How to understand Manga in this special Manga 101 episode featuring Nakama Press editor Kris Simon. Learn what you need to be a comic book creator in the exploding popularity of Manga
DATE: 4/14/2026
TIME: 8:00 PM EST
HOST: Buddy Scalera
CO-HOST: Deanna Destito (The Beat, Comic Corner)
GUEST: Kris Simon, Editor of Nakama Press, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios
We analyze the technical and commercial mechanics of the manga industry with Kris Simon, editor of Nakama (an imprint of Mad Cave Studios). This session provides a professional “Manga 101” for creators, exploring the visual language, market growth, and global variations of the art form. Simon shares her insights on transitioning from mainstream Western editing to managing a manga-inspired line, detailing the specific structural differences between traditional comics and authentic manga. We evaluate the “reductive” nature of manga storytelling, including the use of speed lines, screen tones, and the unique challenges of translating works from Japanese, Chinese, and French for the US market.