Tokyopop: A Farewell

It's been fourteen years since Tokyopop first came into existence.  Paving the way for a manga revolution that was destined to storm the US. Sadly, Tokyopop will soon close its doors.

I remember going to the local Hot Topic in search of the individual chapter releases of Sailor Moon back when the company was still called Mixx.  It was actually possible to keep up with every title and their monthly releases. It didn't take long though for the number of titles to outgrow my capabilities of following them all. Since then, Tokyopop just kept growing. I watched as bookstores gradually added shelves and then more shelves as more and more titles were released.

Unfortunately, times change and not everything is able to make the transition.  In the past couple of years publishing has been hit hard.  Companies everywhere are having their own slew of problems.  With large chain bookstores like Borders going bankrupt, it's inevitable that causalities would follow suit.  Tokyopop recently announced that it will be shutting it's doors in the US.  May 31st will be their final day.

In my mind Tokyopop represents a heyday for manga in the US.  Their influences across the country are undeniable.  It is with a sad fondness that I now bid them my farewell.

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