Main Feature: Monthly comics HERO'S
The focus is on a magazine that a publisher launched in November, 2011 together with Japan's biggest convenience store chain, Seven-Eleven. Called Monthly comics HERO'S, its key difference from the usual comics is that it isn't sold in bookshops. Only available at Seven-Eleven, net shops and pachinko parlors through its own special distribution route, it is also very cheap at only 200 yen compared with the normal comic price of 400 to 500 yen. The content is rich even so with works by some of today's top manga authors. It is a whole new approach to manga publishing. Young people around the world are now looking to Japanese manga for universal entertainment and the young Japanese are certainly lapping this one up! Can Monthly comics HERO'S become the new global comic model? We examine the future shape of Japanese manga.

Creator's interview: Shinji Kimura Japanese Art Director
Shinji Kimura has been the art director for a range of animated films from STEAM BOY to TEKKON KINKREET. He has recently been moving into the world of picture books as well and his densely constructed images have been acclaimed both at home and abroad. Please enjoy the strange buildings and winsome characters of his endearing fantasy world!