Manga

Glacier Bay Books expands its horizon and integrates Star Fruit Books catalog

The publisher takes over the publishing line of the late Matt Haasch and confirms new licenses for the English market

Sebastián MamaniSebastián Mamani· 3 min read 0 comments

In the complex and often unpredictable world of independent publishing, strategic movements usually define the survival of niche titles that we love so much. I have personally seen how small projects struggle to find their place, and it is truly interesting to observe how Glacier Bay Books has decided to take a significant step by absorbing the operations of Star Fruit Books. This transition comes after the unfortunate passing of its founder, Matt Haasch, last September, an event that left many wondering what would happen to the pending licenses. You should know that this integration is being carried out following the explicit wishes of the founder, working closely with his family and team to ensure that the work already started does not disappear into oblivion, which is quite bacán for the community.

The integration of Star Fruit Books and its inventory

The process of merging two distinct publishing lines is never a simple task, but Glacier Bay Books has been very clear about the steps they are taking to maintain order during this transition. You might be interested to know that all existing licenses and publications from Star Fruit Books are being transferred in their entirety, which includes the responsibility of fulfilling all outstanding direct orders that were left pending. Although the final release schedule is still being adjusted to fit the publisher's current rhythm, the commitment to honor the legacy of the previous brand is evident in every announcement made through their social platforms.

Progress on pending projects and new logistics

It is natural that you feel a bit of uncertainty regarding the delays, as the publisher has admitted to being behind their original schedule, especially with the titles linked to their recent Kickstarter campaigns. However, the current status of the following works shows that they are finally moving forward:

  • Baku Chan, Box Garden Beetle, and volumes 1 to 3 of Star Clock Liddell are currently in the printing phase.
  • Titles such as True Blue Never Fades, Universe from the Balcony, and The Cursed Body are finishing the pre-press stage and will be sent to the printer very soon.
  • A new website has been developed to optimize distribution channels and strengthen partnerships with retailers through a limited beta phase.

New licenses: Shitsugaikishitsu and Basement Attic

Beyond the administrative transition, the expansion of the catalog continues with the addition of two short story collections that promise to explore very particular narrative styles. On one hand, we have Shitsugaikishitsu by Chome, a work that compiles four stories of magical realism where the lives of the protagonists intersect with hidden worlds in unexpected ways; the English title and cover will be revealed later, so stay tuned. On the other hand, Basement Attic by Naoto Yamakawa offers a different tone, characterized by a mix of humor, charm, and a subtle cynical touch that defines the author's style. Have you already planned a space on your shelf for these new additions?

If you want to support independent manga and ensure you don't miss these unique releases, I recommend you visit the official Glacier Bay Books social media accounts to stay updated on the specific dates for these collections. Ya pues, it is time to give these stories a chance and support the publishers that bring different content to our language.

Ask an AI about this article

Reactions

Share

0 Comments

You must log in to leave a comment

Be the first to share your thoughts on this article.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts on this article.