The Legend of Zelda Manga is Hugely Popular! Manga Duo Akira Himekawa Go Global [1 of 2]

Akira Himekawa is the name of a team of two mangaka: A. Honda and S. Nagano.

At one bound, the two spread their name with the manga The Legend of Zelda, which is based on the Nintendo game series of the same name.

Many manga in Japan are released in separate volumes after being serialized in a weekly or monthly magazine. These magazines are divided into different genres including shonen, shojo, and seinen. The Legend of Zelda had been serializing in what is called a gakunenzashi, an amusement magazine intended for grade school children. At that time, it was a manga well read by children in fifth and sixth grade, but it was also an unusual work in that other than this small demographic, it was largely unknown.

It wasn’t until the manga was released in separate volumes that it began gathering attention from a larger demographic of people. Many overseas fans began voicing requests for a translated version, and in 2008, an English version was released. After that, the manga was consecutively released in countries all throughout Europe as well including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. In 2009, it ranked at No. 5 out of the 10 bestselling Japanese manga in America. In 2010, it won the award for best manga in the international manga category at the Sondermann Reader Awards.

An exclusively drawn chapter of the manga was even included at the back of the encyclopedia The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia released in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda game series. This book became an unprecedented hit when it was released in America.

Akira Himekawa has few works, but is proactive in its overseas efforts. When invited to attend overseas events as guests, this duo responsible for the manga The Legend of Zelda leave Japan to attend and are welcomed by thunderous applause. It’s an unimaginable welcome given their level of popularity in Japan.

These invitations have become opportunities for this duo who know how popularity manga and anime are overseas to proactively advance themselves into overseas markets.

Akira Himekawa’s Official Site
Akira Himekawa’s TOM Portfolio Page