Tokyo Slipping

[Charles RB]

If this rumour is true (and logic dictates there's a good chance it is), I think Tokyopop's OEL line might've sold better if they'd not pumped up so bloody many of them. There were drokking dozens of the things, how did they expect to make sure they all found audiences? Selling non-Asian manga is probably hard enough without trying to sell a metric ton of titles all at the same time, with the added flaw of some of those titles being very naff and generic.

The potential problems with getting new Asian manga though... well, that's what happens when you muscle in on the territory of companies you're licensing from.

That said, I'm pretty sure Tokyopop isn't going under any time soon. They'll just learn not to be dumb.

[RichJohnston]

If this rumour is true (and logic dictates there's a good chance it is), I think Tokyopop's OEL line might've sold better if they'd not pumped up so bloody many of them. There were drokking dozens of the things, how did they expect to make sure they all found audiences? Selling non-Asian manga is probably hard enough without trying to sell a metric ton of titles all at the same time, with the added flaw of some of those titles being very naff and generic.

The potential problems with getting new Asian manga though... well, that's what happens when you muscle in on the territory of companies you're licensing from.

That said, I'm pretty sure Tokyopop isn't going under any time soon. They'll just learn not to be dumb.

TP have been not dumb for a long time. They can probably afford to be dumb for decades before it's a problem. Doubt they will be.

[Robin3]

Actually I think they might be able to sell quite a few american manga if they get the creators to use Japanese pennames, and intentionally encouraged less american "cartoonism".

Japan doesn't have a monopoly on good creators, but the more mature storytelling which is so contrary to our puritan culture that they put "parental guidance" labels on the shelves at Borders is what made for the huge boom in the first place.

The Simpsons is more adult than say, "bugs bunny", but only in that it adds sarcasm, and the occasional political message. More adult story problems is where the money is at.