HarperCollins is expanding its footprint in the comic industry by establishing a dedicated U.S. manga imprint named Kazé, according to recent reports. Set to roll out its initial slate of seven titles later this year, the new imprint will feature a diverse catalogue catering to both younger readers and adult audiences.
To celebrate the launch, members of the Kazé editorial team are set to host a special industry panel at Anime NYC. Taking place on August 22, 2026, from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM EST in room 1A15-18, the event will offer attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the imprint alongside an exclusive preview of upcoming 2027 releases.
This announcement follows HarperCollins’ acquisition of the French publishing house Kazé from Crunchyroll in July 2025 (operating separately from this new North American brand). Prior to that purchase, Crunchyroll had managed the European manga division since 2022, eventually launching the first volume of Mamakari’s Plus-Sized Misadventures in Love under the Kazé banner in June 2025.
In addition to these manga ventures, HarperCollins’ HarperVia imprint has steadily grown its translated fiction library. Past releases include Shion Miura’s Run with the Wind in October 2025, alongside Tomihiko Morimi’s The Tatami Galaxy and The Tatami Time Machine Blues in July 2023 and November 2024, respectively. Continuing this trend, the publisher has slated Saeko Himuro’s novel Ocean Waves for its debut English-language publication in March 2027.
Source: ICv2 (Brigid Alverson)