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NEO Magazine Issue 107 out now

Date: 2013 January 24 16:23 | Posted By:

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of issue 107. It's out now from all good news agents.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Play.com to end first party retail sales

Date: 2013 January 10 16:58 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

We've just heard that popular on-line retailer Play.com will stop "first party retail sales" by the end of March 2013. They intend to focus on it's Marketplace business. Play.com were sold to the Rakuten Group in 2011 for £25m. With the price reflecting the close of the tax loophole that allowed them to sell their DVDs from the Channel Islands, without paying VAT.

This basically means they will not directly distribute goods, but instead act as a market place to allow third party companies to sell stuff.

Read More... | Souce: Play.com

Tentacular! An interview with Toshio Maeda

Date: 2012 December 09 12:17 | Posted By:

Category > Features

October 2012's London MCM expo was the most successful ever. It included a stall by influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl. We caught with the manga artist and were lucky enough to interview him at the Expo.

NSFW Content Warning. This article contains content that is not safe for work. This article contains an interview with the creator of a certain tentacle based genre of manga.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

GEN Manga Issue 16 out now

Date: 2012 November 27 13:04 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 16.

This issue continues the instalments of Psycho, Android Angels, Stones of Power, Anomal and Alive.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

Otaku News Podcast Episode 5

Date: 2012 November 10 14:14 | Posted By:

Category > Podcast

Episode 5 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! On this episode of the Otaku News podcast we discuss recent licenses and news, Colin talks forever about some of the new shows in the Autumn 2012 season, the feature topic is shows that defy your expectations, Azumanga Daioh gets the Hall of Fame treatment and we answer some questions.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 5

MP3 File:
57.7 MB
1 hour 3 minutes

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can also get the following episodes here -
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Workshop for Japanese Language Learners - London December 2012

Date: 2012 November 04 10:33 | Posted By:

Category > Events

London based fans of Bleach looking to improve their Japanese Language proficiency will want to head over to The Japan Foundation in London on Sunday 9th December 2012. The Japan Foundation will be running a special workshop where you can get to grips with Japanese using Bleach.

The workshop costs £7 to attend and includes a copy of the original Japanese language edition of the manga Bleach. Booking deadline is Tuesday 27th November 2012.

Recommended language level is upper beginner (around JLPT N4) or above.

Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation

Pirate Anime FAQ Updated - November 2012

Date: 2012 November 03 16:21 | Posted By:

Category > Websites

We've just updated The Pirate Anime FAQ with some more details. We've added details of bootleg bags, bootleg wallets / bill folds and finally included bootleg CD company Miya Records to the Audio CD section.

We've been running the Pirate Anime FAQ for over 12 years now, helping anime fans become aware of bootlegs. Many fans first discover that they've bought bootlegs by reading the FAQ.

As always we appreciate any feedback, so please feel free to get in touch.

We'd like to thank you for all your support over the last 12 years and look forward to the next 12 years! ^_^

Souce: Otaku News

Toshio Maeda at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2012 October 15 17:18 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of hentai at the London MCM Expo have a rare opportunity to meet one of the most influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl has his own stall at the hugely popular event. He'll be selling uncensored original artwork, including some London exclusives. We've been told by those who have seen this artwork that it is beautiful and photos / screen shots just don't do it justice. That and well, if you're going to buy hentai artwork, buy it from the most influential creators!

Visit the Tentacle Master shop at the expo to pick up your own signed and numbered limited edition digital lithographic print. Each AQ2 sized print is on sale exclusively at the London MCM Comic Con and limited to 200 prints.

Even if you don't buy anything, if you go along to his table and say that you are "Otaku News Fans", Tosho Maeda will give you a small free present!

The London MCM Expo runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 at ExCel.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hyper Japan 2012 Christmas Details

Date: 2012 October 07 16:48 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Christmas has come early for UK based fans of Japanese culture! Hyper Japan is set to return to Brompton Hall, Earl's Court in London for Hyper Japan Christmas 2012. The event is set to run from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November 2012.

They'll have all sorts of fun including traditional Japanese food, culture and music, along with the modern elements that make Japan cool.

Read More... | Souce: Hyper Japan

Manga Carta at St Albans

Date: 2012 October 04 17:14 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Artistic UK based readers in Hertfordshire who can get to St Albans will want to visit to the Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road on Friday 5th October 2012. There launching a new project to create a manga book inspired by the theme of the Magna Carta, called the Manga Carta.

The fun starts at 5pm and is set to run until 8pm. Entrance is free. All ages welcome, 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

GEN Manga Issue 15 out now plus New York Comic Con 2012 appearance details

Date: 2012 October 01 16:09 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks at GEN Manga have sent us details of their latest Issue GEN 15, plus special appearances by Nagumo the author behind Let's Eat Ramen at New York Comic Con 2012.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

Toshio Maeda at New York Comic Con

Date: 2012 September 27 15:48 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of hentai at New York Comic Con have a rare opportunity to meet one of the most influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl has his own stall at the hugely popular event. He'll be selling uncensored original artwork. We've been told by those who have seen this artwork that it is beautiful and photos / screen shots just don't do it justice. That and well, if you're going to buy hentai artwork, buy it from the most influential creators!

Even if you don't buy anything, if you go along to his table and say that you are "Otaku News Fans", Tosho Maeda will give you a small free present!

New York Comic Con runs from October 11th to 14th 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Otaku News Podcast Episode 4

Date: 2012 September 25 16:17 | Posted By:

Category > Podcast

Episode 4 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! The fourth podcast sees our otaku views on some recent news and Amecon 2012. Reviews of Planzet, Yurei Attack and Ninja Attack and the first third of Dragon Ball Z Season 2. Overman King Gainer also goes into the Hall Of Fame.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 4

MP3 File:
42.8 MB
46 minutes 45 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can get episode 1 here, episode 2 here and episode 3 here.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Sony Vita will also be a Portable Manga Reader

Date: 2012 September 19 10:40 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Sony have just announced at the Tokyo Games Show 2012, that over 3,000 manga titles are to become available on the Vita.

Readers will be able to zoom in and out using the touch screen, as well as turn pages with the shoulder buttons.

Souce: Kotaku

Anime and Manga event for Japanese Language Learners in London and Edinburgh

Date: 2012 September 12 17:49 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

Readers who are in London or Edinburgh and are keen to learn Japanese will be interested in the Japan Foundation's new initiative. They've just launched a new website using Anime and Manga in Japanese to help you get to grips with the language.

They'll be running special workshops on the subject -

"This workshop, hosted by Ms Nanae Kumano (Developer of the Japanese in Anime & Manga website and Language Education Specialist at Japan Foundation Madrid), will introduce learners to the Japanese in Anime & Manga website, and explore how the site can be used to enhance your own Japanese language studies and enjoyment of Japanese culture."

On Thursday 4th October 2012 from 4pm to 6pm at the University of Edinburgh.

Levels: Basic – Advanced (JLPT N5 – N1/Level 1); English explanations will be given. This event is supported by the University of Edinburgh and is free for all participants. The event is free, but you do have to register in advance in order to attend.

On Friday 5th October 2012 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Japan Foundation - Russell Square London.

Levels: Intermediate to Advanced (JLPT N3/Level 3 – N1/Level 1); The workshop will be in Japanese.

Fee: £3.00 (to paid on arrival on the day, cash only accepted)
Limited to 40 participants – First come, first served. Click here to register.

Souce: The Japan Foundation

GEN Manga Issue 14 out now

Date: 2012 August 21 16:02 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 14.

This issue continues the instalments of Psycho, Android Angels, One is Enough, Stones of Power, Anomal and Alive.

GEN will be giving away a short preview version of GEN 14 for free this month.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

NEO Magazine Issue 101 out now

Date: 2012 August 09 19:29 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of the latest issue - 101. It's out now from all good news agents. It includes a double cover with Blue Exorcist on one side and Graces f on the other (plus articles relating to said covers). That and a four page preview of the highly anticipated Level 5 and Studio Ghibli Game Ni no Kuni.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Otaku News Podcast Episode 3

Date: 2012 July 31 15:29 | Posted By:

Category > Podcast

Episode 3 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! This episode our podcasters cover the recent otaku influenced news stories, give a brief round up of some of the new summer 2012 anime, put Dragon Half and Megas XLR into the Hall Of Fame and answer some listener questions.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 3

MP3 File:
54.9 MB
50 minutes 52 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can get episode 1 here and episode 2 here.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Otaku News Podcast Episode 2

Date: 2012 July 20 16:48 | Posted By:

Category > Podcast

Episode 2 of the Otaku News Podcast is now live! Rebecca, Spike and Colin cast their eyes over some recent news, there are reviews of Steins;Gate, Haiyore Nyaruko-san and the Rampage/Wavering of Haruhi Suzumiya. Also Hare & Guu gets inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Please do download it and let us know what you think!

Download Otaku News Podcast Episode 2

MP3 File:
32.9 MB
35 minutes 57 seconds

[Direct Download] [Torrent]

Contact the Podcast crew at:
podcast@otakunews.com
or reach us via Twitter at @OtakuNewsCast
Disagree with us? Suggestions? Ideas? Contact us!

Note general site enquiries should go as usual to Joe at webmaster@otakunews.com

You can get episode 1 here.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

SFX Collection: The Ultimate Guide to Anime

Date: 2012 July 20 16:29 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The good folks from SFX Magazine have sent us the details of an anime special that hits the streets today (Friday 20th July 2012) in the UK. It's intended for everyone from seasoned otaku to those who haven't seen anime before.

It includes features on -
Dragon Ball Z
Toei
Nausicaa
Cosplay

Along with Tiger And Bunny, Welcome To The Space Show, Full Metal Alchemist, Blood-C, Berserk, Angel Beats, Ghost In The Shell and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

It comes with a double sized Full Metal Alchemist poster, a DVD with two episodes of Baka & Test, plus some Welcome To The Space Show Art cards.

Read More... | Souce: SFX Magazine

GEN Manga Issue 13 out now

Date: 2012 July 19 17:06 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 13.

They continue the titles Android Angels, One Is Enough, Stones Of Power, Anomal, and Alive, plus issue 13 introduces a new title - Psycho.

GEN will be giving away a short preview version of GEN 13 for free this month.

GEN have also just released Wolf as a single tankobon for $4.99 (USD).

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

NEO Magazine Issue 100 out now

Date: 2012 July 12 17:25 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

Following on from the Neo 100th Issue Party, we've been sent the details of the 100th Issue of Neo Magazine, the UK's longest anime and manga magazine. Issue 100 is out now from all good magazine retailers.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

NEO Magazine Issue 100 details plus free London Party on Saturday 7th July 2012

Date: 2012 June 27 17:11 | Posted By:

Category > Press Releases

Long ago on 25th November 2004 a new anime and manga magazine launched in the UK. Almost 8 years later, Neo Magazine is still going strong and has hit the 100 issue mark.

To celebrate it's 100th issue they'll be throwing a party in London on Saturday 7th July 2012. Everyone is invited to the free party, which starts at 8pm at the Bloomsbury Lanes. The party is for over 18's only, ID is required.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

VIZ Media to debut 13th volume of Evangelion manga same day/date as Japanese release

Date: 2012 June 08 12:10 | Posted By:

Category > Press Releases

US publisher VIZ Manga announces plans to simultaneously publish the 13th volume of the popular manga in English on November 2nd 2012.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga in the classroom

Date: 2012 May 22 16:53 | Posted By:

Category > Culture

TES - The Times Education Supplement, a popular magazine for teachers and those in education have an interesting article about getting pupils into art through manga. It was published in the 11th May 2012 edition.

A manga scheme of work has been drawn up by Jono Carney. A 12 lesson scheme of work introduces "the manga style", and helps pupils creating their own characters. The article then mentions that members of the TES forums can get access to cross-meduim project plans and teaching resources for anime and storyboarding too. So if you're in school, why not encourage your teacher to foster the otaku in you?

Souce: Times Education Supplement

GEN Manga Issue 11 out now

Date: 2012 May 15 16:03 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 11.

It features Six previously unpublished stories straight from the Tokyo underground. Android Angels, One is Enough, Stones of Power, Anomal, Alive and GB Geist. They've been running for a year now and are still going strong, which shows that there's a viable market in seinen manga, espically when it's not region locked or encumbered with DRM.

GEN will be giving away a short preview version of the GEN 11 for free this month. So any visitor to genmanga.com can download something for free, too.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

NEO Magazine Issue 98 details

Date: 2012 May 15 15:15 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The good folks at NEO have just sent us the details about their latest issue. NEO 98 is due out on Thursday 17th May 2012 from all good newsagents, Tesco and WH Smith. It features plenty of Dragon Ball Z, along with other articles on titles such as Ozma.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Brighton Japan Festival 2012

Date: 2012 May 04 17:18 | Posted By:

Category > Events

Fans of Japanese culture will want to head over to Brighton from Friday 22nd June until Sunday 1st July 2012 for the return of the Brighton Japan Festival.

There will be plenty to see and do, including not one, but two matsuri festivals, a film festival, Japanese music and performances, traditional children's games, cosplay and so much more.

Read More... | Souce: Brighton Japan Festival

NEO Magazine Issue 97 out now

Date: 2012 April 19 17:27 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The good folks from UK anime, manga and Asian pop culture publication NEO magazine have sent us the details of their latest issue. It's out now both on the high street and digital outlets.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

GEN Manga Issue 10 out now

Date: 2012 April 19 17:03 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have just release their latest Issue GEN 10.

It features Six previously unpublished stories straight from the Tokyo underground. Wolf, Kamen, Sorako, Alive and GB Geist.

The on-line manga publisher distribute their monthly collection of doujinshi using a subscription model. You get to download and keep the PDF file for each issue too.

Souce: GEN Manga

NEO Magazine Issue 96 out now

Date: 2012 March 24 17:31 | Posted By:

Category > Events

The good folks from UK anime, manga and Asian pop culture publication NEO magazine have sent us the details of their latest issue. It's out now both on the high street and digital outlets.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

GEN Manga releases Kamen Volume 1

Date: 2012 March 14 16:58 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

We've just been sent details from the good folk at GEN Manga about their latest release - Kamen Volume 1. The title will be available across the US through all good Diamond Comic Distributors and on Graphicly. You can also download the title from the GEN Manga Website.

Fans of comic books will be interested to hear that Marvel artist Harvey Tolibao did the cover for Kamen.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

JManga.com celebrates going global with a second sign-up promotion

Date: 2012 March 09 16:20 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good people from JManga.com have just gone international. To celebrate the on-line manga service have launched a sign up promotion for new members.

From the Thursday 8th March 2012 to Wednesday 14th March 2012 if you sign up for a paid subscription you'll receive 5 books worth of bonus points with a $25 monthly subscription and 2 books worth of points a $10 subscription.

Read More... | Souce: JManga.com

JManga.com Extends Access Worldwide

Date: 2012 March 01 16:32 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Readers outside the US who have been longing to legally get their hands on some digital manga will be extremely pleased to hear that JManga.com have extended their access world wide.

The site allows you to get manga using a points based system. If you sign up by Sunday 4th March 2012, you'll get double the amount of points as a welcome. The subscription costs either $10 or $25 a month. They also have a free subscription.

Read More... | Souce: JManga.com

NEO Magazine Issue 95

Date: 2012 February 22 15:14 | Posted By:

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from UK anime, manga and Asian pop culture publication NEO magazine have sent us the details of their latest issue. It's due to hit the shelves on Thursday 23rd February 2012 (available from WH Smith, Tesco and all good newsagents). It features their round up of the greatest anime movies of all time, with their own top 10 list, along with reader contributions.

Plus previews of anime, along with all the usual features and articles you'd expect. K-Pop fans will want to read the article on Korea's Japanese pop invasion with an analysis of the Oricon charts. We're interested in reading the report on the continuing aid efforts in Japan following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Japanese embassy in UK announces manga writing competition winners

Date: 2012 February 13 06:48 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The Embassy of Japan in London has chosen the winning entries in their annual manga writing competition.

Read More... | Souce: Embassy of Japan, London

France is the biggest manga market in Europe

Date: 2012 February 02 17:36 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Facts and figures for the the manga industry always make an interesting read. CNN's Geekout Blog has a good article about the European Manga Industry.

Did you know that France accounts for 50% of VIZ Media Europe's manga sales? The article also highlights that combined Europe and the Middle East generates more manga sales than America -

"'In Europe, manga is most popular in France, then Italy and Spain,' said Hyoe Narita, president of VIZ Media Europe, which is headquartered in Paris. Annual manga sales in Japan are about $5 billion, he said, whereas American manga sales are $120 million and Europe and the Middle East combined make $250 million. This combined number given out is probably because VIZ Media Europe distributes to the Middle East as well. Japan is still the huge maker, but these numbers show that manga is moving well outside of Asia."

"The popularity does vary by country, but France is by far the leader in European otaku interest, as it brings in 50% of European manga sales. Narita said it’s the same size or a bit bigger than the market in the United States."

Souce: CNN\'s Geekout Blog

GEN Manga Issue 8 out now

Date: 2012 January 14 15:41 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks from GEN Manga have sent us details of their latest Issue GEN 8.

It features a new story Let's Eat Ramen by Nagumo, the author of the seriesRadio de Go!

The on-line manga publisher distribute their monthly collection of doujinshi using a subscription model. You get to download and keep the PDF file for each issue too.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

Bandai US and UK shuts down DVD/BD/Manga production

Date: 2012 January 05 13:34 | Posted By:

Category > Retail

The US anime releasing division of Bandai has announced that from February they will cease publication of both new anime titles and manga titles. The company’s UK and French sister divisions have also released similar statements.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Japan: Kingdom of Characters UK Exhibition

Date: 2012 January 04 17:19 | Posted By:

Category > Events

UK anime and manga fans will want to make a trip over to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia. From Saturday 4th February 2012 until Sunday 24th June 2012, the venue will be hosting Japan: Kindom of Characters, a new manga exhibition that takes you inside the world of Japanese characters and asks you to consider what they represent.

It follows on from a tour of highly successful showings in cities such as Manila, Sydney and Madrid. Human-size 3D models of characters such as Ultraman and Pikachu welcome you into this colourful and substantial show. Over eighty graphics, photographs and films trace the history of cartoon characters by decade from the 1950’s to the 2000’s and provide insight into their fascinating backgrounds.

The event is organised in co-operation with the Japan Foundation. Admission is free. The event is daily and open from 10am to 9pm.

The Sainsbury Centre is the sole UK venue for this exhibition.

Read More... | Souce: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

GEN Manga Issue 7 out now

Date: 2011 December 20 13:56 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Fans of seinen manga will be pleased to hear that GEN Manga have just released GEN 7.

The on-line manga publisher distribute their monthly collection of doujinshi using a subscription model. You get to download and keep the PDF file for each issue too.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

GEN Manga on Graphicly.com

Date: 2011 November 16 06:45 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Independent Manga publisher GEN Manga have sent us news that they're now on Graphicly.com.

Graphicly.com distribute comics on Apple, Android, PCs and Macs, along with the Barnes & Noble Nook.

We caught up with GEN Manga in their New York offices earlier this year. One of the things they mentioned was their intention to expand from the main monthly volume. They've just done this releasing the first 6 volumes as a single anthology with over 900 pages of content in one file for $2.99.

They've also release the whole of the moe title VS Aliens as a complete standalone collection for $0.99.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

Sun Fish Moon Fish from Sweatdrop Studios

Date: 2011 November 12 14:04 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

UK-based independent publisher and comic collaborative Sweatdrop Studios have sent us details of their latest publication. Sun Fish Moon Fish by Morag Lewis. The 256 page volume is a self contained story and is available now from Sweatdrop Studios' online shop and Amazon.co.uk.

Read More... | Souce: Sweatdrop Studios

Breathe Deeply - a new graphic novel from One Peace Books

Date: 2011 October 26 16:11 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

We've received details of a new manga title just out. Breath Deeply is a controversial medical thriller with a dash of romance. It's written by the husband and wife team known as Doton Yamaaki. Published in English by One Peace Books the company suggest readers forget what they know about manga when approaching this title. It's out now from your favourite book sellers.

Buy from Amazon.com
Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Update: We've now have a reviewed Breathe Deeply.

Read More... | Souce: One Peace Books

GEN Manga Issue 6 out now

Date: 2011 October 12 02:00 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Fans of alternative manga will be pleased to hear that publisher GEN Manga Entertainment's latest release GEN 6 is out now priced $2.99 for the digital copy.

If you're heading to New York Comic Con you can visit the GEN Manga at booth 2030.

We interviewed GEN Manga recently and asked them about their take on the manga publishing industry.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

An Interview with GEN Manga

Date: 2011 September 25 14:04 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

eBooks and eBook readers have taken off, with Amazon's Kindle, the Nook and iPad all popular must have gadgets for reading. Currently there's a lot of attention on digital manga. Several companies have sprouted up offering legitimate manga to download and read. The two big boys are JManga and VizManga. They have been criticised for many reasons, including DRM, complex pricing models and region locking. JManga is run by a consortium of 39 manga publishers, so you can easily say they're the biggest digital manga distributor out there. A lot of people are complaining about these manga companies getting it wrong, but has anyone got it right?

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

GEN Manga Issue 5 out now

Date: 2011 September 18 16:01 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Fans of alternative manga will be pleased to hear about publisher GEN Manga Entertainment's latest release. GEN 5 is out now, priced $2.99, and available to download on PDF. Issue 3 is now free to download.

Read More... | Souce: GEN Manga

Interview with manga translator William Flanagan

Date: 2011 August 25 10:05 | Posted By:

Category > Features

Otaku News is happy to present our interview with manga translator William Flanagan in conjunction with the Fumi Yoshinaga month at the Moveable Manga Feast.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

American Comic Companies battle for readers

Date: 2011 August 22 04:47 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

BBC News are running an interesting story about Marvel and DC's current strategy of expansion into Asia.

"With sales in decline at home, US comic-book giants Marvel and its old rival DC Comics have been looking towards foreign markets to grow their businesses."

CB Cebulski at Marvel declares that "Sales are down and we've been losing market share to things like video games, social media, to film, to piracy."

The article highlights the difficulties DC and Marvel will have with manga and it's culture strong established in the Asian market. It also mentions that sales of manga are falling in Japan as well. The Japanese government are trying to fix this.
"The Japanese government has recently announced a new plan to aggressively further promote its pop culture and content, including manga, to international markets"

We've already seen this at events like the JETRO talk at Hyper Japan.

The article concludes with Marvel's current strategy of hiring local talent in Asia to draw comics and that they are given more creative control. It ends with an table of percentages of market share of Japanese manga versus American comics in Asia.

Souce: BBC News

New Manga Portal Website JManga.com has Launched in North America

Date: 2011 August 19 04:33 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

Announced at the recent Comic-Con International San Diego, the Digital Comic Association's Japanese manga portal website JManga.com has been launched in North America.

JManga.com provides online manga for sale by chapter and volume, made purchasable using a monthly point subscription system, free previews available to be read by all, as well as information regarding manga currently published in North America. JManga.com also offers special feature content regarding manga culture, such as manga artist interviews, hoping to close the gap between the manga fans, authors and publishers.

JManga.com launches with a couple hundred titles including such diverse titles as; NARUTO, Kekkaishi, Crayon Shinchan, Devil King, Cigarette Kisses, Dragon Girl, Tujiurauri, Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru, Young-kun, ADEKAN, Manga Science, and many more new to the North American market.

JManga plans to update their catalogue every Tuesday, increasing to a few thousand titles within the next year and onto 10,000 by 2013.

Read More... | Souce: Jmanga.com

Digital Manga version of Neon Genesis Evangelion launches on VizManga.com

Date: 2011 August 16 17:03 | Posted By:

Category > Manga

The good folks at Viz Media have sent us details of their latest title to appear on VIZManga. They've just launched Neon Genesis Evangelion with weekly digital chapters for $0.99. It's available on PC and Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android phones and tablets.

Read More... | Souce: VizManga.com

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