After years of fervent requests from fans, one of manga’s most acclaimed historical epics, Kingdom, may finally be making its way to the United States. This development marks a potential turning point for American manga enthusiasts who have long yearned for an official English release of this acclaimed series.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
Kingdom, a historical manga penned and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara, has enjoyed immense popularity globally, boasting over 100 million copies in circulation. However, despite its international acclaim, the series has remained conspicuously absent from the American market due to licensing hurdles. This absence has been a source of frustration for many U.S. based manga readers, who have had to rely on fan translations or imported copies to experience the story.
Recent reports have ignited hope among fans. Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble briefly listed the first two volumes of Kingdom in e-book format, suggesting an imminent release. Although these listings were swiftly removed, they have fueled speculation and excitement. The publisher listed was Viz Media, a major player in the American manga industry, known for bringing popular series like Naruto, One Piece, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to the U.S.
Why Kingdom Deserves the Spotlight
The potential licensing of Kingdom in the U.S. is a significant development for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: The manga is a meticulously researched historical fiction set in the Warring States period of ancient China. Its detailed depiction of warfare, political intrigue, and the lives of historical figures makes it a unique offering in the manga landscape.
- Critical Acclaim: Kingdom is celebrated for its compelling storyline, complex characters, and epic scope. It has won several awards in Japan, solidifying its status as a modern manga classic.
- Fan Demand: American manga fans have consistently expressed their desire for an official English translation of Kingdom. The series’ absence from the U.S. market has been a point of discussion and debate within the manga community for years.
The series follows the journey of Shin, an orphan who dreams of becoming a great general in ancient China. The story is set during the warring states period and features large scale battles and political maneuvering. Shin’s journey takes him through various battles and alliances as he works toward achieving his goal and uniting China.
Viz Media: A Perfect Fit?
If the reports are accurate, Viz Media would be a fitting choice to bring Kingdom to the U.S. The publisher has a proven track record of successfully licensing and distributing popular manga series. Their recent acquisition of series like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run demonstrates their willingness to bring fan-favorite series to a larger audience. Viz Media has strong ties to Shueisha, the Japanese publisher of Kingdom.
The publisher had also announced that they would be sharing information about new licenses on January 31st. This suggests that an announcement about Kingdom could be coming soon. January also marks the series’ 19th anniversary, making the timing ideal for a U.S. debut.
Manga’s Growing Influence in the US
The potential release of Kingdom in the U.S. also comes at a time when manga is experiencing a surge in popularity. Manga sales have skyrocketed in recent years, even outpacing American comic book sales. This growth can be attributed to a variety of factors:
- Accessibility: Manga often has a lower barrier of entry for new readers compared to American comics due to its linear storytelling.
- Genre Diversity: Manga offers a wider range of genres, attracting a diverse readership.
- Anime Adaptations: The popularity of anime has contributed significantly to the increased interest in manga.
In 2022, manga accounted for nearly 45% of all comic books sold, marking its significant impact on the market. This popularity has led to a rise in manga-related products and the expansion of the manga market in the United States.
The Impact of Fan Translations
The absence of official English releases for many popular manga series has led to the rise of fan translations. While these fan translations have been crucial in making manga accessible to international audiences, they also raise copyright issues. Fan translators often work under tight deadlines, sometimes producing high-quality translations that fill the gaps left by publishers. However, this practice also places a strain on both the manga and anime industries.
What to Expect
If Kingdom is officially licensed, fans can anticipate a high-quality English translation, access to digital and physical copies, and the potential for anime adaptation. The reports suggest that the English version of the manga will use the Chinese names of characters. It is likely that Viz Media will continue to focus on expanding manga into new markets in the U.S.
The release of Kingdom would not only be a victory for American manga fans, it would also further solidify manga’s growing influence on American pop culture. The impact of manga has been seen in various forms of media including art, literature, and cinema. Manga has grown from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon, with titles like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia appearing on best-seller lists. The cultural impact of manga extends beyond just sales. It has introduced Japanese culture to the western world, influencing art styles and storytelling techniques.
A Bright Future for Manga Fans
The potential arrival of Kingdom in the United States represents a significant milestone for American manga fans. It underscores the growing popularity of manga in the West and the demand for diverse, engaging stories. The series is a testament to the impact of Japanese manga on a global scale. With an official release of Kingdom, US-based fans will be able to experience a beloved series the way it was meant to be read. The upcoming year is set to be an exciting one for fans of manga.
