Manga Mavericks, the podcast known for its deep dives into the manga industry, is turning a new page – literally! They’ve announced the launch of their very own publishing division, Manga Mavericks Books, setting the stage to bring fresh and exciting indie manga from Japan to a global audience.
Manga Mavericks Books: A New Chapter Begins
For nearly a decade, Manga Mavericks has been a dedicated voice in the manga community, fostering discussions and insights into the world of Japanese comics. Now, they’re taking their passion a step further by directly licensing, localizing, and distributing manga from independent Japanese creators. This move signifies a commitment to bringing unique and diverse voices to the forefront, offering fans a curated selection of stories they might not otherwise encounter.
Partnering with Red String
Adding another layer to this exciting venture, Manga Mavericks Books is collaborating with localization company Red String. Together, they will release a total of six manga titles in July 2025, showcasing a blend of original licenses and collaborative projects. Manga Mavericks Books will support the marketing and print distribution in the United States for the titles acquired by Red String.
A Word from the Founder
Siddharth Gupta, Co-Founder & COO of Manga Mavericks LLC, expressed his enthusiasm for this new direction: “When I came up with the name ‘Manga Mavericks’ nine years ago, I never would’ve predicted that we would grow from a podcast that talks about manga into a publisher. This new venture allows us to further realize our mission of bridging the gap between Japanese creators and international audiences.”
The Initial Slate: Six Manga to Watch
Manga Mavericks Books is launching with a diverse lineup of six titles, all scheduled for release in both print and digital formats in July 2025. Pre-orders are currently available on the newly launched Manga Mavericks Books Store, offering worldwide shipping.
Here’s a closer look at the first wave of manga:
Titles Licensed by Manga Mavericks Books:
BONDS by ZENZO
- Story and Art: ZENZO
- Release Date: July 2025 (Print/Digital)
- Originally published in 2019, BONDS marks ZENZO’s first full-length manga. ZENZO studied under Takafumi Adachi, the creator of Beyblade: Metal Fusion. The manga won both the Japan Representative Selection and Candidate Award in the Featured Manga category for the 2019 Goku Cup manga contest.
- Synopsis: BONDS presents an alternate take on Journey to the West. Son Goku and Sanzo have only just begun their long journey, and trust doesn’t come easily. Their already shaky bond is tested further when Sanzo’s misgivings lead to a rift between the two. Is the journey over before it even begins, or is it true that adversity is what forges unshakable bonds?
ALTERNATIVE[SELF LINER NOTE] by Chiaki Yagura
- Story and Art: Chiaki Yagura
- Release Date: July 2025 (Print/Digital)
- Originally released at COMITIA 130 in 2019, ALTERNATIVE[SELF LINER NOTE] explores themes of music, creative slumps, and emotional release.
- Synopsis: “The good die young.” There’s a whole movement of entertainers who by 27 years old had left their mark on the world, including my God. At 28, what have I done? Am I worthy to stand on the same stage? Why does my gospel stay unwritten?
Zigoku’s Foreman by 9banta and Hiroki Kamishiro (co-planner)
- Creators: 9banta, Hiroki Kamishiro (co-planner)
- Release Date: July 2025 (Print/Digital)
- Originally self-published in 2019 and now available on e-book platforms in Japan by COMPASS Comics. 9banta personally designed the English logo and cover for the Manga Mavericks Books release.
- Synopsis: Meet Mizuchi, the literal boss from hell. Once a human, Mizuchi died, went to hell, and became an unruly demon. As a foreman with a motley crew of underlings, he possesses a magic sword and super strength. However, instead of focusing on hellish construction work, Mizuchi and his crew are hellbent on doing anything aside from their work.
Titles Distributed in Collaboration with Red String:
Now No One Lurks Beneath the Snow
The Murderer and Her Runaway Desire
Senpai no Kohai
- The workplace yuri romance series concludes in the third part of Senpai no Kohai. Previously released in English, this version includes a new translation of Parts 1 and 2 of the manga, as well as a newly-drawn Part 3. Prints will also include bookmarks.
What This Means for Manga Fans
The launch of Manga Mavericks Books is exciting news for manga enthusiasts for several reasons:
- Support for Indie Creators: This initiative directly supports independent manga creators in Japan, providing them with a platform to reach a wider international audience.
- Unique and Diverse Stories: Manga Mavericks Books is committed to bringing unique and diverse stories to the market, offering readers a refreshing alternative to mainstream titles.
- High-Quality Localization: With their experience in manga discussion and analysis, Manga Mavericks is dedicated to ensuring high-quality localization that accurately reflects the creators’ vision.
- Print and Digital Availability: The release of both print and digital formats makes these manga accessible to a wide range of readers, catering to different preferences.
The Future of Manga Mavericks Books
With a solid foundation built on years of industry knowledge and a passion for manga, Manga Mavericks Books is poised to become a significant player in the world of manga publishing. Their commitment to independent creators, diverse storytelling, and high-quality localization sets them apart, promising a bright future for both the company and the manga community as a whole.
Keep an eye on Manga Mavericks Books as they continue to unveil new titles and initiatives. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the world of manga!
