The Book Standard looks at efforts by publishers like Dark Horse, Viz and Tokyopop to keep up in the face of competition from larger, mainstream houses that have entered the graphic-novel market.
“It’s going to be interesting to see what happens [as] New York publishers get in on what they see as the next big thing,” says Tokyopop editor Lillian Diaz-Przybyl. “But for the many smaller publishers, it’s going to be harder for them to get shelf space.”
Some of those smaller publishers are turning to online initiatives. According to the article, Viz is partnering with Cartoon Network to offer shows like Naruto and Samurai Jack online for free. Tokyopop is revamping its website later this month in an attempt reach new readers.
The article also looks at moves into the manga market by mainstream publisher Del Rey, an imprint of Random House that has found success with titles like Negima! and Tsubasa. A FUNimation animated DVD of Negima! will be released later this year, while Tsubasa is due next spring.
