Embracing Manga: Alien Books Ventures into the English Scene
Alien Books, known for its adventurous strides in literature, announced its foray into the English manga domain. The revelation came with the unveiling of an exciting lineup of licenses set to grace the shelves in 2024. This bold move showcases the company's commitment to expanding its eclectic collection with works transcending international boundaries.
Fusing Tradition with Innovation
With a penchant for innovation, Alien Books is curating a selection that embraces both tradition and novelty. The chosen manga licenses, including titles like Yuuchang Sasaki's "Fake Rebellion," Kantetsu and Haruna Nakazato's "Endroll Back," and more, underscore the company's dedication to introducing readers to captivating narratives across genres.
The company's strategy involves presenting concise yet impactful narratives, with a focus on compact series spanning 3 to 4 volumes. These physical editions will pay homage to their Japanese counterparts, housing their stories within enchanting dust jackets, while also laying the groundwork for future digital releases. Alien Books aims to ensure these manga gems reach a global audience, marking the beginning of an immersive journey into diverse storytelling traditions.
Creator: Yuuchang Sasaki
Volume 1 release date: March 2024
In a nightmarish future, humans fell under the control of the Machine Empire and were ranked according to arbitrary ranks. The princess of the former Einheit empire, Hanamiya Kikuhoin, along with a devoted group of low-rank war orphans, dreams of revolution. Humanity's last hope, the “Mortal Genesis Impulse”, will open up the path to the future!
Creators: Kantetsu and Haruna Nakazato
Volume 1 release date: March 2024
After Yuuka's suicide, her brother Asaharu is desperate for answers... and his guardian angel want's to help. This divine intervention may be closer to a deal with the Devil, though… "You have to kill Yuuka's killer" she says. "If you do that, I'll bring her back to life." Is he willing to bet his own life for a chance to save his sister? He may not like the answer that awaits him at the end of this twisted game!
Creators: Yūji Kobayashi, Z-ONE and Naoto Tsushima
Volume 1 release date: April 2024
When Taro, a mysterious astronaut, crashes on the planet Tierrara, he finds not only an aggressive alien species, but also Momo, the legendary Warrior Goddess! Can romance spark while they fight for their survival? Whatever happened to mankind? Get ready for this sci-fi epic that showcases an alternative version of the Japanese legend of Momotaro... with a cosmic twist!
Creators: Lira Aikawa (naked ape) and Berry Star
Volume 1 release date: April 2024
Release the Hellhounds! Sakuya, Leon and Goto: the Kerberos organization Omega Team has a single mission: to protect the mysterious "psi" element, the secret substance that drives the development of the entire country. But while they may be an invincible elite squad, their greatest enemy hides behind closed doors. As tension builds within the group, Sakuya's troubled past reveals a hidden aspect of her personality that will change everything... and could put the whole world on the path to destruction!
Creators: Bingo Morihashi and Manabu Akishige
Volume 0 release date: July 2024
Blood, sex and Rock & Roll! In this world, vampires live among humans, but coexistence is not easy. The moment they don't follow the rules, there are special agents prepared to take them down, some with the strength of the law, and others with the power of rock! The prequel volume (Vol. 0: Moonage Daydream) sets the stage with three short stories about the main characters that will collide in the main series (Vols. 1-3: Code:Amrita)!
Alien Books' previous catalogue of licensed work features comics from creators from the U.S., Italy, Spain, France, Japan, and Latin American countries. In 2023, the publisher joined Valiant Entertainment, renowned for having the third largest connected superhero universe IP in the U.S.
The company plans to expand its manga library monthly, with 20 volumes expected by the end of 2024.
Sources: Barnes and Nobles, (link 2), (link 3), (link 4), Email correspondence