HarperCollins’ Graphic Novel Imprint to Start Publishing Manga

As manga continues to grow more popular in America and around the globe, additional publishers and imprints are interested in licensing graphic novels from Japan. The latest is HarperCollins’ imprint HarperAlley.

HarperAlley started in 2020, publishes about 50 kids’ graphic novels annually, and is under the umbrella of HarperCollins Children’s Publishing. It will continue to publish children’s graphic novels, but now it will also expand into manga, manhwa, and adult graphic novels.

As of this time, there aren’t any reveals on which manga titles are being licensed, or when we might see them come out.

Rich Thomas, who is the senior VP and executive director of publishing at HarperCollins Children’s Publishing, remarked, “These new categories of focus will be part of the overall mix but, as always, we’re publishing books that we believe have strong potential no matter who the target audience is. You can expect our upcoming lists to have more variety in terms of readership.”

Some jobs are being shuffled around. Andrew Arnold is becoming VP and publisher at HarperAlley, Rose Pleuler is taking on the task of senior editor, and Sophie Schmidt is becoming the assistant editor. Maddy Price is the designer.

Thomas also noted, “With experience as a designer, editor, and cartoonist, Andrew is an invaluable asset to the team. In addition to their editorial acumen, Rose’s collaborative spirit and positive attitude make them a delight to work with.”

HarperAlley Books gave this description of itself on its site:

HarperAlley is a collaborative, creator-focused publisher of graphic novels for kids and teens that connect with readers of all ages. Our authors and artists define us through their unique, visual voices and thought-provoking storytelling. Simply put, HarperAlley publishes exceptional graphic novels for all readers, everywhere.

Other American publishers and imprints getting interested in manga include Abrams ComicArts and Penguin Random House’s Inklore.

Source: Publishers Weekly

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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.