Manga Mavericks Books, a new manga publisher focused on bringing unique and compelling works to North American audiences, has announced the release of its first three titles this summer. Launching on July 16, the inaugural lineup features BONDS by Zenzo, ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE] by Chiaki Yagura, and ZIGOKU’S FOREMAN by 9banta. All three titles will be available in both print and digital formats.
Print editions are currently available for pre-order exclusively at the Manga Mavericks Books store, while digital editions will be accessible through major platforms including Amazon, Google Play, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook.
A Closer Look at Manga Maverick’s Launch Titles:
BONDS
Story and art by Zenzo
Zenzo, a former assistant to Beyblade: Metal Fusion creator Takafumi Adachi and winner of the 2019 Goku Cup’s Featured Manga category, delivers an alternate retelling of Journey to the West where trust between the legendary Son Goku and Sanzo is anything but a given. With tension mounting early in their journey, BONDS explores how shared hardship may be the only path to true friendship.
Print | Digital
ALTERNATIVE [SELF LINER NOTE]
Story and art by Chiaki Yagura
Originally released at COMITIA 130 in 2019, Chiaki Yagura’s introspective one-shot weaves a deeply personal story about music, artistic identity, and creative burnout. ALTERNATIVE reflects on the “27 Club” mythos with poetic vulnerability: “At 28, what have I done? Am I worthy of standing on the same stage?”
Print | Digital
ZIGOKU’S FOREMAN Vol. 1
Story and art by 9banta
A chaotic blend of comedy and supernatural antics, ZIGOKU’S FOREMAN follows Mizuchi, a demon foreman in hell with a serious aversion to doing his job. Originally self-published in 2020 and later picked up by COMPASS Comics in Japan, this edition features a brand-new English logo and cover design by the creator. Manga and prose blend together in this offbeat underworld workplace saga.
Print | Digital
With this launch, Manga Mavericks Books aims to spotlight unique voices and indie creators, many of whom found their start through doujin and self-publishing spaces. Each title showcases a distinct narrative style and visual approach, offering something new for readers eager to explore outside the mainstream.
Source: Manga Mavericks
