Tokyopop (Prior revision dated Saturday 16 September 2023 03:17:34 -- @178)

Tokyopop was a US-based publishing company that focused on manga - or Japanese comics - and related media. The company was one of the leading publishers of manga in the United States during the 2000s and was instrumental in popularizing the genre.

History

Tokyopop was founded in 1997 by Stu Levy, who was inspired by his experiences as an exchange student in Japan. The company initially focused on publishing Japanese manga in English, and quickly grew to become one of the leading manga publishers in the United States.

In addition to publishing manga, Tokyopop was also involved in other aspects of the comic book industry, including creating graphic novels and producing animated television shows.

Tokyopop ceased publishing new titles in 2011, and its assets were sold to another company in 2013.

Format

Tokyopop primarily published manga in English, including both series aimed at shonen (boys) and shojo (girls) audiences. The company is notable for popularizing the concept of "Original English-Language manga", publishing manga-style comics created by American writers and artists.

In addition to publishing manga, the company also produced graphic novels and other related media, including animated television shows and feature films.

Impact

Tokyopop played a significant role in the development and popularization of manga in the United States. The company introduced many popular manga series to American readers for the first time, including Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura.

Moreover, Tokyopop's emphasis on OEL manga helped to create a market for American-made comics that imitated the style and storytelling techniques of Japanese manga.

Legacy

Tokyopop's legacy can be seen in the continued popularity of manga in the United States and around the world. The company helped to popularize the genre and introduced many readers to works they might not have discovered otherwise.

Additionally, Tokyopop's emphasis on OEL manga helped to create opportunities for American writers and artists by providing a platform for their work to be published and recognized.{{Categories}}