Shueisha has announced a significant expansion of its global Manga Plus service, confirming that all new manga serialized in Weekly Young Jump will now be simulpublished in English. This marks a major development for international readers, with the baseball manga Bungo -unreal- leading the charge as the first title from the magazine to receive simultaneous release alongside its Japanese debut.
Bringing Weekly Young Jump to a Global Audience
The move by Shueisha aims to provide global fans with immediate access to a wider array of its diverse manga catalog. Previously, Manga Plus primarily focused on titles from Weekly Shonen Jump, Jump Square, and Jump+. The inclusion of Weekly Young Jump content significantly broadens the scope of available manga, offering readers more mature themes and genres often found in seinen (manga aimed at young adult men) publications. This expansion aligns with Shueisha’s ongoing strategy to combat piracy and connect creators directly with their international fanbase.
Diving into Bungo -unreal- Baseball Manga
The inaugural Weekly Young Jump title to be simulpublished is Bungo -unreal-. This baseball manga is penned by Yuji Ninomiya, who is also the author and artist of the original Bungo series. The original Bungo manga, which began serialization in 2014, tells the story of Bungo Ishihama, a young boy from a town without a youth baseball team who hones his pitching skills by throwing against a wall. His life takes a turn after an encounter with Yukio Noda, a representative of Japan’s youth baseball team, leading them both to join the powerful “Shizuo Senior” team.
While Bungo -unreal- appears to be a continuation or a new phase within the Bungo universe, early reception suggests that its first chapter is crafted to allow new readers to jump in without prior knowledge of the original series. The narrative reportedly introduces key plot points effectively and is described as “video game sequel’s the protagonist, stripping him of all of his previous upgrades,” offering a fresh starting point for both returning and new fans. The manga falls under the seinen demographic, known for its drama, school life, and sports themes.
The Author Behind the Bat: Yuji Ninomiya
Yuji Ninomiya is both the author and artist for the Bungo series. His work has captivated readers with its intense focus on high school baseball and the aspirations of young athletes striving for the Koshien, Japan’s national high school baseball tournament. The longevity of the Bungo series, which has been ongoing since 2014, showcases Ninomiya’s dedication to the world of baseball manga.
Understanding Simulpub: Bridging the Gap
Simulpublishing, a portmanteau of “simultaneous publishing,” refers to the practice of releasing manga chapters digitally in multiple languages at the same time as their original Japanese release. Shueisha’s Manga Plus app, launched in January 2019, has been at the forefront of this initiative.
How Manga Plus Works
Manga Plus by Shueisha provides free access to the latest chapters of ongoing serialized titles, often including the first and a few of the most recent chapters. The service is available worldwide, excluding Japan, China, and South Korea, which have their own dedicated platforms. It offers translations in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, and Vietnamese. For those wishing to read older chapters or full volumes, the platform often directs users to local publishers or offers subscription options for complete access, depending on the title and region.
The platform’s accessibility and free model for current chapters have been crucial in providing a legal and timely alternative to unofficial translations, thereby supporting the creators and the industry.
The Impact on Manga Accessibility and the Industry
The expansion of Manga Plus to include Weekly Young Jump titles signifies Shueisha’s commitment to reaching a broader global audience and making its content more accessible than ever before. This strategy not only caters to the growing international demand for Japanese manga but also strengthens the fight against manga piracy by offering a legitimate and convenient reading experience. By regularly adding new series and expanding its offerings, Shueisha continues to solidify Manga Plus as a premier destination for manga fans worldwide.
