Manga from Square Enix is a go online with this Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater and more
A quick hit from around the holidays that needs to be noticed. While Viz and Tokyopop have a large share of the most popular and recognizable manga with groups like Bandai and Tor following behind a new player is now in the game. Say hello to Square Enix manga and these are some rock solid titles they’re rolling out. The digital distribution model works with solid pricing and headliner titles such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater which fans are familiar with thanks to FUNimation’s distribution of the anime. It’s always fun when a new publisher gets rolling and Square Enix has a great history in Japan, they are more than just games. Let’s take a look at what this means for manga and gaming fans.
What’s it mean for manga fans? More manga, great titles and a solid company with solid financial backing to keep the titles rolling. When there are more players the fans win and Square Enix is rolling out just the right amount of solid titles to make the other groups mentioned take notice and possible offer specials to compete (we hope). Biggest coup is the Soul Eater manga; a beautiful and stylish book while Fullmetal Alchemist received distro from Viz in the past but getting digital is solid.
What’s it mean for gamers? With no titles related to video games (besides old PS3 FMA) the hook comes in the revenue Square Enix can generate. Digital distribution and the saturation of devices already in market means no warehousing, no extra fees to make this site possible leading to a better bottom line for the company and more funding for video games. Again this is all speculation but the reality is there if a company does well the trickle down to its various division should happen. There are print versions but the aim should be digital.
Overall the biggest win is for manga fans but gamers get a nice hit also. The titles are solid and if a book does well maybe, MAYBE, the game equivalent in Japan gets some localization love. Want this; use the online community to let Square Enix know.
