Acclaimed MonsTABOO artist TALI has launched a brand new manga series, Moon Cider, on KOMODO’s innovative digital manga platform, NIUHI. This marks a significant moment for both the artist and the platform, signaling NIUHI’s commitment to original content and TALI’s expansion into international markets. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting release.
NIUHI: A Next-Gen Manga Platform
NIUHI, developed by KOMODO, is a digital community designed to revolutionize how manga and comics are discovered, purchased, sold, and translated. Targeted for a full release in the first half of 2025, NIUHI aims to elevate manga and comics to new heights by offering a comprehensive suite of features for both creators and fans.
Key Features of NIUHI
- Extensive Library: NIUHI boasts an expanding collection of manga and comics, including NIUHI Originals, providing a diverse range of content for readers.
- Interactive Translation Tools: The platform offers instant translation functionality, allowing readers to practice new languages by tapping on speech bubbles. This feature is designed to support both independent and commercial human-generated translations, with compatibility for AI translation tools.
- Creator Support: NIUHI provides creators with global distribution, majority revenue shares, free translations, marketing communication tools, and analytics.
- Community Engagement: The platform fosters connections between creators and fans, enhancing the overall manga experience.
Moon Cider: TALI’s Sci-Fi Action Series
Moon Cider is TALI’s first original work available in languages beyond Japanese. The series is a sci-fi action story produced by KOMODO’s Sakura Shimizu, known for her work on Tokyo Mew Mew New and the TV drama Smells Like Green Spirit.
Story Synopsis
In Moon Cider, humanity has expanded its peaceful way of life from Earth to the Moon. However, this tranquility is shattered by the appearance of a colossal creature, referred to as “it,” which begins preying on humans. Amidst this chaos, a mysterious warrior descends from the stars, known only as Moon Cider. This enigmatic figure stands as the last bastion of hope against annihilation, challenging readers to question the very nature of justice.
About TALI
TALI is a manga artist duo from Kagawa, Japan, consisting of Takafumi (writer) and Ginko (artist). They debuted in Gangan in 2009 and won the Square Enix Manga Award. In 2012, they made their serialization debut with 6 no Trigger in Shogakukan’s Gessan and have been active as serialized manga artists since then.
TALI’s notable works include:
- Do Humans at the End of the World Need Civilization?
- Katagiri-san, the Last-Minute Blocker
- MonsTABOO (with Yuya Takahashi)
- “Kanashimi wo Atsumeru Shōjo” (The Girl Who Collects Sadness) – a one-shot manga
Availability
Moon Cider is currently available for free to anyone with a NIUHI account.
KOMODO’s May Initiatives
The launch of Moon Cider is part of a broader initiative by KOMODO to promote manga and comics in May 2025. These activities include:
- Free Professional Translations: KOMODO is offering free professional translations for indie manga and comic creators who publish their work on NIUHI. This campaign runs from May 27th to June 16th (Hawai’i Time) and is limited to 100 selected indie titles. The available languages for translation include English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and French.
- Social Media Giveaway: During the free translation offer, KOMODO is running a special social media giveaway with a chance to win a Steam Deck OLED.
- Comitia Convention: KOMODO is showcasing NIUHI and various manga titles at the Comitia convention in Tokyo. The NIUHI booth offers a unique reading experience featuring indie manga from Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond. Representatives from KOMODO are also available to meet with creators to discuss publishing on NIUHI.
Yen Press and MonsTABOO
Yen Press has licensed TALI’s manga MonsTABOO, co-created with Yūya Takahashi. MonsTABOO Volume 1 is available for purchase, offering readers a taste of TALI’s artistic style and storytelling.
MonsTABOO Synopsis
Maruka, haunted by the death of her mother at the hands of a monster, recklessly seeks out these creatures with a death wish. However, her encounter with the first monster defies her expectations, leading her to fight alongside him and eventually ask him to be her boyfriend.
How to Get Involved
- Sign Up for NIUHI: Create a free account on the NIUHI platform to access Moon Cider and explore other manga titles.
- Submit Your Work: If you’re an indie manga or comic creator, consider submitting your work to NIUHI for a chance to receive a free professional translation.
- Follow NIUHI on Social Media: Stay updated on the latest news, releases, and giveaways by following NIUHI’s official accounts.
- Attend Comitia: If you’re in Tokyo, visit the NIUHI booth at the Comitia convention to experience the platform and meet with KOMODO representatives.
The Future of Manga on NIUHI
With the launch of Moon Cider and ongoing initiatives to support creators and engage fans, NIUHI is poised to become a leading platform for indie manga and comics. By providing innovative translation tools, global distribution, and community-focused features, NIUHI aims to break down barriers and bring fresh, diverse stories to readers worldwide.
KOMODO’s commitment to shaping the future of the gaming and manga industries is evident in its development of NIUHI, which promises to deliver a unique and enriching experience for both creators and fans. As NIUHI continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see the new stories and artists that emerge on this dynamic platform.
