Glacier Bay Books has officially announced its plans to release Konomi Oumi’s manga collection, Universe From the Balcony (Japanese title: Veranda kara Uchū), in English later this year. This forthcoming publication marks another significant offering from the independent publisher, known for bringing unique and artistically distinct Japanese manga to English-speaking audiences.
The Universe From the Balcony collection is set to span approximately 180 pages, featuring a selection of Oumi’s “quiet, vividly beautiful stories.” Glacier Bay Books describes the anthology as a “mind-expanding panorama” that will inspire and delight readers with its diverse narratives. The stories within the collection are said to explore themes such as “ethereal beings that slip into the cosmos, the faint smell of a goldfish bowl, wordless plant spirits, impossible love, and a mermaid who’s forgotten how to swim.” These narrative elements highlight Oumi’s distinctive storytelling, which has been likened to “serendipitous sea shells that trace the shoreline” due to their careful construction.
For the English edition, Matthias Hirsh is undertaking the translation, while Tim Sun is handling the lettering. Konomi Oumi originally debuted Universe From the Balcony at the COMITIA 145 event in September 2023, showcasing the work to an enthusiastic audience in Japan.
This release further solidifies the partnership between Konomi Oumi and Glacier Bay Books. The publisher previously brought Oumi’s From This Flame manga to English readers in 2021, a collection that also featured eight of the author’s stories. Additionally, Oumi contributed to the third volume of Glacier Bay Books’ well-regarded Glaeolia indie manga anthology series, reinforcing their presence in the indie manga scene outside of Japan. The continued collaboration underscores Glacier Bay Books’ commitment to championing Oumi’s unique artistic vision and expanding its reach to a broader international readership.
