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Comics' fastest growing publisher is entering into manga with Mad Cave Studios' Nakama Press

The new manga imprint is rooted in comics that are "transcending cultural boundaries," according to the publisher

Published on Tue Aug 20 2024

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Ahead of this weekend’s Anime NYC 2024 event at the Javits Center in New York, Mad Cave Studios — the independent comic publisher known for its Papercutz, Maverick, and Amazing Comics imprints, as well as its licensed titles including Dick Tracy, Gatchaman, and Flash Gordon — has announced the creation of a new imprint dedicated to linking comic audiences and creators from the East and West.

Nakama Press will feature original manga, manhwa, manfra, and manhua, in addition to licensed titles, with the imprint featuring work by indie creators as well as established studios including Tatsunoko Production (Speed Racer, Gatchaman), Rainbow Group, and more. Nakama (仲間) is Japanese for a colleague or compatriot, and coincidentally is a key word used in the English translations of the One Piece anime.

“Our mission with Nakama Press is to connect readers with stories that resonate universally, transcending cultural boundaries," said Mark Irwin, president of Mad Cave Studios, in a statement provided by the publisher. “We believe in the power of storytelling to bring people together, and Nakama Press is our way of celebrating that through the incredible world of manga and graphic novels."

Unlike other Mad Cave imprints, Nakama Press is intended to appeal to all age groups and potential audiences, with diversity being one of the keywords behind the venture.

"We have an amazing team of creators and editors who bring different voices and perspectives to our projects,” Irwin continued. “Nakama Press celebrates that and offers readers a rich tapestry of stories that entertain, inspire, and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide."

Fans attending Anime NYC 2024 wanting to know more will have the chance to find out more details firsthand; Saturday’s 'Manga-Inspired Graphic Novels with Mad Cave' panel — which takes place at 6pm in Room 5 — will feature Nakama Press senior editor Kristen Simon and Mad Cave director of marketing Allison Pond discuss the launch, details, and aims of the new line.

Anime NYC 2024 runs August 23 through 25 at the Javits Center. Popverse will be there for the whole thing, bringing you the best of the show as it happens.

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Graeme McMillan: Popverse Editor Graeme McMillan (he/him) has been writing about comics, culture, and comics culture on the internet for close to two decades at this point, which is terrifying to admit. He completely understands if you have problems understanding his accent.