Posted by Deb Aoki on Jul 11, 2017

Why Do Comics Shops Struggle to Sell Manga?

After the discussion about how American comics are losing readers to anime and manga, the next discussion that bubbled up was about one of the main players in the comics business ecosystem in N. America: the comics shops.

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Jul 5, 2017

Dear American Comics: Here’s Why You’re Losing Readers to Anime and Manga

What is it about anime and manga from Japan that appeals to American fans? What does anime & manga offer that American comics and movies don’t give to them? See what an array of authors, comics creators, bloggers and fans had to say about why they love to read manga and watch anime.

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Sep 9, 2016

Video + Interview: Tsutomu Nihei at San Diego Comic-Con

Read an interview with Tsutomu Nihei, the manga creator of sci-fi epics including Knights of Sidonia, Biomega, and BLAME!. Joined by Hiroyuki Seshita from Polygon Pictures, Nihei talks about how his art and storytelling has evolved over the years. Also, see a video of Nihei doing a quick sketch of a scene from BLAME!

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 8, 2016

Food Manga Featured on NPR’s Hidden Kitchens

Food manga and comics about cooking are the focus of the latest episode of The Kitchen Sisters Hidden Kitchens podcast on NPR. Find out why food is hot in comics in Japan

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Jul 23, 2016

SDCC 2016: Best and Worst Manga of 2016

What were the best new and continuing manga series of the past year? See what an opinionated group of bloggers, librarians, retailers and comics insiders had to say about the best and the worst manga released over the past year.

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 17, 2015

Jojo’s Bizarre Manga Translation: “MudaMuda” or “NoUse”?

Translating Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is as challenging and unique as the manga. See what fans and manga translation pros had to say about some unusual series.

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 9, 2015

How to Interview Japanese Manga Artists: Tips for Western Journalists

See a list list of cross-cultural tips and how-to’s for interviewing manga artists and editors from Japan for Western journalists and bloggers.

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Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 5, 2015

Virtual Reality Manga + Kodansha Open House at J-Pop Summit 2015

A preview of the art, music, and Japanese pop-culture fun at J-Pop Summit 2015 in San Francisco.

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Most Recent Articles

New on Publishers Weekly: Japanese Manga, Anime Firms Debut Latest Anti-piracy Project

Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 8, 2014 in Featured, News | 0 comments

From Publishers Weekly: My overview of the latest anti-piracy initiative from Japan, Manga Anime Guardians. Publishing pros from North America and Japan speak out.

Manga, Anime Pros and Fans React to New Anti-Piracy Campaign from Japan

Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 5, 2014 in Featured, News | 0 comments

A consortium of Japanese manga publishers and anime companies recently announced Manga Anime Guardians, their new campaign to clamp down on online piracy. Here’s a round up of reactions on Twitter.

San Diego Comic-Con 2014: Katsuya Terada Draws The Monkey King

Posted by Deb Aoki on Aug 1, 2014 in Events, Featured | 0 comments

See a video of manga artist and illustrator Katsuya Terada drawing “The Monkey King” at San Diego Comic-Con 2014 at the Last Gasp booth.

San Diego Comic-Con 2014: New Manga Announcements from Udon

Posted by Deb Aoki on Jul 28, 2014 in Featured, News | 0 comments

At San Diego Comic-Con 2014, Udon Entertainment revealed several new manga titles and anime/game art books, including the Kill La Kill manga series.

San Diego Comic-Con 2014: Best & Worst Manga Picks!

Posted by Deb Aoki on Jul 28, 2014 in Featured, Manga Lists | 1 comment

A group of opinionated bloggers and retailers came together at San Diego Comic-Con 2014 to share their picks for the best and worst manga of 2014. See what they loved and loathed!

ALA 2014: 26 Picks from the Best & Worst Manga Panel

Posted by Deb Aoki on Jun 29, 2014 in Featured, Manga Lists | 0 comments

From ALA 2014: See what an opinionated group of librarians and bloggers chose for the best manga of 2014 (so far), plus their picks for the worst.

Eisner Awards 2014: 9 Picks for Your Consideration

Posted by Deb Aoki on Jun 11, 2014 in Featured, Manga Lists | 0 comments

While there weren’t a whole lot of manga nominated in this year’s Eisner Award, there were still several titles that are worthy of your votes. See my picks!

Digital Comics Site ComiXology Now Offering VIZ Media Manga Titles

Posted by Deb Aoki on Jun 11, 2014 in Featured, News | 0 comments

Digital comics platform ComiXology announced their new distribution deal with North American manga publisher VIZ Media, adding 500+ volumes of manga to their offerings.