• Manga Arabia, a subsidiary of global media group SRMG, and Kadokawa Gempak Starz (KGS), Malaysia’s biggest publisher of comics and graphic novels, have entered into a new and expanded partnership agreement
  • This partnership follows the successful collaboration between Manga Arabia and KGS on X-Ventures, a comic series featuring young Saudi heroes published under Manga Arabia Kids
  • The debut of the sequel to X-Ventures, further new co-productions and the translation of Manga Arabia’s IPs into Malay and Chinese are included in this expanded agreement

RIYADH: - Manga Arabia, one of the latest creative content projects from leading global media group SRMG, today signed an agreement with Malaysian comic publisher Kadokawa Gempak Starz (KGS). Amongst other co-produced projects, this partnership will include the debut of the new series of X-Ventures – a Manga Arabia series originally co-developed under a previous partnership agreement by Manga Arabia’s team of talented authors and creators and KGS’s world-class illustrators and editors.

The first season of X-Ventures followed the adventures of three young Saudi heroes Laith, Lynn and Ziad, and invited readers along on their thrilling journeys. The 12-chapter story blends adventure and entertainment, granting readers an insight into the fascinating world of oil and energy sources while sparking their imagination. The second season of the X-Ventures series will have the team tackle an archeological mystery, taking them on a daring journey filled with fun and excitement brought by the young heroes.

This partnership will also see Manga Arabia comics translated into Malay and Chinese – the first time Manga Arabia has been translated for new markets. Manga Arabia currently includes two Arabic magazines, Manga Arabia Kids and Manga Arabia Youth.

Commenting on the expansion of the partnership with KGS, Jomana Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG, said: “Building on our strong partnership with leading Malaysian comics publisher KGS is an important further step in expanding the Manga Arabia offering for fans across the world. This partnership is a further demonstration of SRMG’s commitment to providing audiences with premium content that informs, entertains and inspires.”

Mr. Chris Yew Chen Han, CEO of KGS, commented: “KGS is excited to continue our partnership with Manga Arabia, a creative fusion that further clarifies our international vision to extend our reach to markets beyond Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and even the United States. This partnership also includes translations of Manga Arabia into Malay and Chinese; not only is this the first time that Manga Arabia has been translated into another language, but it will expand the offering for Malay and Chinese Manga fans.

Dr. Essam Bukhary, Editor-in-Chief of Manga Arabia, commented: “We are thrilled to work with KGS to bring Manga Arabia to the wider global community, proving that Arab-origin stories and content can inspire audiences well beyond the borders of the Middle East. The popularity of the X-Ventures series is the first of many successful stories in our new journey with KGS.

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ABOUT KADOKAWA GEMPAK STARZ (KGS)

KADOKAWA GEMPAK STARZ began back in 1994 as ART SQUARE GROUP, an advertising agency. Sustained success consequently saw the establishment of GEMPAK STARZ, its graphic novel publishing arm in 2001. In November 2015, it joined forces with KADOKAWA CORPORATION, Japan’s leading entertainment content provider and renamed itself KADOKAWA GEMPAK STARZ.

Now, the company is in the midst of advancing itself – from being Malaysia’s biggest publisher of comics and graphic novels to becoming one of the world’s most prolific creators of creative content.

ABOUT SRMG

SRMG is a global media group from the Middle East. With a 50 year legacy responsible for many regional firsts, SRMG has built a portfolio of over 30 outlets – including Asharq Al Awsat, Asharq Network which includes Asharq News and Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Arab News, Independent Arabia, Sayidaty and Hia – which bring quality news and information to an audience of millions across 4 continents and in 7 languages. Through its network, SRMG provides access to today’s biggest stories, boldest ideas and brightest minds – helping people understand their world better.

A champion of regional creativity, ideas and innovation, SRMG has now expanded beyond media - diversifying its business to include book publishing, events and experiences, research and advisory, content production and more. Leveraging its experience and knowledge of the region - and supported by global talent and partners - SRMG aims to unlock the possibilities of the future.