Danica Davidson
August 22, 2024 
Mad Cave Studios — which already has the imprints Papercutz, Maverick and Amazing Comics — has announced its new imprint, Nakama Press. Along with publishing manga, it will offer licensed titles, manhwa (Korean comics), manfra (French comics inspired by manga) and manhua (Chinese comics).
Nakama Press has partnered with Tatsunoko Production and Rainbow Group, and will also produce indie stories. It’s on schedule to begin publishing in summer 2025 and will supply reads for all ages. So far no details have been released on licensed titles.
Mad Cave Studios President Mark Irwin remarked, “Our mission with Nakama Press is to connect readers with stories that resonate universally, transcending cultural boundaries. We believe in the power of storytelling to bring people together, and Nakama Press is our way of celebrating that through the incredible world of manga and graphic novels.”
If you’re going to be at Anime NYC this weekend, there’s a special “Manga-Inspired Graphic Novels with Mad Cave” panel you can attend. Senior Editor of Nakama Press Kristen Simon and Director of Marketing for Mad Cave Studios Allison Pond will be there to offer “the first look at what’s in store.” For those interested, the panel is Saturday, August 24 at Room 5 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.
“We have an amazing team of creators and editors who bring different voices and perspectives to our projects,” Irwin said. “Nakama Press celebrates that and offers readers a rich tapestry of stories that entertain, inspire, and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.”
Mad Cave Studios further stated:
The launch of Nakama Press comes at a time when interest in manga and graphic storytelling is at an all-time high, particularly among younger readers and multicultural communities. By offering a mix of original and licensed content, Nakama Press seeks to capture the imagination of readers and establish itself as a leading voice in the world of manga and graphic novels.
Source: Mad Cave Studios
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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.
