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Manga Mavericks LLC, a new publisher in the North American manga market, has announced its first slate of titles set for release on July 16, 2025. The publisher will debut with print and digital editions of BONDS by zenzo, ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE] by Chiaki Yagura, and ZIGOKU’S FOREMAN by 9banta.
BONDS marks the full-length manga debut of artist Zenzo, a former apprentice of Beyblade: Metal Fusion creator Takafumi Adachi. The series, which won recognition at the 2019 Goku Cup manga contest, is described:
In an alternate take on Journey to the West, Son Goku and Sanzo have only just begun their long journey, and trust doesn’t come easily. Their already shaky bond is tested further when Sanzo’s misgivings lead to a rift between the two. Is the journey over before it even begins, or is it true that adversity is what forges unshakable bonds?
The first volume will be released as a 36-page edition, priced at $11.99 for print and $4.99 for digital. It is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.
ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE] By Chiaki Yagura is Described:
“The good die young.” There’s a whole movement of entertainers who by 27 years old had left their mark on the world, including my God. At 28, what have I done? Am I worthy of standing on the same stage? Why does my gospel stay unwritten?
Originally released at COMITIA 130 in 2019, the 40-page volume will be available for $11.99 in print and $4.99 digitally.
The third title, ZIGOKU’S FOREMAN is described:
Meet the literal boss from hell. Mizuchi, once a human, died, went to hell, and became an unruly demon. Though he’s not just any demon: he’s a foreman with underlings who make up a motley crew. With a magic sword and super strength, some hellish construction work should be a snap, but Mizuchi and his crew are hellbent on doing anything aside from their work.
The series, which began as a self-published project in 2020 and was later distributed digitally in Japan by COMPASS Comics, will be offered in an 88-page volume at $23.99 for print and $9.99 for digital.
Manga Mavericks LLC originally began as a manga news podcast in 2016 and has since expanded into a multimedia platform focused on manga journalism and industry analysis. With the launch of Manga Mavericks Books, the company is moving into publishing, aiming to highlight “eclectic storytelling, artistry, and creativity of Japanese creators and comics.”
Source: Press Release, Manga Mavericks Official Website
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