Don't forget to read Part I of Akadot's interview with Sam Humphries.

Sam Humphries, the consulting editor of Raijin, gives Akadot an exclusive interview about the first weekly manga anthology to hit America. Although each manga title featured in Raijin is translated into English, the actual publication is in Japan giving fans the opportunity to experience authentic manga at its best. Filled with hit titles such as Tsukasa Hojo's City Hunter and Tetsuo Hara's Fist of the Blue Sky, Raijin is destined to thunder through the American manga market. Sam Humphries gives Akadot the latest news, info, and expectations concerning the ground-breaking anthology.

Akadot: Besides weekly release, how does Raijin differ from the other manga anthologies already released in America? For example, Smile or Animerica Extra.

Sam Humphries: Well, Tokyopop's Smile is a shoujo title and focuses on a female audience. They do what they do really well. In fact, I'd say that is the key similarity between all the manga anthologies. We all do what we do really well. We choose a focus and stick to it. Even though they cancelled it, Smile was a great title for girls. Animerica Extra is aimed towards a younger audience than we are. We are what they call in the comic book market a "mature readership". But, really what that means is sixteen years old and up.

Akadot: How is Raijin going to differ from the upcoming issues of Viz's Jump?

SH: Good question. I'm going to have to say you will have to wait and see on that one.

Akadot: What is your opinion Jump? Do you think Jump and Raijin are targeting the same customers? Or are you themes different from each other?

SH: Viz and Gutsoon have a good relationship as our sister companies in Japan, Coamix and Shogakuen. All four companies are in agreement that multiple anthologies of high profile titles are good for the entire market. No one is concerned about a limited market share. We want to work together to increase manga in the domestic market. In our opinion, it is great that Jump is coming out with some high profile titles and names.

Akadot: Since the key demographic is targeted for a male mature audience, do you plan to release a separate anthology featuring girls' stories?

SH: In terms of actual plans, it will have to be a wait and see situation. We love the shoujo market and titles. We think they have a really big future in America. But, whether or not we branch off to a separate anthology or start running muliple anthologies, it all comes back to fan reaction. The team here and Japan is dedicated to really shape our future depending upon what the fans say and what they want.

Akadot: On your website you mentioned that your company will be divided into publishing, merchandise, and Media divisions. What types of products are you planning for your merchandise division?

SH: We are planning lots of branded merchandise that relates to our story. Pencil boards, posters, T-shirts and plastic files. What's cool in Japan will influence what will sell. It would be great if we could do Slam Dunk Pocky. We will also be doing Raijin comics branded and Japanese influenced merchandise that otaku who love the Japanese style, design, and kanji will appreciate.

Akadot: What about Slam Dunk Basketballs?

SH: I wouldn't be against that. Call Spalding. [Laughs]

Akadot: Do you plan to get into the anime industry with any of the titles you are working with?

SH: No comment. But, I think it is pretty clear if you are a manga company and are interested in media and licensing that anime is definitely on your radar screen.

Akadot: If you could choose any manga title to add to your anthology, what title would it be? Why?

SH: I've got a list about twelve pages long of manga I would like to bring to America. I don't want to say because we are actively considering them. I will say one that is unlikely, but I would love to bring America this mahjong manga I have in my office. It's so crazy, but I love it. It's like The Color of Money because it has the hot shot contender, the old grizzled mahjong championship circuit vetern, a sultry woman, the strategies and psychology of the game. It's so interesting and such a culture shock and it's a great example of how far manga has developed in Japan compared to how little comics have developed in America. I would really like to bring one of those obscure, culturally shocking manga to Americans and say "See, if we can just pull ourselves up from the bootstraps, we could go this far in America."