Today, VIZ Media launched a brand new digital manga service, VIZ Manga, where for the first time ever titles from Japan’s esteemed publishing houses and legendary manga creators are available to read in English upon release in Japan. This new development will allow fans to keep abreast of the latest chapters of all their favorites without delay.
The partnership marks the first time Shogakukan manga have ever been available to legally read upon simul-publication, furthering the fight against piracy and ensuring fans have access to the official source material. Additionally, as part of the new service, subscribers on the VIZ Manga app will have access to more than 10,000+ chapters of both Shogakukan and Shueisha manga.
Fueled by the success of the Shonen Jump digital service, VIZ Manga will exponentially expand VIZ Media’s digital offering: With over 25,000+ chapters collectively available through the VIZ Manga and Shonen Jump apps for iOS and Android, plus further expansion in the works, VIZ Media covers the largest portion of the digital manga market in North America, with more territories to come.
Features of the new platform include a subscription service that will bring together the most sought after manga into a richly-designed, convenient, and curated experience.
The simulpub catalog will launch with 15 titles, and the three most recent chapters of each series will be available for free. Content will include the latest releases from Eisner and Harvey Awards Hall of Famer Rumiko Takahashi, Mao; renowned creator Haro Aso, ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead; the sequel to the international smash hit Inuyasha, Yashahime: Princess Half Demon, from Takashi Shiina; plus, bestselling titles from newcomers, including Tomohito Oda’s Komi Can’t Communicate.
With this new offering, VIZ Media aims to meet the needs of the broader manga fan community across a variety of interests. The expansive library comprises a diverse and inspiring range of storytelling — including shoujo/romance, fantasy, action, horror, slice-of-life, LGBTQ+, mystery/thriller, drama, supernatural and comedy/humor.
“With this new development, VIZ Media builds on its history of innovation and experimentation,” said Ken Sasaki, Chief Executive Officer, VIZ Media. “We want our world-class creators to reach as wide an audience as possible while reinforcing that manga should be read from the official source.”
Brad Woods, Chief Operating Officer, VIZ Media, commented, “With a desire to always disrupt the status quo and bring innovative ideas to market, this new development in content, and creation of the simulpub offering is something we’re excited to offer fans. We are also proud to support the work of our creators and partner publishers.”
VIZ Manga will launch with 15 new titles, available in English simulpub for the very first time, offering subscribers over 10,000 chapters to choose from for just $1.99. The service will also feature curated recommendation from VIZ editors, and an immersive digital manga reading experience with artwork and typography optimized for viewing on Android and iOS devices.
The VIZ Manga library includes celebrated creators, including…
- Rumiko Takahashi — Titles including: Inuyasha, Ranma 1⁄2, Mermaid Saga (+)
- Junji Ito — GYO, Uzumaki (+)
- Yuu Watase — Fushigi Yûgi, Absolute Boyfriend (+)
- Inio Asano — Goodnight Punpun, What a Wonderful World (+)
- Taiyō Matsumoto — Sunny, Tekkonkinkreet, Ping Pong (+)
- Gosho Aoyama — Case Closed
- Ai Yazawa — Nana
- Arina Tanemura — Full Moon, The Gentlemen’s Alliance † (+)
- Plus, dozens more critically acclaimed titles
The previously Shonen Jump digital service already boasts over 1 billion chapters read since launch, with an average 35 million monthly reads from users perusing its 40+ English-language simulpub series (15,000+ chapters available to subscribers).
Learn how to access VIZ Manga at viz.com.
