Month: October 2023

Get Attack on Titan Vol. 1 Free During the End of Titan Sale

Posted on | Sales

Celebrate the Attack on Titan anime finale with a free copy of the first volume!

The Attack on Titan anime finale arrives on Crunchyroll November 4th! To celebrate, Kodansha is giving away volume 1 of the original earth-shattering Attack on Titan manga and also discounting additional volumes up to 50% off. Not only that but spinoff Attack on Titan titles from fan-favorite light novels to prequels & side stories are also available at a discount as part of the End of Titan digital manga sale!

Looking to fill the Colossal Titan-shaped hole left by the end of Attack on Titan? No problem! Save up to 50% off series like:

All of this and more!

Sale Ends Monday, November 13th, 2023!

For a limited time get a free volume 1 of New York Times-bestselling series, Attack on Titan, and also save up to 50% off other Attack on Titan titles during the End of Titan digital manga sale.

Great discounts on Attack on Titan manga can be found on kodansha.localhost/ for Kodansha Readers, or you can also find these series on sale at participating digital manga vendors like:

Curious to learn more about the massive Attack on Titan universe? Take a look below for details on four recommended series!

 

Attack on Titan Anthology
By Gail Simone, Hajime Isayama, Tomer Hanuka, Faith Erin Hicks and Scott Snyder

The manga megahit Attack on Titan, reinterpreted by some of comics’ top talent! Featuring original stories by a long roster of comic superstars such as Scott Snyder, Gail Simone, Faith Erin Hicks, Michael Avon Oeming, Paolo Rivera, Cameron Stewart, and Babs Tarr! 

Rated: 16+

Read the FREE preview

 

Spoof on Titan
By Hounori and Hajime Isayama

With all the danger and hard work that comes with being a soldier in the Survey Corps, it’s only natural that Eren Yeager and his comrades would want some relaxation. But with all the hijinks his comrades stir up, even time off can stress a soldier out! Flunking tests, pulling all-nighters, and summoning magic genies?! Join the fun as smaller, cuter versions of Eren, Levi, Mikasa, and the rest of the Survey Corps get together for all sorts of misadventures in this four-panel comic strip spinoff of the hit manga Attack on Titan!

Rated: 16+

Read the & FREE preview

 

Attack on Titan: No Regrets
By Gun Snark, Hikaru Suruga and Hajime Isayama

The young Erwin Smith is a rising star in the Survey Corps, humanity’s only hope of defeating the man-eating monsters known as Titans. Ruthless and dispassionate, Erwin’s mind is devoted to strategies and intrigue. But beneath Erwin’s feet is another world, the Underground, where humans are born and die surrounded by the garbage the Capital throws away. Here, the criminal Levi survives on his wits and agility. But when these two ambitious men cross paths, who will prove himself stronger? The long-awaited origin story of Levi and Erwin, two of Attack on Titan’s most beloved characters!

Rated: 16+

Read the FREE preview

 

Attack on Titan: Lost Girls
By Hiroshi Seko, Hajime Isayama and Ryosuke Fuji

That day, Annie Leonhart woke up in the barracks. It was the morning of her day off. The feeling of freedom doesn’t last long, for tomorrow holds her biggest mission yet: During the 57th Expedition Outside the Walls, seize Eren Yaeger.

Rated: 16+

Read the FREE preview

 

 

See below for the full list of Attack on Titan series now on sale until 11/27.

Discover Kodansha at MCM London Comic Con!

Posted on | Events

Discover Kodansha at MCM London Comic Con!

We are back across the pond with some fun things lined up for MCM London Comic Con happening October 27-29!

We are partnering up with our friends at Diamond UK (booth #840) and Turnaround Comics (booth #N1000) for some discounts on your favorite books and special promotions.

 

Pre-street copies

Get some amazing debuts at MCM London even before they hit stores! A limited number of copies of Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen volume 1 (at Diamond UK booth#840) and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun volume 4 (at Turnaround booth #N1000) will be available ahead of their official debut exclusively at this event.

 

Gift with Purchase

Purchase any manga at Turnaround Comics book during MCM and receive a Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun button* (one randomly chosen). Collect all 3!
*While supplies last

 

Kodansha US reader portal account sign-up promo

Sign-up for a Kodansha Reader Portal account at MCM London and receive a Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun con-exclusive lanyard*!
*Limited quantities given each day of the event.

 

 

Panel

Kodansha USA x Yen Press Manga Recommendations
When: Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 12:00PM UKT
Where: Artist Alley Stage
What: Curious about manga? Want to know what series to pick up next? Join manga experts Tomo Tran (Kodansha USA) & Mark De Vera (Yen Press) as they give dueling recommendations for budding and veteran manga fans alike. There’ll be something for everyone, including special announcements, Q+A, and even some giveaways!
Details: MCM London Comic Con Website

Survey says manga hit in libraries!

Posted on | General

Manga Tops Annual Graphic-Novels-in-Libraries Survey

The manga boom is centered on libraries, with high popularity and circulation.

 

Industry periodicals Library Journal and School Library Journal have released their annual Graphic Novels In Libraries Survey, and the results show that manga tops the charts in popularity with teen library readers. The survey, sponsored by Kodansha USA Publishing, covers the wide range of graphic novels finding a home in both school and public libraries across the United States, for every age and demographic.

According to the survey, more than 90% of public libraries and high school libraries are stocking manga currently, and across all demographics 64% of library workers responding identify manga as the most popular graphic novel category for teen readers, higher than any other category. That number jumps to more than 80% when looking at the popularity of manga in urban and suburban libraries, versus small towns and rural locations.

“We’ve seen tremendous uptake in our titles for schools and public libraries, and those numbers are growing all the time,” says Alvin Lu, Kodansha USA Publishing President & CEO. “Titles like soccer manga Blue Lock, viking history manga Vinland Saga, or the classic girls’ hero title Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon are loved by readers of all ages, and we’re proud to make those titles available in various formats for our library partners.”

The survey points to good news for the entire graphic novel publishing industry, with 97% of respondents stating that they had some comics and graphic novels in their collections, and different libraries and age categories finding different types of titles more popular for their audiences. More than 90% of survey respondents said that the popularity of all graphic novels had increased over the last few years in their libraries, with 57% saying that it had been a significant increase in popularity.

Perhaps the most interesting data though, is centered on reading fluency. Ninety percent of public librarians and 83 percent of school librarians recommend graphic novels to users in their library who are “striving readers”, and to promote overall reading fluency. Graphic novels and manga remain strong choices not just for existing fans of the media, but also for those who might otherwise be disinterested in reading or having a hard time doing so.

The complete SLJ 2023 Graphic Novels Survey Report is now available here. 

Visit survey sponsor Kodansha at kodansha.localhost/ and sign up for their school and library newsletter at kodansha.localhost/libraries.

Kodansha New Print & Digital Licenses Revealed at NYCC

Posted on | New Release

Kodansha Unveils New Print & Digital Manga Licenses at New York Comic Con

Kodansha announced today at New York Comic Con an array of new manga licenses debuting as soon as November for new digital series and in print for spring and fall of 2024!

Coming to print in 2024: This spring sees the print debut of the hitman action/comedy The Fable – which will also be getting an anime next year. Additionally, Blue Lock fans can rejoice over the news that the different POV spinoff, BLUE LOCK -EPISODE NAGI-, makes its debut fall 2024. Also coming in fall is the comically violent wheelchair hero battle manga Tank Chair. 

Debuting digitally in November: For fans craving new manga series immediately, next month brings two digital series debuts including the pregnancy thought experiment, He’s Expecting, and the risqué fantasy love story, How to Treat a Lady Knight Right.

Print titles announced will be available spring fall 2024 at physical and online book vendors like Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and more, while November’s digital manga series debuts will be available upon release across all our participating digital vendors, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, MyAnimeList, and more! Fans can also purchase and read all our digital manga on the new kodansha.localhost/.

Take a look below at the full roster of debuts coming soon in print and digital from Kodansha.

 

SPRING 2024 NEW PRINT LICENSES:

 

The Fable
By Katsuhisa Minami

When you’re the infamous “genius killer” hitman The Fable, many things come easy. Being a normal person, however, isn’t one of them. In fact, being told that he can’t kill anyone for a while may just be the hardest job he’s ever taken…

Rated: Mature 18+

Read Chapter 1 Now

 

FALL 2024 NEW PRINT LICENSES:

 

BLUE LOCK -EPISODE NAGI-
Story by Muneyuki Kaneshiro
Manga by Kota Sannomiya
Character Design by Yusuke Nomura

Seishiro Nagi, a second-year high schooler, thought everything was a pain and lived his life in an apathetic fog. That is, until he met Reo Mikage and they entered the mysterious striker training center, Blue Lock… A new spin-off from Blue Lock‘s author, Muneyuki Kaneshiro, telling the story from Nagi’s point of view!

Rated: Older Teen 16+

 

Tank Chair
By Manabu Yashiro

Shizuka takes on the most dangerous of assassin jobs, but she’s not the one doing the killing. Rather, it’s her brother, Nagi, a strong assassin who took a bullet to protect his sister, leaving him in a comatose state and having to use a wheelchair. However, Shizuka has figured out the key to waking her brother up: he must be faced with killing intent! Thus begins a violent journey of recovery, battling the most dangerous foes!

Rated: Older Teen 16+

 

NOVEMBER 2023 NEW DIGITAL LICENSES:

 

He’s Expecting
By Eri Sakai

Release Date: November 7, 2023

When career-minded Kentaro Hiyama finds out that he’s pregnant, it will change the course of more than just his own life. In the Japan of Eri Sakai’s thought experiment, ten years have passed since the male sex has spontaneously gained the ability to get pregnant, and society has struggled to adjust. Kentaro isn’t sure at first who the mother might be, and quickly finds himself butting up against regressive attitudes and discriminatory policies—most of which long precede male pregnancy. In his previous life, he’d never given any of it a second thought—he may have even held the same views. But through his encounters with other pregnant people, and galvanized by his new perspective, Kentaro turns his skills in business and marketing to effecting social change.

Rated: 16+

Read Chapter 1 Now

 

 

How to Treat a Lady Knight Right
By Kengo Matsumoto

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Leo Cornelia has dedicated her entire life to the battlefield. There is no demon she can’t slay, no challenge she can’t handle—at least, not until that confounding halfwit mage Foolie Dent confesses his love to her. Nothing feels farther from her than long-discarded notions of femininity and romance, but this annoying but dependable new friend might just be the key to opening the heart she closed long ago.

Rated: 16+

Read Chapter 1 Now

 

 

Join the Attack on Titan After Party with a Special Discount

Posted on | Events

Join the Official Anime Finale After Party Celebration

In celebration of the hotly anticipated Attack on Titan finale, Kodansha announced its first fan participation wrap party inviting folks from around the world to celebrate in an online-only Attack on Titan Worldwide After Party happening November 5-8 (JST)!

This special, 4-day ticketed event invites fans to board the after-party cruise ship for tons of events and entertainment like exclusive conversations with the Japanese voice cast members, experiencing the premiere of an all-new voice drama, reliving powerful, fan-favorite moments from the entire series in the Character Cabins, and more!

And now, as a perk of being a Kodansha Reader, you can get a special discount for the Attack on Titan Worldwide After Party for FREE. All you need to do is visit this link, log in to your account, claim discount code, and your unique code will appear. Then use your discount code on the Attack on Titan Worldwide After Party website when purchasing your ticket. It’s THAT easy!

For more information on the Attack on Titan Worldwide After Party, visit their home page or take a look at the Worldwide After Party trailer!

Kodansha @ New York Comic Con 2023

Posted on | New Release

Find Kodansha at All These Exciting Panels & Presentations

We’re thrilled to announce that Kodansha will return to the pop-culture extravaganza that is New York Comic Con – happening October 12-15, 2023 at the Javits Center in NYC, NY.

We’ll be participating in a number of amazing panel discussions that range from new Kodansha print & digital license reveals, to recommendations, and even tips and tricks for breaking into the manga industry! Whether you’re a comic book fan or a manga aficionado you’ll want to check out the activities and announcements Kodansha has in store at NYCC.

See below for the full list of the panels Kodansha will be at during NYCC 2023:

 

Exploring Manga: Publisher Picks for Must Read Titles
When: Friday, October 13, 2023 at 10:15 AM ET
Where: The Javits Center – Professional Programming: River Pavilion
What: This panel features some of the most prominent manga publishers in the industry: Viz Media, Yen Press, and Kodansha! Whether you are an avid manga enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore this rich storytelling medium, join us as these publishers reveal their latest and greatest manga releases, along with their must-read titles that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. This is an exclusive opportunity to hear from the industry leaders themselves, discover hidden gems, and explore the diverse world of manga.
Details:  NYCC website

 

Attack on Titan 10 Year Celebration and Dub Panel (Presented by Crunchyroll)
When: Friday, October 13, 2023 at 1:30 PM ET
Where: The Javits Center – Empire Stage
What: We’re celebrating 10 years of the Attack on Titan anime! Join Crunchyroll and the Attack on Titan main dub cast for a special program, including Q&A and activities, as we look back at the long journey of AOT.
Details:  NYCC website

 

Embarking on a Manga Publishing Journey with Kodansha
When: Friday, October 13, 2023 at 2:30 PM ET
Where: The Javits Center – Professional Programming: River Pavilion
What: Ever dreamt of becoming a part of the dynamic and captivating world of publishing? Join manga experts from Kodansha and Penguin Random House for an insightful discussion on ways to venture into the realm of manga publishing! Our panelists, composed of experienced professionals from the editorial and marketing teams, will share their personal journeys and offer valuable insights on building a portfolio, editorial and publishing roles, and so much more!
Details:  NYCC website

 

Kodansha’s Manga Reveals & Recommendations
When: Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET
Where: The Javits Center – 1C-03
What: Kodansha, purveyor of some of the most exciting manga published today like, Vinland Saga, Blue Lock, MF Ghost, Attack on Titan & more, invites new and existing manga fans to a special first-look at upcoming debuts & more! Join manga experts Tomo Tran (Kodansha USA), Ivan Salazar (Kodansha USA) & Ben Applegate (Penguin Random House) for a revealing panel of exciting new manga, personalized recommendations for what to read next, and even get some giveaways. Curious about manga? Then this is the panel for you!
Details:  NYCC website

 

Manga Publishing in N. America: Past, Present & Future Trends
When: Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 11:45 AM ET
Where: The Javits Center – Professional Programming: River Pavilion
What: With over 20+ years of experience in the manga publishing and bookselling biz, Kurt Hassler,(Kadokawa World Entertainment CEO and President, Publisher of Yen Press, and former buyer at Borders Books & Music) and Alvin Lu (Kodansha USA CEO and former VIZ Media publisher) have seen a lot as manga has gone from comic shop niche category to blockbuster graphic novel category, with a few booms and busts along the way. Join us for a frank, in-depth discussion about where manga publishing has been, where it’s at now, and where it’s going next. Moderated by Deb Aoki (Publishers Weekly and Mangasplaining).
Details:  NYCC website

 

Come join us for wide-ranging conversations, special reveals, and more! Plus, stay tuned for additional news and announcements coming out of New York Comic Con