Public Square Books, a new publisher and distributor of Spanish-language graphic novels, has been launched to serve the fast-growing Spanish market for both Western-style graphic novels and manga. Based in New York City, Public Square has an exclusive license to publish and distribute graphic novels published by the Spanish house Norma Editorial. The company was founded by Larry Bennett and has about 12 employees.
The house will release 42 graphic novels this year, beginning in June, according to Allan Lang, who handles marketing and sales for Public Square Books. In 2005, Lang told PW, Public Square plans to release more than 100 titles. "We identified a market that simply is not being served," said Lang. "Spanish-language graphic novels are not readily available in the U.S. market." Lang described the Spanish-language market for graphic novels as "young adults, teenagers and reluctant readers. Librarians and teachers believe graphic novels offer a solution" to get them to read.
