Ahead of this weekend’s Anime NYC 2024 event at the Javits Center in New York, Mad Cave Studios – the independent comics publisher known for its imprints Papercutz, Maverick and Amazing Comics, as well as its licensed titles such as Dick Tracy, Gatchaman and Flash Gordon – has announced the creation of a new imprint dedicated to connecting comics audiences and creators from East and West.
Nakama Press will offer original manga, manhwa, manfra, and manhua alongside licensed titles, with the label offering work from both indie authors and established studios such as Tatsunoko Production (Speed Racer, Gatchaman), Rainbow Group, and others. Nakama (仲間) is the Japanese word for colleague or compatriot and happens to be a key word used in the English translations of the anime “One Piece”.
“Our mission at Nakama Press is to connect readers with stories that resonate universally and cross cultural boundaries,” said Mark Irwin, president of Mad Cave Studios, in a statement from 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 publishers, Nakama Press aims to appeal to all age groups and potential audiences, with diversity being one of the key words behind this endeavor.
“We have a fantastic team of writers and editors who bring diverse voices and perspectives to our projects,” Irwin continued. “Nakama Press honors this and offers readers a rich diversity of stories that entertain, inspire, and resonate with readers around the world.”
Fans attending Anime NYC 2024 and interested in learning more will have the opportunity to hear more details first-hand. At Saturday’s “Manga-Inspired Graphic Novels with Mad Cave” panel, taking place at 6 p.m. in Room 5, Kristen Simon, Editor-in-Chief of Nakama Press, and Allison Pond, Marketing Director of Mad Cave, will discuss the launch, details, and goals of the new line.
Anime NYC 2024 runs August 23-25 at the Javits Center. Popverse will be there the whole time, bringing you the best of the show live.
