Manga remains a vibrant and sought-after genre, with the top-selling titles of 2024 achieving over 6 million sales by September alone. For readers keen to explore comics while retaining the essence of manga, BOOM! Studios emerges as an ideal starting point.
Established two decades ago, BOOM! Studios has positioned itself as a significant force in the independent comic landscape. Noteworthy titles among their best-sellers include Something Is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera, BRZRKR featuring the creative talents of Matt Kindt, Keanu Reeves, and Ron Garney, as well as Magic authored by Jed MacKay and illustrated by Ig Guara.
BOOM! Studios also boasts four distinct imprints, one of which, BOOM! Box, specifically caters to a young adult audience. This imprint features a range of comics that cater to anime and manga enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy sports anime or shojo narratives.
BOOM! Box: A Haven for Sports Anime Enthusiasts
Diverse Sports Comics and LGBTQ+ Representation
The sports genre within BOOM! Box is thriving.Fence, created by C. S.Pacat and Johanna the Mad, stands out as one of its hallmark offerings, often recommended for those who enjoyed the now-canceled anime series Yuri on Ice. While Fence diverges from figure skating, it presents a captivating narrative centered around the sport of fencing, infused with romance.
In addition to Fence, BOOM! Box provides an array of sports comics that captivate anime fans. Titles such as S. I.R. by Fell Hound, where the protagonist seeks a second chance at love through underground motorcycle jousting, bring adventurous twists to the genre. Furthermore, I Heart Skull-Crusher by Josie Campbell and Alessia Zonno, offers a unique blend of rollerblading and apocalyptic challenges, reminiscent of the spirit found in many sports anime. These narratives emphasize camaraderie and teamwork, making them appealing to fans of the genre.
Exploring Magical Girls and Heartfelt Stories: BOOM!’s Shojo-Like Offerings
Enchanting Comics for Shojo Aficionados
Traditionally, shojo manga and anime are crafted for young female audiences, embracing an array of themes, including the enchanting magical girl genre. Fans of Sailor Moon will find their next adventure in Flavor Girls by Loïc Locatelli-Kournwsky, where the titular group battles an alien invasion in a fantastical setting. For those leaning towards a more contemporary narrative, Heavy Vinyl by Usdin, Irene Flores, and Nina Vakueva depicts a group of women working in a record store who simultaneously act as vigilantes.
The charm of Heavy Vinyl lies within its blend of action, mystery, and relatable slice-of-life moments. Similar sentiments can be found in Ghosted in L. A. by Sina Grace and Siobhan Keenan, which tells the story of a college student moving into a house inhabited by playful spirits. BOOM! Box’s diverse lineup offers a treasure trove of slice-of-life and romantic stories, making it a fitting option for any fan of shojo anime and manga.
For readers eager to explore American comics for the first time or simply seeking alternatives to traditional superhero narratives, BOOM! Studios ensures an enriching experience.
All the aforementioned BOOM! Studios titles are currently available in various formats, including single issues and collections.
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