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Something big is happening at Mad Cave Studios. Among them is the release of Nakama Press. The press release describes it as a mix of indie stories and partnerships with respected studios such as Tatsunoko Productions, Rainbow Group and more. The combination of fresh talent and beloved franchises promises to provide an engaging reading experience that appeals to cartoon lovers and newcomers.”
For more information about Nakama Press, Comics Beat is catching up to senior editors at Nakama Press Kristen Simon and Nakama Press creator Mathieu Reynès (Theory of KO) via email. See what we find and read!
Avery Kaplan: Please tell us how you became involved in Nakama Press.
Kristen Simon: In April 2024, Mike Martz and Mark Irwin approached me with plans to launch a new cartoon imprint at Madcave Studios. Mark already lined up some exciting partnerships and invited me to oversee the line as a senior editor. I have been closely watching the global rise of comics and webtoons over the years, so I found it to be a great opportunity. This was also something I had a personal interest. Because for a long time I have supported introducing comics and webtoons to a traditional comic publishing lineup. I was incredibly pleased to finally be able to work with a publisher who had the same vision as me.
Mathieu Reynès: A few years ago, my previous series (Harmony) was published in the United States. Irwin was an editor and had the opportunity to exchange some words at the time. When I began to try and publish KO’s theory in English, I contacted Irwin again to make him an offer. He has since become Vice President of Mad Cave Studios and has confirmed that my series could be a perfect fit for their Nakama Press project. It was the perfect timing!
Kaplan: How does Nakama Press work to establish itself as the “major voice of the world of manga and graphic novels”?
Simon: Our goal is to advocate for diverse voices from around the world. Manga crosses borders, and top creators around the world are united in their love for manga. By curating exceptional titles from Japan, China, France, Portugal, Korea, the Philippines (and beyond!) and presenting them in English, we invite readers to experience a rich, diverse, international voice in this vibrant art form.
Kaplan: So far, what partnerships have Nakama Press developed?
Simon: We are already working together with Heroes and the Tahorns, Kodansha and the Hong Kong Arts Centre. We are delighted to have a partnership between Grenat and Vega Dupuis as France produces the most beautiful manfra there. I am sure we will announce more alliances in the near future.
Kaplan: Tell us about the creative talent you’ve adopted so far.
Simon: I won’t name them until they’re nearing their release date, but we’re incredibly selective and I can honestly say that I love every project in the lineup. From the moment I read the script page I’ve been hooked! When the art arrives, I’m blown away. And reading a finished translation with all the cultural nuances is always the best. I feel really fortunate to work with such wonderful writers and artists. The first book we released was Indigo by brothers Chi-Ho and Chi-Kit Kwong, and their next book, Architect’s Epiphany, is completely different and just like the special one, there’s nothing else.
Kaplan: Can you tell me what your work day looks like to you?
Simon: My days will move quickly! I often proofread 180-200 pages of translations, edit new chapters from incoming authors, annotate outlines, and check the artist’s cover and page layout. It also creates bookmaps, approves and prints files, and balances them with different countries while communicating with licensors. The flow is constant as there are 25-35 titles at various stages at any time.
Kaplan: How does Nakama work to “become a cultural bridge between the East and the West”?
Simon: What I think makes Nakama’s press unique is that, along with traditional comics, Manhua, Manwa and Manhua, publishing creator-owned graphic novels by Western writers established outside of Japan. They combine artists whose work is ingrained in form’s visual language and storytelling. Some may say it’s not a cartoon in a strict cultural sense, but it’s made with the same love and respect for the medium. This hybrid approach not only offers long-standing cartoon fans from fresh, but also invites newcomers to discover the media in an attractive and accessible way.
Kaplan: Is there anything you would like to highlight for your readers about the upcoming Nakama Press Slate?
Simon: Absolutely! If you haven’t covered the theory of KO Volume 1 yet, now is the perfect time. I am currently proof of Volume 2, but Reynès’ storytelling is simply outstanding. And for fans of Udon’s Infini-T Force, we look forward to reading the full 10 volume saga, noting volume 5, which has never been released before!
Kaplan: Matthew, what can you tell us about the theory of KO? What do readers look forward to?
Reynès: KO’s theory is more than anything else, entertainment. It’s full of adventure, action-packed battles, and humor. However, it was also an opportunity to induce reflection on our society by exploring themes such as ecology, scientific ethics, technology, and human values. I think there are several layers of reading. It can be simply carried by the heroine, Beck and her journey adventures in the world of combat sports, but I don’t think the series will stop there. I hope that the social interests and themes it addresses can at least guide our readers to look back at our time and the future we are in the process of shaping.
Kaplan: Matthew, what’s the story that caught your attention recently (comics, comics, other media)?
Reynès: When I was young, I read a lot of manga (mostly Marvel) and manga (Gunnm, Akira, Appleseed, Dragon Ball), but now I hardly read it. My reading experience is spoiled in my professional eyes – joy is no longer the same. My interests are more interested in movies (I often go to the cinema) or TV series. To name just a few movies, I think I would say the life of Parasite, Creator, Monkeyman and Chuck. As for the series, I’m a boys fan!
Kaplan: Is there anything else you would like to include?
Simon: I’m often asked if Nakama Press is open to submissions, but the answer is yes. The Mad Cave Studios website has a submission portal. Please hold on! Due to the large amount we receive, it can take several months for a response. But as they say, you miss 100% of the shots you haven’t taken!
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