Manga has become a global phenomenon, and behind every great manga series is a publishing powerhouse that brought it to life. Whether you're a seasoned otaku or a new fan of Japanese comics, knowing where your favorite stories come from can enrich your appreciation of the medium. Here’s a list of 10 great manga publishing companies that have helped shape the industry—both in Japan and worldwide.
1. Saturday AM
Founded: 2013
Location: United States
Saturday AM is a fresh and innovative manga publisher known for its commitment to diversity. It features creators from all over the world, offering a wide range of global manga or “fusion manga.” Titles like Apple Black and Clock Striker showcase underrepresented voices while delivering high-quality art and storytelling. It's a great home for creators pushing manga into new territory.
2. VIZ Media
Founded: 1986
Location: United States
VIZ Media is one of the biggest names in manga publishing outside Japan. Known for bringing iconic titles like Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia to English-speaking audiences, VIZ has been pivotal in popularizing manga globally. As a subsidiary of Shueisha and Shogakukan, it has direct access to Japan’s most legendary titles.
3. Shogakukan
Founded: 1922
Location: Japan
One of Japan’s oldest publishing giants, Shogakukan is behind some of the most popular manga magazines including Weekly Shōnen Sunday and CoroCoro Comic. It has published major titles like Detective Conan (Case Closed), Inuyasha, and Pokemon Adventures, making it a staple in the manga world.
4. Seven Seas Entertainment
Founded: 2004
Location: United States
Seven Seas Entertainment is a U.S.-based publisher known for its eclectic catalog that includes everything from slice-of-life and romance to horror and LGBTQ+ stories. Series like Monster Musume, The Ancient Magus' Bride, and Orange showcase its range and commitment to niche and mainstream audiences alike.
5. Yen Press
Founded: 2006
Location: United States
A joint venture between Hachette Book Group and Kadokawa, Yen Press has become a key player in the North American manga market. It's known for publishing hit series like Sword Art Online, Black Butler, and Kakegurui. Yen Press also releases manhwa and light novels, expanding beyond traditional manga.
6. Dark Horse Comics
Founded: 1986
Location: United States
Dark Horse is best known for publishing Western comics, but it's also a strong force in manga, bringing dark and mature stories to English readers. Its manga catalog includes classics like Berserk, Hellsing, and Blade of the Immortal. It caters to adult readers looking for intense, visually stunning narratives.
7. Tokyopop
Founded: 1997
Location: United States
Tokyopop was a trailblazer in the early 2000s manga boom in North America, introducing many to manga for the first time. Though it went dormant for a while, the company has returned with a renewed focus on both Japanese titles and original English-language manga (OEL). It helped popularize the “manga-style” format outside Japan.
8. Square Enix
Founded: 1991 (as a merger of Square and Enix)
Location: Japan
Famous for its video games, Square Enix also has a strong manga division that publishes Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater, and Hi Score Girl. It’s the publisher of Monthly Shōnen Gangan, a home to many iconic fantasy and adventure titles often adapted into anime and games.
9. Kodansha
Founded: 1909
Location: Japan
Kodansha is Japan’s largest publishing company and a titan of the manga industry. With magazines like Weekly Shōnen Magazine and Nakayoshi, it has released classics like Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, Akira, and Sailor Moon. Kodansha USA continues to bring these stories to the global stage with high-quality translations.
10. Shueisha
Founded: 1925
Location: Japan
Arguably the most powerful manga publisher, Shueisha is the creator of Weekly Shōnen Jump, home to mega-franchises like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Bleach, and Jujutsu Kaisen. Through its ties with VIZ Media, it dominates both the Japanese and global markets. It continues to define what shōnen manga is all about.
Final Thoughts
From publishing titans in Japan to emerging indie platforms in the U.S., these companies represent the best of the manga world. Whether you're diving into a fantasy epic or a slice-of-life romance, these publishers have made those stories possible—each contributing to manga's worldwide appeal and cultural impact.
Comments
Post a Comment