TCAF 2026: Spotlight on MINT Manga

Spotlight on MINT Manga

Deb Aoki, Adam Jimenez, Kirin Inoue, Yuki Yamaguchi, and translator Jocelyne Allen presented an informative overview of MINT Manga and its mission to bring unique, small-press manga to English-speaking audiences.

The panel explained that MINT Manga seeks out works that often fall outside the traditional image North American readers have of manga. Their goal is to showcase a wider variety of Japanese comics by translating and publishing the work of creators whose work might otherwise never reach English-language readers.

During the presentation, the team revealed the advisors who help guide the imprint, highlighted several creators they are currently working with, and discussed the festivals and conventions where they promote their books. Attendees were also informed of several specific creators and titles that MINT Manga is actively supporting.

Yuki Yamaguchi spoke about several books published by HERO that she edited and translated, offering insight into the process of bringing those works to a new audience. Kirin Inoue discussed A Day in the Life, a manga he self-published, as well as a Russian comic he translated and released in English, demonstrating how comics from around the world can find new readerships through translation.

The conversation expanded beyond MINT Manga’s catalog to include upcoming manga releases from Scholastic, the factors publishers consider when selecting translation works, and the growing interest in translating comics from countries outside Japan. The panel emphasized that the global comics landscape is far more diverse than many readers realize and that publishers are increasingly looking beyond traditional markets to discover new voices and stories.

Overall, the session provided a fascinating look at the challenges and opportunities involved in translating and publishing international comics, while highlighting MINT Manga’s commitment to broadening readers’ understanding of what manga can be.