Kodansha America is one of the most famous and well-known comic book publishers in the United States, translating a variety of beloved comics into English for fans to enjoy. The publisher recently announced that they are launching a Kodansha Printing Clubaiming to print a series that has been licensed in English but is only available in digital form.
Ivan Salazar, senior director of marketing at Kodansha America, said they have heard from fans about the importance of printing these books:
One of the things Kodansha is known for is its vast digital-first catalog, and since the launch of the digital program we’ve noticed a strong demand from fans for some of these series to be printed in book form. Kodansha Print Club is our way of trying to bridge that gap and start fulfilling some of those fan requests.
Highlighting the potential of printed comics to attract new readers, Haruko Hashimoto, senior editor of the digital department, added:
In the United States, comics must meet a number of conditions to survive on the traditional print publishing route. As far as fans know, There are many stories worth telling You can reach more readers if you provide it in physical format. There are people who have been following and supporting these series in their digital versions, and it’s encouraging to see people getting ready for them.
Kodansha Print Club has selected three books for the initial release: Love, that’s an understatement, stupid, and Blade Girl. Below is a more detailed look at these series.
Teng Tao’s love is an understatement
Spare eraser? Check. Extra folding umbrella? Check. First aid kit? Check. Calm and collected high school student Risa Amagawa has something for every situation in her heavy bag, and the last thing she needs (or doesn’t know how to ask for) is anyone’s help. When she saves a teenager from being beaten in a park one rainy night, she refuses any form of repayment. But it turns out that rescuing the notorious Ohira Zen brings her to the attention of some unsavory characters. As Zen keeps swooping in to help her out of one dilemma after another, her sense of dependence on anyone but herself—and her feelings about Zen—slowly begin to change… From the author of “Lovesick Ellie” A new romantic comedy!
For more information about the series, visit Kodansha’s Love, That’s an Understatement.
Iron Cloth by Moare Ohta
Being good at everything is not easy. High school freshman Ishito Natsuo has always been a gifted athlete, and her ability to master every sport with ease has not only led to a boring life for her, but also to the dissatisfaction of others who have to work hard for their achievements. Natsuo doesn’t care what others think. All she longs for is an escape from monotony…a real challenge worth putting in all the effort. An opponent – an equal – worth defeating, crushing and demoralizing… It all seems like a pipe dream, until a pair of annoyingly energetic transfer students arrive from Brazil and set up A brand new club, the challenge she craves – the art of Mixed Martial Arts.
For more information about the series, visit Kodansha’s Teppu.
“Blade Girl” by Narumi Shigematsu
A year after losing her leg, 16-year-old Lynn was tired of it—tired of painful physical therapy, tired of being treated differently, tired of her stupid, bulky, clumsy prosthetic leg. Everything changes when she meets “Blade Runners,” a group of one-legged athletes who run wearing “Blades,” carbon fiber prosthetics made specifically for competitive running made by their genius prosthetics. Produced by Kazami. These blades are light, flexible, and extremely difficult to control – Lin can barely walk with one, let alone sprint. But as she fell to the ground again and again, she rediscovered many things she had forgotten and found a new purpose: competing in the Paralympics.
For more information on the series, visit Kodansha’s Blade Girls.
Fans can find the first volume of Kodansha Print Club worldwide through online retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Kinokuniya. The books will cost $14.99 USD/$19.99 CAD and will be available starting December 10, 2024. ask.
Kodansha America’s licensing announcement at New York Comic Con sparked mixed reactions. Some fans expressed concerns about the games chosen and felt that the publisher was not prioritizing genres such as young girls or women. However, the upcoming release from Kodansha Print Club shows that the publisher is listening to these fans. This new program promises to satisfy readers who want to have their favorite series on their bookshelf.
Source: Kodansha America
