Posted in: Comics, Current News | Tagged: graphic novels, HarperAlley., manga, manwha

HarperAlley Expanding Into Adult Graphic Novels, Manga And Manwha

Published Fri, 02 Aug 2024 08:05:09 -0500

Article Summary

HarperAlley, HarperCollins' graphic novel imprint, expands into adult graphic novels, manga, and manhwa.
Launched in 2020, HarperAlley initially focused on children's graphic novels before broadening their target audience.
Notable titles include Nimona by N.D. Stevenson, New Kid by Jerry Craft, and Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas.
Andrew Arnold becomes VP and publisher as HarperAlley publishes more diverse books for various demographics.

HarperAlley, the graphic novel imprint at HarperCollins, launched in 2020 with a focus on the children's market. Four years later, it is growing up a little and will now expand into the adult graphic novel, manga, and manhwa spaces. Launched in 2019 under the direction of former art director and acquiring editor at First Second, Andrew Arnold described it as a "collaborative, creator-focused publisher" that will specialize in graphic novels for "readers of all ages." The line was "looking to publish books that readers of all ages can enjoy, from the youngest readers to teens and adults. We believe that a good story is a story that any reader can relate to. That's what we mean when we say "readers of all ages." HarperAlley began looking to publish about ten books a season, or about thirty books a year, but expanded to around fifty books a year. Previous graphic novel successes include Nimona by N.D. Stevenson, New Kid by Jerry Craft, and Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas.

HarperAlley Expanding Into Adult Graphic Novels, Manga And Manwha

As a result of this change, Andrew Arnold has been promoted to VP and publisher, Rose Pleuler has been promoted to senior editor, Maddy Price has been promoted to designer, and Sophie Schmidt to assistant editor.

Rich Thomas, senior VP and executive director of publishing at HarperCollins Children's Publishing, in which HarperAlley is an imprint, stated, "These new categories of focus will be part of the overall mix, but, as always, we're publishing books that we believe have strong potential no matter who the target audience is. You can expect our upcoming lists to have more variety in terms of readership. With experience as a designer, editor, and cartoonist, Andrew is an invaluable asset to the team. In addition to their editorial acumen, Rose's collaborative spirit and positive attitude make them a delight to work with."

This suggests that graphic novel publishers are preparing for their current readers in the kids and YA blossoming graphic novel markets are… well… having birthdays and getting older. And they might still want to read comics. The news follows Andrew Arnold's old publisher First Second Books, getting a grown-up spinoff imprint, 23rd Street Books, with a focus on graphic novels for adults.

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