The European comic book landscape is preparing to live a significant evolution with the launch of “Manga Issho”, the first European magazine entirely dedicated to the manga. This editorial initiative, previewed in Lucca Comics & Games 2024, represents a meeting point between the cultures of Italy, France, Germany and Spain, thanks to the collaboration between four important publishing houses: Star Comics (Italy), another (Germany), Kana (France and Belgium) and Planeta Cómic (Spain).
“Manga Issho”, on a quarterly cadence, will be published simultaneously in the four countries involved, in their respective national languages. The magazine will host works by talented authors of “Global Manga”, including names such as Federica di Meo, Gin Zarbo, Saspy and Reno Lemaire. A distinctive element is the presence, in the first issue, of an unprecedented story written by the bestsellers Matteo Bussola and illustrated by Fausto Chiodoni, who addresses deep issues such as the search for identity and the importance of human relationships.
The stories published on “Manga Issho” will range from re -elaborations of local myths, such as “The Siren Bride” by Ivana Murianni and Denise “Zanuse” courageous, to reflections on contemporary issues such as climate change (“shut down with me” by Karee) and cultural integration (“The jellyfish!” By Matteo Filippi and Saspy). The magazine will guarantee each participating country an equation of its works, thus promoting the cultural exchange and the discovery of new narratives within the European manga panorama. Claudia Bovini, responsible director and editorial of Star Comics, underlines the importance of “Manga Issho” as a unique opportunity to enhance the European creative potential in the manga field. The project represents a significant step forward for the Italian comics industry, offering the aspiring “mangaka” a platform to express their art according to the Japanese narrative canons.
The official launch of the first issue of “Manga Issho” is scheduled for March 25, with a presentation event at the Mondadori Duomo bookshop in Milan. The event will include a masterclass on the manga technique held by the Italian authors involved (Matteo Bussola, Federica Di Meo, Ivana Murianni, Denise “Zanuse” courageous, Fausto Chiodoni, Karee and Matteo Filippi), the official presentation of the magazine and an autograph session. The first issue will be available in the comic designer, bookcase and online at a launch price of € 4.90. The subsequent numbers, on a quarterly basis, will cost € 6.90. The magazine will present itself with a format of 165x240mm and over 300 pages of content.
