The first-ever American Manga Awards took place on August 22, 2024, just ahead of the highly anticipated Anime NYC event. This groundbreaking ceremony, held in collaboration with Japan Society, marked a significant milestone in recognizing the contributions of manga creators, translators, and other professionals who bring these works to life for North American audiences.
A Historic Night for Manga in America
Hosted by the renowned author and localizer Matt Alt, the American Manga Awards aimed to honor the very best in the manga industry across six main categories. The event also featured the induction of Frederik L. Schodt, a pioneer in bringing Japanese manga to the West, into the American Manga Awards Hall of Fame. Schodt’s influence has been instrumental in introducing and popularizing manga in the United States, making him a fitting first inductee.
The Inaugural Award Winners
The winners of the first American Manga Awards were announced across six major categories:
1. Best New Manga: DRCL midnight children by Shin’ichi Sakamoto, based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula (VIZ Media)
– Editor: Andrew Kuhre Bartosh
– Translator: Caleb Cook
– Lettering and touch-up: Brendon Hull
2. Best Continuing Manga Series: Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui (Yen Press)
– Editors: Abigail Blackman, Thomas McAlister
– Translator: Taylor Engel
– Lettering: Abigail Blackman
3. Best New Edition of Classic Manga: Neighorhood Story by Ai Yazawa (VIZ Media)
– Editor: Karla Clark
– Translator: Andria McKnight
– Touch-up art/lettering: Michelle Pang
4. Best Translation: Stephen Kohler for Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama (Kodansha)
– Editor: Haruko Hashimoto
5. Best Lettering: Lys Blakeslee for Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama (Kodansha)
– Editor: Haruko Hashimoto
6. Best Publication Design: Adam Grano for My Name Is Shingo by Kazuo Umezz (VIZ Media)
– Editor: Joel Enos
– Lettering: Evan Waldinger
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The American Manga Awards were not only a celebration of the best works in manga but also a recognition of the behind-the-scenes professionals who make these works accessible to a wider audience. This event showcased the growing influence of manga in North America and emphasized the importance of quality in translation, editing, lettering, and design—elements that are often overlooked but are crucial to the reader’s experience.
What’s Next for the American Manga Awards?
With its inaugural ceremony deemed a success, the American Manga Awards are set to become a yearly tradition, honoring the ongoing contributions of the manga industry in North America. The full ceremony will be available on VOD in the coming weeks, allowing fans who couldn’t attend to witness the celebration of manga excellence.
As the influence of manga continues to expand, the American Manga Awards will likely play a vital role in encouraging more creators and professionals to bring high-quality manga to English-speaking audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of this beloved art form.
For more information and updates, the official Anime NYC website and social media channels will keep fans informed about the release of the VOD and other related events.
Conclusion
The first-ever American Manga Awards not only celebrated the best in manga but also set a precedent for recognizing the art and craft involved in bringing these works to the North American audience. This event highlighted the importance of acknowledging the creative and technical efforts that go into making manga accessible and enjoyable for fans across the continent. As the manga community continues to grow, so too will the significance of these awards, fostering a stronger connection between creators and their readers.
This historic night in New York City was just the beginning, and the future of the American Manga Awards looks incredibly promising.
This article provides an overview of the American Manga Awards, summarizing the event’s significance, winners, and future impact. For more details on the awards and upcoming manga-related events, visit the official websites of Anime NYC and Japan Society.
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