[Update, Nov. 18] DMP Starts a Bring Back Osamu Tezuka's "Swallowing the Earth" Kickstarter

by Naruleach
Nov 14, 2011 10:42 PM | 19 Comments

According to their website, manga publisher DMP has started a campaign via Kickstarter in order to be able to reprint Osamu Tezuka's "Swallowing the Earth".

Over two years ago, DMP sold "Swallowing the Earth" as a large omnibus. However, it had a small print run and has been in high demand by fans ever since. DMP wishes to print the book again but cannot afford a new print run. They have turned to the fundraising site Kickstarter to get the book back out to fans.

With Kickstarter, users pledge money to the campaign over a 30 day period. If the goal is met by the end of the 30 days, then the project is funded. By pledging different amounts, users can gain different rewards. Awards include a copy of the book when it's printed or even a package that not only includes the book, but many other manga titles as well.

DMP stated that if the campaign is successful, they will be looking to reprint other titles, or even bring new titles this way in the future.

DMP said:
We're here because we believe Kickstarter can be a new way to fund niche manga titles in the United States. If this campaign is successful, you WILL see more, including premium editions of other older books and even new titles that would NEVER make it over to the U.S. without fan support.

DMP's Kickstarter page

Source: DMP

[Update, Nov. 18]
On Thursday, November 17th 2011, DMP’s Bring Back Osamu Tezuka’s “Swallowing the Earth” met its goal of raising $3,950 dollars. The project was started with a goal to reprint Tezuka’s long out-of-print and in-demand volume of “Swallowing the Earth.” The project still has over 20 days to go and people can still pledge money towards the project. DMP stated the more money they get the more volumes they will print. People who pledge $30 dollars or more will receive a copy of the book.

Source: Kickstarter

Story by Brand

19 Comments Recent Comments

[Update, Nov. 18]
On Thursday, November 17th 2011, DMP’s Bring Back Osamu Tezuka’s “Swallowing the Earth” met its goal of raising $3,950 dollars. The project was started with a goal to reprint Tezuka’s long out-of-print and in-demand volume of “Swallowing the Earth.” The project still has over 20 days to go and people can still pledge money towards the project. DMP stated the more money they get the more volumes they will print. People who pledge $30 dollars or more will receive a copy of the book.

Source: Kickstarter

Story by Brand

Nov 18, 2011 4:32 PM by Florete

OMG.... did anyone else read all the rewards you can get with the $45 dollar donation....... $10 of online manga, brand new copy of swallowing the earth and 2 volumes of manga of your choice with titles like Worst and Itazura Na Kiss and the deals keep on raising after that and your also supporting them it's like they are giving you deals on a platter lol.......

I think it's a pretty good idea and they can only really lose if nobody buys the manga and since they are in high demand that seems less likely... I know it's a pretty brief way of looking at things but it looks like it is a way better method of getting people to donate than just asking them to.

Nov 15, 2011 9:36 PM by rpn101

4 days in they are on a roll XD i should donate but im broke lol

Nov 15, 2011 4:38 PM by Corpse69

This is really not interesting at all.
Blame Miyazaki for ruining my image of the makers of anime classics.

Nov 15, 2011 4:14 PM by Orix

Sounds interesting.

Looks like it'll go through, with 26 days left and less than $900 left to go.

Nov 15, 2011 3:33 PM by Forest-kun

It does look interesting O.o

Nov 15, 2011 2:58 PM by KinkyMegane

Brand said:
@selective_yellow - The original book was about $25 dollars so it's a bit expensive but it is a big omnibus. I do think it is larger then 3 single normal sized manga.

Yes, I know the size of it and those do sell for around 25 dollars, which I would pay, but I don't really want to spend 30 dollars and get a 5 dollar gift towards something else, as I can't also afford something else on top of it. :(

Thus is the life of a student on a tight budget.

I would also have to ask my parents that live near the border to drive across and pick up, unless I want to add 6 dollars for shipping. :

Nov 15, 2011 9:06 AM by SY_IS_DEAD_IRL

I actually own a copy of the book from the first time DMP printed it. It's an interesting piece. It's certainly not Tezuka's best work, but is a very interesting transitional piece. During the gekiga movement in the 1960's Tezuka wanted to start writing more mature works. The thing is there a few transitional works where you can tell he is trying to write a more mature story but still feel really cartoony. Silly faces, over exaggerated gags, and such. But the story tends to be dark and the characters often have poor morals. It can be really odd. So, it's interesting to see Swallowing the Earth compared to something a few years later like MW (which is one of his most serious and dark titles).

I also like the idea of a Kickstarter campaign to get titles reprinted. I understand companies can't always take the risk of reprinting some titles and this can take the risk out of it. I think this a great way to see some of those now costly titles reprinted.

DMP also even mentions that if this goes well they will look into publishing niche titles this way. I could think of so many great titles I could get this way. I hope it all works out.

@selective_yellow - The original book was about $25 dollars so it's a bit expensive but it is a big omnibus. I do think it is larger then 3 single normal sized manga.

Nov 15, 2011 7:42 AM by Brand

superb, it's a classic.

Nov 15, 2011 7:16 AM by Cashdax

i'm not really interested

Nov 15, 2011 6:58 AM by Mr_Gutts

First I've heard of it, and the synopsis is bizarre. Might be interesting. Good luck to DMP.

Nov 15, 2011 6:26 AM by Jujika

Oh sounds very interesting indeed. I fully support. I hope it does well.

Too bad I haven't read this guy's work because I don't read much manga.

Nov 15, 2011 6:11 AM by Ocean_Horizon

i hope dmp succeeds - it is a crime of epic proportions that all of tezuka-sama's works are not available in english, while the market is flooded with truckloads of meaningless tripe that no one will care about in ten years - i wish more people could be exposed to so much classic manga that is being overlooked for the most part!!!

Nov 15, 2011 1:17 AM by octal9

PLEDGE $30 OR MORE
25 BACKERS
The $5 reward PLUS a brand new copy of Swallowing the Earth!

I'd pledge 25 just for the book.. I don't want to spend that much. If you get the 5 dollar reward you have to add in even more money to get a complete book. :(

Nov 15, 2011 12:29 AM by SY_IS_DEAD_IRL

This is a great idea. Usually I've been seeing Kickstarters for webcomics that need a boost and doing something like this for a manga company could work really well when given enough publicity.

Nov 15, 2011 12:06 AM by Salinga

I definitely approve. I love the synopsis and just wish I could pick it up this instance.

Nov 14, 2011 11:17 PM by Damonashu

So it got through after all.

Nov 14, 2011 11:05 PM by notsureifsrs

Anyone else think of Ultimate Muscle?

Nov 14, 2011 10:45 PM by HawthorneKitty

I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I JUST WANTED TO BE FIRST POST CUZ MY PARENTS NEVER LOVED ME!

Never seen a manga cover like this. Looks interesting maybe I give it a go!