If you are loving the manga boom in America right now, these new manga publishers are going to want to be on your radar this year. Whether you have always loved reading manga or are only curious about it, there is something for everybody. For those who might want to try reading outside of the Western canon of mainstream comics, these titles are worth a try.
Manga is the Japanese word for comics. As its popularity continues to increase, a lot of East Asian comics get labeled as manga despite not being Japanese in origin, and other comics from the Asian market get labeled as manga despite being manhwa or even manhua.
New manga publishers to check out
Photo credit: MAHJONG PROS
Mahjong Pros
But hey, if you are a serious bookworm and love comics, here are some manga publishers to keep in mind when you are in the mood for some good reads. First, there’s Mahjong Pros, a Wyoming-based publisher that’s ready to debut its titles in just a few weeks. From memoirs like Crybaby Mermaid to political satire, this publisher also offers a wide range of genres.
Takumigraphics
Did anybody else know that Fantagraphics (yes, that Fantagraphics!!) is launching its own imprint dedicated to East Asian comics this summer? Fantagraphics is known for its prestige titles and Takumigraphics is already showing promise. Their debut lineup includes Wandering by Shimura Takako, a newly designed paperback edition of the beloved LGBTQ+ manga; Lovers of the Empire, a full-color, vivid Korean historical manhwa set in 1920s Seoul; and On Their Frontlines, a debut manga following Japanese war brides post-WWII.
Sweet Shop
And for those of you who aren’t ready to commit your shelves to manga just yet, there’s an app in the making just for you. Sweet Shop, which is still in its pre-launch stage and currently accepting invites from digital readers who find reading manga online frustrating. This one-stop shop manga app will be available for Android and Apple, so make sure you get on the waitlist.
Happy reading.
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