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The comics industry experienced another remarkable year, marked by a notable increase in investments from traditional book publishers. Various publishers, regardless of size, intensified their focus on manga and webcomics, transitioning these formats into print. Here’s a look at ten of the most significant and widely-read articles in the comics and graphic novel sector over the past year, showcasing pivotal news and insightful explorations into the industry’s dynamics.
15. EC Comics Returns from the Crypt at Oni Press
Esteemed genre publisher EC Comics made a comeback this summer, launching two new series through a collaborative publishing venture with the family of the late William M. Gaines.
14. Comic Shops Consider the Direct Market’s Future
The direct market distribution model is a longtime cornerstone of comic culture, yet its future remains uncertain. Local comic shops continue to thrive by offering fans a unique community space that traditional bookstores often lack, referred to as a “third place.”
13. How Does a Graphic Novel Become an Audiobook?
Converting visual storytelling into audio format can be challenging but essential for some audiences. The creative team behind the audiobook adaptation of Darrin Bell’s acclaimed 2023 graphic novel The Talk shares insights into this intricate process.
12. IDW Downsizes Again, Dismisses Copublisher, Others
This year, IDW Entertainment saw further reductions, including the departure of copublisher Mark Doyle and Top Shelf marketing manager Holly Atchison among four employees. This marks another chapter in a period of considerable change and challenges faced by the publisher.
11. HarperAlley Expands Into Adult Graphic Novels, Manga, and Manhwa
Originally launched in 2020 with a focus on children’s graphic novels, HarperCollins’ graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley, announced plans to broaden its offerings to include adult graphic novels, along with manga and manhwa.
10. The Archie Comics of the Future
With the success of various streaming adaptations rejuvenating the beloved brand—including last year’s Hindi-language musical comedy film The Archies—the prospects for the future of Archie Comics appear brighter than ever.
9. Comics Go Retro
Nostalgia played a significant role this year, as graphic novel publishers tapped into classic media properties, bringing both old favorites and new interpretations to the forefront.
8. 2023 Was Tough on Comics Shops
According to a ComicsPRO survey, 69% of comic retailers reported a decline in sales compared to 2022, with new comic periodical sales dropping in 73% of shops and graphic novel sales declining by 65%.
7. New Sci-Fi/Fantasy Publisher, Gungnir, Hopes to Hit Its Target
Founded by industry veterans Jim Krueger and Steve Orlando, Gungnir aims to bring a diverse array of graphic novels, prose novels, and art books in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, drawing inspiration from its namesake—the spear of Norse god Odin, known for its precision.
6. Webtoon Entertainment Goes Public
In June, Webtoon Entertainment made headlines by going public at a share price of $21.00, reaching the upper limit of its anticipated price range, though subsequent months saw a significant drop in its stock value.
5. Manga Goes Mainstream
The popularity of manga has surged in North America, prompting publishers to explore comics from a broader spectrum of Asian origins, while Japanese publishers are increasingly targeting marketing efforts toward Western audiences.
4. Abrams to Launch Manga Imprint, Kana
Abrams ComicArts is set to introduce Kana, a new imprint dedicated to translating manga into English for the U.S. market, with a focus on adult readers. The imprint will debut this fall with titles like ‘Leviathan’ by Shiro Kuroi and ‘Manhole’ by Tetsuya Tsutsui.
3. 23rd Street Books, Sister Imprint to First Second, Launches at Macmillan
Macmillan announced the launch of 23rd Street Books, the adult-focused counterpart to its well-known First Second Books imprint, with promising graphic novels lined up from renowned creators such as Gene Luen Yang, Damon Wayans Jr., and Saul Williams.
2. New Dog Man Book and Film Announced
Scholastic’s release of Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, the 13th installment in Dav Pilkey’s bestselling series, is set for December 3. Additionally, an animated film adaptation from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is slated for cinematic release in January 2025.
1. Random House Has Bought Boom! Studios
The Random House Publishing Group made headlines with its acquisition of Boom! Studios, bringing the iconic comic book and graphic novel publisher under the umbrella of its Random House Worlds imprint.
This article has been updated with further information.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com