All Episodes

April 15, 2025 90 mins

Find KURT HASSLER

 

Yen Press: https://yenpress.com/

Twitter: @yenpress 

Instagram: @yenpress 

CHAPTERS

03:08 Transitioning Roles in Publishing

05:51 The Role of a Publisher

09:00 Curation and Market Understanding

11:54 Kurt's Early Career and Experiences

14:58 The Evolution of Graphic Novels

18:01 Challenges in the Book Retail Industry

21:03 The Importance of Discovery in Publishing

23:45 From Buying to Publishing

27:00 The Birth of Yen Press

31:09 Building Relationships in Publishing

33:51 Transitioning Ownership: Yen Press and Kadokawa

36:48 Negotiating Complex Deals

40:26 Expanding Kadokawa's Presence in North America

42:32 Challenges of Growth in the Comic Industry

49:45 The Role of Retail in Manga Sales

51:50 The Concept of Manga Spot: A New Retail Experience

01:01:35 Reviving Community Bookstores and Comic Shops

01:02:16 Exploring the Mall as a Destination for Comics

01:04:07 The Importance of Face Time with Customers

01:05:57 The Buyer-Publisher Dynamic in Comics

01:09:49 Returnability and Its Impact on Sales

01:12:03 The Evolution of Bookstores and Comic Shops

01:17:25 Creating a New Space for Manga

01:20:08 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Comic Distribution

Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

Producer: Stephanie Gerk

Research: Anthony Militano

Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com

 

Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets. 

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