Get ready, manga fans, because a major player is making a grand entrance! HarperCollins' new KAZÉ US manga imprint is set to revolutionize the Western manga landscape, not just in the United States, but also with significant expansion into Brazil and Spain, all kicking off in 2027. This ambitious move, revealed at Anime NYC, promises a wave of exciting new content and a fresh approach to publishing.
KAZÉ's Grand US Debut and Ambitious Growth
The KAZÉ US imprint is poised for a strong launch in fall 2027, with plans to debut with 3-5 captivating titles. This is just the beginning of a rapid expansion. The company projects releasing 5-8 titles in 2027, then significantly ramping up to 20-25 titles in 2028, and reaching an impressive 25-30 titles by 2029. This growth trajectory signals a strong commitment to establishing KAZÉ as a major force in the English-language manga market.
A Global Manga Powerhouse: Beyond US Shores
KAZÉ isn't just focusing on the US; its global vision extends to Latin America and Europe. The simultaneous launch in Brazil and Spain in 2027 demonstrates a strategic move to cater to a broader international audience, bringing diverse manga, manhwa, and manhua content to even more readers. HarperCollins' unique position as the only Western publisher with a presence in Japan further strengthens KAZÉ's ability to source and deliver unique content.
Diverse Content Strategy: More Than Just Manga
KAZÉ is casting a wide net when it comes to its publishing strategy. Fans can anticipate not only traditional manga but also original intellectual properties from HarperCollins Japan. Furthermore, the imprint plans to delve into the vibrant worlds of manhwa (Korean comics), manhua (Chinese comics), and original English "manga" (OEL manga). This commitment to a broad range of genres and origins promises something for every reader. KAZÉ is actively seeking out properties from top manga creators who may not have had their works published in the US before, alongside bringing over beloved works from its established KAZÉ France and Germany imprints.
Meet KAZÉ US: The Team and Their First Title
Spearheading this exciting venture is vice-president and publisher Andrew Arnold, supported by a talented team including editors Emilia Sowersby and Josh Sippie, art director Christina Quintero, and assistant designer Mikhail Fernandes. This dedicated team is ready to bring quality content to readers.
The imprint also proudly unveiled its very first title: Saxton Moore and Phillip Johnson's original English manga, SOL Sistah. Described as a thrilling blend of "Ultraman meets Power Rangers in this Pan-African, kaiju-crushing, teen slice-of-life manga starring Atomika, a goddess-turned-highschooler juggling two very different lives," SOL Sistah is set to be an electrifying debut that promises action, mythology, and relatable high school drama.
No AI, Just Human Passion
In a move that will surely be celebrated by creators and readers alike, KAZÉ explicitly stated at the panel that the imprint will not be using AI for translations. This commitment to human-led translation underscores KAZÉ's dedication to quality, nuance, and respecting the original artistic intent, ensuring an authentic reading experience for all.
A Rich Legacy: From France to HarperCollins
KAZÉ's journey to this new global stage is rooted in a rich history. Founded in France in 1994, the company was later acquired by Shogakukan and Shueisha in 2009, integrating with Viz Media Europe. Fast forward to July 2025, HarperCollins acquired Crunchyroll's manga publishing operations in France and Germany, subsequently returning the Crunchyroll Manga brand to its original name, KAZÉ. All ongoing series have continued seamlessly, with KAZÉ branding appearing on releases starting April 2026.
This expansion builds upon HarperCollins' existing engagement with Japanese literature, as its HarperVia imprint has already released acclaimed novels like Shion Miura's Run with the Wind and plans to publish the late Saeko Himuro's Ocean Waves novel in English in March 2027. KAZÉ also benefits from its sister imprint, HarperAlley, which publishes titles like Plus-sized Misadventures in Love!, allowing KAZÉ to draw on their invaluable experience in the graphic novel market.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Manga Fans
With a clear vision, a dedicated team, a commitment to diverse content, and a strong global strategy, KAZÉ's launch in the US, Brazil, and Spain in 2027 is poised to be a landmark event for manga enthusiasts worldwide. Prepare your bookshelves, because KAZÉ is bringing a fresh, exciting, and expansive library of comics to your hands very soon!
