Manga giant Tokyopop announced on the 3rd of June that it will be splitting into 2 separate entities. Creating Tokyopop Media LLC for its comics-to-film and digital units, and that its Manga publishing operations will remain in Tokyopop. There Publishing production will be reduced by roughly 50% for the rest of 2008, cutting Tokyopop’s Manga output to roughly 200-225 titles per year for a planned total of over 500 titles. Tokyopop CEO and Chief Creative Officer of the Tokyopop Group, Stuart Levy, explained the reasons for the reduction in output:
The company is also cutting down on its workforce by 39 positions, in line with the changes.“The time is now for us to focus our publishing business to overcome current market challenges. Few releases will allow for less cannibalization at retail.”
Tokyopop has confirmed that production manager, manga editor, copy editor, graphic designer, sales, marketing, and public relations positions were cut during its split into two companies. The design and editorial departments were the worst affected with these layoffs. Tokyopop’s Japan operation will also split into two units, one under Tokyopop Media and the other the Tokyopop Group’s holding entity. European operations will be unaffected by these changes.“We must adjust our overhead to properly execute this new business plan,” Levy said. “We are doing it with a heavy heart,” he continued. “It involves saying goodbye to 39 of the most talented, creative and compassionate people I’ve ever known.”
Tokyopop has also pullout as a major exhibitor at the San Diego Comic-Con International in July, although both Del Rey and Viz Media are scheduled to exhibit there.
This is sad news, especially for those people who have lost there jobs. With a staff of around 100 people, getting rid of those 39 people is a lot of layoffs. But now lets analyze what Stuart Levy said: “to overcome current market challenges”, in other words we are in financial crap people. Why cant the CEO’s of big companies like ADV and Tokyopop be honest when they have screwed up. “We must adjust our overhead to properly execute this new business plan.” Firing 39 talented people (Almost half of Tokyopop’s permanent staff.) who where bringing in the money for them, not a really smart move on there behalf.
This has been a long time coming from Tokyopop, this is what happens when the marketing doesn’t work and you flood the market with your products. And now they have fired most of the important people, the design and editorial departments to be exact. Without product what can you market or sell, nothing and in so doing Tokyopop has shot itself in the foot. Tokyopop has messed with the golden goose and now 39 talented people, are sitting without any jobs. It’s a tough market out there, I hope you guys can find jobs soon.
Either way, during the Manga boom, the market was flooded with a lot of crap. I’m all for less releases at higher quality. But there is still lots of speculation and rumors still flying around on the internet. This would have not happened if Stuart Levy was a bit more honest in his announcement regarding Tokyopop’s split.
But having said that there is something else going on here and I cant put my finger on it, something else is definitely brewing under the surface. Check out the Tokyopop Facebook Group and read all the comments on the wall. Seems the admins of the facebook group have been deleting stuff left right and center, maybe trying to stop people from speaking there mind I guess who knows.
Here is some of the Manga titles that Tokyopop is currently publishing that might be affected. Take note this is just pure speculation at the moment, but where there is smoke there is fire.
Safe:
* Fruits Basket
* .hack//XXXX
* .hack//G.U.+
* D.N.Angel
* Karin (Chibi Vampire)
* Kingdom Hearts II
* CLAMP no Kiseki (book 12 is done, but absolutely no hope of the bonus figures or board)
Probably safe:
* Karin novels
* Battle Vixens
* Rave Master
* Rose Hip Rose
* Tokko
Guessing safe:
* Battle Club
* Kyou Kara Maoh (manga)
* GTO: The Early Years
Probably not safe:
* Chronicles of the Cursed Sword
* Rebirth (having had a vol. 1-3 omnibus is no guarantee; CotCS had one as well)
* Queen’s Knight
* Magic Moon
Guessing not safe:
* Atelier Marie and Elie Zarlburg Alchemist
* Boys Be
* Strawberry Marshmallow
* Shrine of the Morning Mist
* Sakura Taisen
* Kindaichi
http://larcho.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/ ... companies/