Square Enix Manga & Books are teaming up with Penguin Random House to launch Comic Partner, a new retailer support initiative to promote adaption of more manga in comic bookstores in the US. Starting in April 2025, retailers enrolled in the Penguin Random House Direct Partnership Program will have access to the Square Enix Comic Partner initiative.
The Comic Partner initiative includes store manager education, in-store promotional materials, early access to select new manga, and more. Moreover, Comic Shop accounts enrolled in the Direct Market Partnership Program will now be considered Square Enix Comic Partner stores. The stores will receive branded in-store promotional materials, one-on-one manga retailer calls, and free advance galley copies of select upcoming series.
Square Enix Manga & Books confirms the On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance and Love in the Palm of His Hand debut series will be the first free advance galleys. On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance Vol. 1 will release in May 2025 for $14.99 alongside Love in the Palm of His Hand Vol. 1 for $12.99. Lastly, pre-orders are available at Penguin Random House and other major booksellers/comic shops.
“While we’re seeing significant market growth for manga among western audiences, our retailers have expressed challenges with overwhelming options and knowledge gaps,” said Square Enix Manga & Books marketing manager Morgan Perry.
“With the Comic Partner initiative, our aim is to make it easier for our comic shop partners to unlock the potential of manga sales by curating great content for them, providing marketing support and educating sales associates about this art form – after all, manga are comics.
“We’re incredibly excited and proud to announce this collaboration with Penguin Random House. And we’re committed to helping comic shop retailers who are interested in expanding to carry more manga and build those communities in their stores through this partnership.”
