Square Enix Is Bringing Manga to Your Local Comic Book Store!

In addition to well-known manga series such as “The Apothecary Diaries,” “My Happy Marriage,” “Soul Eater,” and “My Dress Up Darling” (to name just a few), Square Enix is rapidly expanding its presence in the Western market, attracting a dedicated fanbase. As the popularity of manga spreads globally, so does the desire for these particular manga titles. Fortunately, Square Enix’s recent collaboration with a prominent mainstream publisher could lead to these cherished stories being showcased in comic bookstores all over North America, making Japanese manga and web novels more accessible and purchasable than ever before.

According to a recent announcement by Anime News Network, Square Enix Manga has joined forces with Penguin Random House and introduced a new program called Comic Partner. This initiative is designed to boost and market Japanese manga sales throughout North America. Starting from retailers associated with Penguin Random House’s Direct Partnership Program, these stores will be recognized as Square Enix Comic Partner outlets and will benefit from assistance such as promotional materials in-store, early access to select new Square Enix releases, and training for managers and sales staff about manga to fill knowledge gaps regarding the medium. The Comic Partner program is set to begin in April 2025, so fans might soon discover more comic book stores offering their preferred manga.

Square Enix Takes A Major Step Forward in Making Manga More Accessible

According to a recent press announcement, the U.S. manga market currently stands at approximately $1.28 billion, an amount projected to rise significantly in the future, potentially reaching as high as $3.73 billion by 2030. With manga gaining more and more fans, the press release notes that traditional bookstores are finding it tough to keep pace with this rapidly expanding and diverse medium. This is where Square Enix’s new Comic Partner project comes into play, aiming to provide a solution.

As an observer, I’ve noticed that, following the collaboration with Penguin Random House, Morgan Perry, Marketing Manager at Square Enix, has shared his vision. He intends to facilitate the process for our comic shop partners, enabling them to tap into the potential of manga sales more effectively. Moreover, he emphasizes their dedication to assisting retailers who wish to expand their offerings to include more manga and foster vibrant manga communities within their stores through this partnership.

For fans of Square Enix, it’s possible that purchasing their preferred titles may become even more convenient as additional retailers join the market, backed by Square Enix and Penguin Random House. The collaboration with Comic Partner also means that manga enthusiasts and collectors can anticipate improved assistance when shopping at local bookstores, making offline shopping an enjoyable experience. In summary, Square Enix’s partnership with Penguin Random House could potentially mark a significant leap in ensuring the continued success of Japanese manga within the mainstream market.

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2025-03-21 21:40