Arab’s Manga Makes a Debut At Sharjah International Book Fair 2023

While nobody saw this coming yet Arab’s very own manga makes its debut at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2023 with a colorful array of manga characters staring down at customers. 

In a significant debut at the ongoing Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), Manga Arabia, a subsidiary of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), has made its mark as the Middle Eastern counterpart to the popular Japanese manga comics. Unlike the traditional black and white sketches, Manga Arabia has opted for a vibrant approach, bringing color to its pages.

This marks Manga Arabia's second appearance at SIBF, with last year's focus on distributing a free magazine format. Sultan bin Homaidan, an exhibitor, mentioned that it's their third visit to Sharjah if the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival is considered. The Manga Arabia team, arriving from Riyadh, is actively participating in the event.

Established in 2021, Manga Arabia specializes in publishing Arabic and Japanese manga, catering to two age groups: Manga Arabia Youth (16 and above) and Manga Arabia Kids (10-15). Beyond translating Japanese originals, Manga Arabia boasts its team of Saudi writers, creating content that aligns with Arab identity and values, offering purposeful and safe storytelling.

The locally produced comics include titles like Bissa (meaning a female cat) and Dhab Boy (inspired by a lizard-like animal found in Saudi Arabia). Noteworthy Japanese works like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan have also been translated.

Manga Arabia's commitment to accessibility is evident through its free-to-download app, providing a safe and reliable platform for readers. The pricing reflects affordability, with Kids books at AED 29.50, Youth books at AED 32.50, and a third category featuring books on how to draw manga characters priced at AED 37, all available at the book fair.

In this exciting venture, Manga Arabia brings a fresh and culturally resonant perspective to the world of manga, emphasizing the importance of meaningful content that reflects Arab values and appeals to a diverse audience.