Glacier Bay Books, a distinctive voice in North American manga publishing, has officially announced its upcoming English release of Konomi Oumi’s acclaimed manga collection, Universe From the Balcony (Veranda kara Uchū in its original Japanese). Scheduled for publication “later this year,” this release marks another significant addition to the publisher’s curated catalog of avant-garde and independent Japanese comics, promising a unique artistic experience for English-speaking readers.
Delving into Universe From the Balcony
Universe From the Balcony is a captivating anthology that brings together eight short stories by the prolific artist Konomi Oumi. The collection is described as offering a “mind-expanding panorama” of tales, inviting readers into ethereal realms and introspective moments. Themes woven throughout the stories include “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.”
The narratives are characterized by their quiet beauty and vivid imagery, with Glacier Bay Books likening their careful construction to “serendipitous sea shells that trace the shoreline.” This evocative description hints at the intricate and delicate nature of Oumi’s storytelling, which often explores the fantastical elements hidden within everyday life and myth. The English edition is expected to comprise approximately 180 pages, offering a substantial dive into Oumi’s distinctive worldview.
Konomi Oumi’s Artistic Trajectory
Konomi Oumi has steadily gained recognition for her unique artistic voice within Japan’s independent comics scene. Universe From the Balcony initially debuted at the COMITIA 145 event in September 2023, showcasing her talent to an eager audience. This forthcoming release is not Oumi’s first foray into the English market with Glacier Bay Books. In 2021, the publisher released her previous work, From This Flame, which also comprised a collection of eight short stories.,,,,
From This Flame was lauded for its blend of “quietness and fury,” presenting “haunting, delicate modern fairy tales” that drew comparisons to a “unique, artistically daring” collection.,,,, Beyond her solo works, Oumi has also contributed to Glacier Bay Books’ Glaeolia indie manga anthology series, specifically to its third volume., These previous works underscore her consistent exploration of imaginative and introspective themes, often infused with a dreamlike quality and a deep connection to myth and the unseen.
Glacier Bay Books: A Nexus for Alternative Manga
Glacier Bay Books has carved out a significant niche in the North American publishing landscape by focusing on “the cutting edge of contemporary artistic comics.” Established quietly in late 2019 with its first major release, Glaeolia (volume 1) in 2020, the publisher operates with a “singular artistic vision,” championing idiosyncratic indie and alternative manga from Japan’s small press scene.,, Unlike larger commercial publishers, Glacier Bay Books is often compared to “tiny boutique publishers,” emphasizing their commitment to artistic merit over mainstream appeal.
The company has garnered a strong reputation not only for its discerning selection of titles but also for the exceptional physical quality of its books. Collectors and readers frequently praise Glacier Bay’s releases for their unique build quality, with features like specialized covers, French flaps, and included art cards, making each book an art object in itself. This dedication to presentation aligns perfectly with their mission to celebrate “the book as an intrinsic art object.”
Glacier Bay Books’ impact on the English manga market is evident through its successful localization of works that might otherwise remain inaccessible to international audiences. Their titles, such as Kusahara Umi’s Mothers, have even achieved critical acclaim, with Mothers being nominated for Best New Manga at the 2024 American Manga Awards.,, This commitment to bringing over unique and artistically daring works makes the release of Konomi Oumi’s Universe From the Balcony particularly exciting for fans of experimental and thought-provoking manga.
The Localization Team
Bringing Universe From the Balcony to English readers is a collaborative effort. The translation is being handled by Matthias Hirsh, ensuring that Oumi’s nuanced narratives and poetic descriptions are accurately conveyed. Tim Sun is responsible for the lettering, a crucial component in maintaining the visual flow and artistic integrity of the original Japanese work. Their combined expertise promises a faithful and high-quality adaptation that respects Oumi’s original vision.
Anticipation Builds for a Cosmic Collection
The impending English release of Konomi Oumi’s Universe From the Balcony by Glacier Bay Books is a significant event for enthusiasts of independent and art-focused manga. It reinforces Glacier Bay’s position as a vital conduit for some of Japan’s most inventive creators, offering stories that challenge, inspire, and delight through their unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary. As the year progresses, readers can anticipate adding another beautifully crafted and deeply imaginative work to their collections, further enriching the diverse landscape of manga available in English.
