Tokyopop Makes New Manga For Disney

As Tokyopop relaunches its publishing business in North America, we sat down with Founder & Publisher Stu Levy to get his vision for the future.

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PREVIEWSworld: What made you decide to return to publishing?

Stu Levy: It’s hard to believe five years has already passed since we had to shut down our North American publishing operation. Times were tough then, but thanks to the overwhelming support of our partners and fans, we’re finally able to dip our toes back in.

Over the past five years, it’s clear that otaku culture — and geek culture overall — is here to stay, and manga & comics remain the pulsating heart of it all.

PREVIEWSworld: Will you have the same or different approach this time around?

Stu Levy: Our legacy is establishing the mainstream market for manga in North America, so that’s no longer needed. Instead, facilitating the publication of special books that tell compelling stories with incredible art is a contribution we can continue to make. Expect unique twists on popular brands, new discoveries, and the unexpected as we continue our mix of East-West fusion.

PREVIEWSworld: Your first titles are based on famous Disney brands. Can you tell us more?

Stu Levy: We have had a long-term relationship with Disney, publishing many of their top brands in manga and Cine-Manga form over the years, and with their current grip on the pop culture scene it made perfect sense for us to pick up that ball and run even further with it.

Disney has very special brands, and continues to develop exciting new brands.

So we expect to throw our hat in that ring with fun manga-inspired publications.

PREVIEWSworld: You really like metaphors.

Stu Levy: I’m trying my hardest not to mix them. You should see me when I’m giddy.

PREVIEWSworld: What’s your view on manga and comic book shops?

Stu Levy: Nowadays, comic book shops are a frequent destination not only for avid collectors but for families and teenagers as well. I think the timing is right to provide manga that appeals to a cross-over audience with familiar brands stylized by talented manga creators. Comic book shops can utilize Tokyopop books to satisfy that wide demographic, especially with our new Disney Pixar Manga Collection and upcoming all-ages manga titles.

PREVIEWSworld: Any last words?

Stu Levy: I’m so excited to be back doing what has been my passion for almost 20 years: publishing manga. And I’m very thankful to all of you: fans, retailers, journalists, creators and of course our PREVIEWS family for supporting our efforts over the years. Tokyopop could not exist without you, and I hope our relaunch will reward the faith you’ve shown us throughout the tough times. I want to make you proud to be part of Team Tokyopop!