Sponsored by MAD CAVE
Big things are happening at Mad Cave Studios, and among them is the launch of Nakama Press. A press release describes the imprint as “a mix of indie stories and partnerships with esteemed studios like Tatsunoko Production, Rainbow Group, and more, is a combination of fresh talent and beloved franchises that promise to deliver a compelling reading experience that appeals to manga enthusiasts and newcomers alike.”
To learn more about Nakama Press, Comics Beat caught up with Senior Editor of Nakama Press Kristen Simon and Nakama Press creator Mathieu Reynès (The Theory of K.O.) over email. Read on to see what we found out!
AVERY KAPLAN: Can you tell us how you came to be involved at Nakama Press?
KRISTEN SIMON: In April 2024, Mike Marts and Mark Irwin approached me about their plan to launch a new manga imprint at Mad Cave Studios. Mark had already lined up several exciting partnerships and invited me to oversee the line as Senior Editor. Having closely watched the global rise of manga and webtoons for years, I felt it was a great opportunity, given how much international storytelling is driving the marketplace. This was also something I had a personal interest in, as I had long been a proponent of introducing manga and webtoons into the lineup of traditional comics publishing. I was incredibly pleased to finally be able to work with a Publisher who had the same vision I did.
MATHIEU REYNÈS: A few years ago, my previous series (Harmony) was published in the United States. Irwin was the editor, and we had the opportunity to exchange a few words back then. When I started looking to publish The Theory of K.O. in English, I reached out to Irwin again to make him an offer. He had since become the Vice President of Mad Cave Studios and confirmed that my series could be a good fit for their Nakama Press project. It was the perfect timing!
KAPLAN: How is Nakama Press working to establish itself as “a leading voice in the world of manga and graphic novels”?
SIMON: Our goal is to champion diverse voices from around the globe. Manga transcends borders and top creators around the world are unified 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’re inviting readers to experience the rich variety of international voices in this vibrant art form.
KAPLAN: What kind of partnerships has Nakama Press cultivated so far?
SIMON: We’ve already joined forces with Hero’s and Tatsunoko, Kodansha, as well as the Hong Kong Arts Centre. I’m particularly pleased to have partnerships with Glénat, and Vega Dupuis, because France is producing some of the most beautiful manfra out there, and it’s exciting to be able to bring it to new audiences. I’m sure we’ll announce even more alliances in the near future.
KAPLAN: What can you tell us about the creative talent you’ve recruited so far?
SIMON: I won’t name names until closer to their release dates, but we’ve been incredibly selective, and I can honestly say I love every project in our lineup. From the moment I read script pages, I’m hooked! When the art arrives, I’m blown away. And reading a finished translation, complete with all its cultural nuances, is always the best. I feel truly fortunate to work alongside such brilliant 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 as special, there’s nothing else like it.
KAPLAN: Can you tell us what a workday looks like for you?
SIMON: My days move quickly! I’m often proofreading a 180–200-page translation, editing a writer’s new chapter that’s come in, annotating an outline, or reviewing an artist’s cover or page layouts. I also create book maps and approve files to go to print, and communicate with licensors, while balancing calls with different countries. With 25–35 titles in various stages at any given time, the flow is constant.
KAPLAN: How is Nakama Press working towards “becoming a cultural bridge between East and West”?
SIMON: One of the things that I think makes Nakama Press unique is that, alongside traditional manga, manhua, manhwa and manfra, we’re publishing creator-owned graphic novels by established Western writers from outside of Japan, whose scripts are love letters to manga. They are paired with artists whose work is steeped in the form’s visual language and storytelling. Some might say it’s not manga in the strict cultural sense, but it’s made with the same love and respect for the medium. This hybrid approach not only offers something fresh to longtime manga fans but also invites newcomers to discover the medium in an engaging, accessible way.
KAPLAN: Is there anything on the upcoming Nakama Press slate you’d like to specifically highlight for our readers?
SIMON: Absolutely! If you haven’t yet picked up The Theory of K.O. volume 1, now’s the perfect time. I’m currently proofing volume 2, and Reynès’s storytelling is simply outstanding. And for fans of UDON’s Infini-T Force, keep an eye out this December for the never-before-released Volume 5, and then look forward to reading the complete ten-volume saga!
KAPLAN: Mathieu, what can you tell us about The Theory of K.O.? What can readers look forward to?
REYNÈS: The Theory of K.O. is, above all, entertainment — it’s filled with adventure, action-packed fights, and humor. But it was also an opportunity for me to spark some reflection on our society by exploring themes such as ecology, scientific ethics, technology and human values. I believe there are several layers of reading. One can simply be carried away by the adventures of the heroine, Beck, and her journey in the world of combat sports, but I don’t think the series stops there. The societal stakes and themes it tackles can, at least I hope, lead readers to reflect on our times and the future we are in the process of shaping.
KAPLAN: Mathieu, what are some stories that have captured your attention recently (whether manga, comics or some other medium)?
REYNÈS: When I was younger, I used to read a lot of comics (mostly Marvel) and manga (Gunnm, Akira, Appleseed, Dragon Ball), but now I hardly read them at all. My reading experience is spoiled by my professional eye — the pleasure just isn’t the same anymore. My interest is more in movies (I go to the cinema quite often) or TV series. To name just a few films, I’d say Parasite, The Creator, Monkey Man and Life of Chuck. As for series, I’m quite a fan of The Boys!
KAPLAN: Is there anything else you’d like me to include?
SIMON: I’m frequently asked if Nakama Press is open to submissions, and the answer is yes. You’ll find our submissions portal on the Mad Cave Studios website. Please be patient! Due to the high volume we receive, responses can take a couple of months. But as they say, you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take!
Sponsored by MAD CAVE
