And There Goes Tokyo(pop)

http://www.comicsbeat.com/2011/04/15/end-of-an-era-tokyopop-shutting-down/

I don't know what to think or how to feel, really.

I was introduced to a lot of series and new things, especially when I was really young, due to Tokyopop. They had been my favourite translator-publisher when it came to manga, since it seemed they kept the comics' integrity and foreign appeal (like much less americanisation of terms, none of that page-flipping bullshit). Although, I do realise that in the end, money is what it comes (came?) down to, and that they aren't the same company that they used to be.

I was never really big on their OEL Comics/Manga (Aside from stuff by Christy Lijewski or good ole' Brandon Graham), and it sounds like dealing with them was a hugely convoluted process. I used to dream of entering their "Rising Stars of Manga" competition, working to hone my skills thinking I could hit it big entering. I guess along the way I lost the bit of Japanophile edge I must have had, and learned more about indie comics, kind of broadening horizons, expanding my mind, and what-not.

Oh well. farewell Tokyopop. I just hope I can snatch some of your backlog still! I never got to finish my collection of "BLAME!"!