News Reporting

Anime Expo 2015: TOKYOPOP Relaunches Its Operations


TOKYOPOP Logo - 20150703This isn’t a joke, nor is it a test. TOKYOPOP is back!

Yesterday, TOKYOPOP Announced that they’ve relaunched their operations. The company plans to resume manga publication in 2016.

TOKYOPOP aims to license “hidden gems that are not yet noticed”, particularly from smaller and independent publishers. The company aims to release collector’s editions of its releases, as well as art books. The company will consider light novel releases, but declined to give a firm answer on the matter.

The company is also aiming to get into TV and film production. According to company founder Stu Levy, TOKYOPOP holds 20 properties that span live action and animation. Specific titles include Knockouts and Riding Shotgun, which have trailers available on the company’s YouTube channel.

The company will also release an Android and iOS app, which will allow users to upload their own comics. Through the app, users will retain copyright and ownership over their work.

TOKYOPOP closed the doors on their American publishing business in April 2011. Though they haven’t acquired new titles, the company has remained active on some level. They cooperated with Right Stuf and Gentosha Comics to release volumes 3-6 of the Hetalia manga, and listing numerous titles on Comixology.

About the author

Samantha Ferreira

Samantha Ferreira is Anime Herald’s founder and editor-in-chief. A Rhode Island native, Samantha has been an anime fan since 1992, and an active member of the anime press since 2002, when she began working as a reviewer for Anime Dream. She launched Anime Herald in 2010, and continues to oversee its operations to this day. Outside of journalism, Samantha actively studies the history of the North American anime fandom and industry, with a particular focus on the 2000s anime boom and bust. She’s a huge fan of all things Sakura Wars, and maintains series fansite Combat Revue Review when she has free time available. When not in the Anime Herald Discord, Samantha can typically be found on Bluesky.

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