Tokyopop is teaming with comics resource site and app developer Comixology to release the first volume of the much-anticipated manga series Hetalia Axis Powers simultaneously in print graphic novel and digital formats in North America. Originally created as a Web comic by Hidekaz Himaruya, Hetalia Axis Powers is the humorous retelling of relations among the Allied and Axis powers between the two World Wars with the countries portrayed as young boys. The series is a bestselling manga in Japan selling more than a million copies and is also a popular anime and web animation.
Hetalia Axis Powers is now available digitally for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch through the Comixology app and digital store and is the first manga offered through the Comixology app. Comixology has developed apps for Marvel and DC Comics and offers about 3000 digital comics from a wide variety of publishers though its own app and digital store. For the digital release, the first volume of the Hetalia series has been divided into six parts; the first part is available for free and the rest of volume one can be purchased for 99 cents each through the app. Tokyopop is also planning to release a teaser app for the series through iTunes that will include a preview first chapter, manga trailer and photos of fans cosplaying (or in costume) as Hetalia characters.
David Steinberger, CEO of Comixology, said, "Hetalia presents an incredible opportunity for Comixology to introduce more readers to the style and richness of manga storytelling through mobile. We look forward to bringing all their titles to our platform.”
Originally published by the Japanese publisher Gentosha, Hetalia’s release in print and digital format is significant. Most Japanese publishers are reluctant to offer digital rights to their U.S. licensees and only a few U.S. manga publishers, among them Viz, Media, Netcomics, DMP and Yen Press, offer Japanese or Korean manga in any kind of legal digital format. In the past Tokyopop has offered a variety of manga in digital format and via cell phone to the Japanese market through its Tokyopop affiliate. In light of efforts to make more licensed manga available digitally, the release of Hetalia in print and digital formats is another step forward for the category. While Tokyopop claims that this is the first simultaneous North American release in print and digital for a “major” manga property, U.S.-based Korean publisher Netcomics offers its manhwa (Korean for manga) titles simultaneously online and in print in the U.S. and Viz Media and Yen Press also offer a variety of free and for-pay online access to their print format manga. In addition Hetalia was also offered in advance as a digital download in August through Zinio.
Tokyopop CEO Stu Levy said he was “thrilled to have Comixology join us as a partner in bringing this new manga to every popular platform so fans can read it whenever and wherever they want. Comixology is a crucial part of our campaign to engage our fans in innovative ways.”
