, the Print Club shows Kodansha’s commitment to audience feedback. The promise of cherished series in print is a dream come true for manga aficionados.