Manga Studio Coming Soon!

[e frontier]

Hi Guys and Gals!

I noticed some talk in here about the CelSys product Comic Studio. I just wanted to let you know that e frontier will be releasing the English version "Manga Studio 3.0" in November! More information will be on our website in the next month, but I wanted to give you some hope that we have revived it and will be selling it soon in 2 different versions!

If you have any questions, you can go to www.e-frontier.com and use the contact us section to send me an email!

Tori Porter
Product Manager
Manga Studio

[e frontier]

Hi Guys and Gals!

I noticed some talk in here about the CelSys product Comic Studio. I just wanted to let you know that e frontier will be releasing the English version "Manga Studio 3.0" in November! More information will be on our website in the next month, but I wanted to give you some hope that we have revived it and will be selling it soon in 2 different versions!

If you have any questions, you can go to www.e-frontier.com and use the contact us section to send me an email!

Tori Porter
Product Manager
Manga Studio

[Justice41]

Mwahh, mwahh, mwahh, Thankee, thankee, thankee. I've been waiting ever since a member mentioned it. :D

[E.J.Su]

Now that took me completely by surprise. I was under the impression that someone else was releasing the English version, in fact I was beta testing it. I can't wait to see the actual product.

One thing that really disappointed me is that the name "Manga Studio" is sticking with the English version. Was there any legal reason that the name couldn't just use the Japanese name "Comic Studio"? I know it's just names, but this product actually is incredibly useful to any comic book professionals and hobbyist alike, having change the name to "Manga Studio" in North America could alienate quite a few protential customers.

I am glad v3.0 is making its way to US though. :D

[Inkthinker]

That's awesome. I'm well familiar with Comics Studio Debut (my animation studio has close ties to Celsys), but I think it's pretty foolish to call the program "Manga Studio" like it can't be used to create any kind of comics. While there are tools like screentone application and speedline generators, there's nothing inherent in the software that implies you must use it to create Japanese-style comics... it's simply got great inking tools and is geared towards the production and assembly of comics panels. You could illustrate Bone or Blankets in Comics Studio just as easily as you could create Bleach or Battle Angel (I'm almost certain Yukito Kishiro uses this software or something similar).

These pieces were all inked in Comics Studio Debut, but there's nothing in them (I think) that says "manga":

http://www.deviantart.com/view/17970445/

http://www.deviantart.com/view/15905032/

http://www.deviantart.com/view/11921771/



Just call it Comics Studio, acknowledge that it comes from Japan, and then encourage the ENTIRE COMICS COMMUNITY to check it out, and not just the people who are into manga.

By calling it "Manga Studio", the implication is that a great part of the Western comics production field wouldn't be interested, and that's just not true. Properly marketed, I believe this software could have a major impact upon the industry... assuming they realize that it's something they too can use.

[misfitX]

seriously. manga studio makes no sense. maybe something like sequential art studio? yeah, i know i'm an ass.

[e frontier]

Now that took me completely by surprise. I was under the impression that someone else was releasing the English version, in fact I was beta testing it. I can't wait to see the actual product.

One thing that really disappointed me is that the name "Manga Studio" is sticking with the English version. Was there any legal reason that the name couldn't just use the Japanese name "Comic Studio"? I know it's just names, but this product actually is incredibly useful to any comic book professionals and hobbyist alike, having change the name to "Manga Studio" in North America could alienate quite a few protential customers.

I am glad v3.0 is making its way to US though. :D


Hi!
Who were you beta testing for? After many talks and "testing" of the name, it was decided Manga Studio would be best, since it is a Black and White only product at this time, and "Comic" tends to imply color most of the time. We will make sure we market it to everyone, but TokyoPop, the Manga publisher agreed that this was the best name. You will see ads in the November releases of your favorite Manga stories. It doesn't mean the product is any different though! It will still create great Manga, Illustrations and Comics.

You can contact me direct at tori @ e-frontier . com if you have further questions or want to reply to my question directly.

[Justice41]

Whats a good estimate on price? I want this. I had called Wacom and They said they may sell the English version along with a tablet as a package deal. I guess that fell through or did it? Price please.

[e frontier]

Whats a good estimate on price? I want this. I had called Wacom and They said they may sell the English version along with a tablet as a package deal. I guess that fell through or did it? Price please.

The Debut version (the lighter version) will be released with an introductory price of $49.99. The EX version pricing and upgrade pricing from Debut wil be announced soon. Right now, in Japan, Wacom bundles their smallest tablet with a very limited version of Comic Studio called Mini. We hope to work out a partnership for the US, but that has yet to be determined.

[e frontier]

That's awesome. I'm well familiar with Comics Studio Debut (my animation studio has close ties to Celsys), but I think it's pretty foolish to call the program "Manga Studio" like it can't be used to create any kind of comics. While there are tools like screentone application and speedline generators, there's nothing inherent in the software that implies you must use it to create Japanese-style comics... it's simply got great inking tools and is geared towards the production and assembly of comics panels. You could illustrate Bone or Blankets in Comics Studio just as easily as you could create Bleach or Battle Angel (I'm almost certain Yukito Kishiro uses this software or something similar).

These pieces were all inked in Comics Studio Debut, but there's nothing in them (I think) that says "manga":

http://www.deviantart.com/view/17970445/

http://www.deviantart.com/view/15905032/

http://www.deviantart.com/view/11921771/



Just call it Comics Studio, acknowledge that it comes from Japan, and then encourage the ENTIRE COMICS COMMUNITY to check it out, and not just the people who are into manga.

By calling it "Manga Studio", the implication is that a great part of the Western comics production field wouldn't be interested, and that's just not true. Properly marketed, I believe this software could have a major impact upon the industry... assuming they realize that it's something they too can use.

Thank you for your feedback and I have added you to my Deviant watch. There were many factors involved in changing the name, and it unchangeable at this time. Just because the name is Manga Studio, doesn't mean we won't still market to the illustration and Comic markets. In fact, I strongly believe the tagline and copy will reference the ability to do all sequential art. Just because the name changed, doesn't mean it won't be a great product for the industry still!

[xadrian]

Announcements in the Bulletin Board please.

Thank you.

[Justice41]

Cool Thanks, will you guys be accepting pr orders and will you be accepting Paypal? If not, you should consider it. ;)

[Huerta]

I agree wit Ink, Fitx and Su... The "Manga" turned me off.

[e frontier]

Cool Thanks, will you guys be accepting pr orders and will you be accepting Paypal? If not, you should consider it. ;)

pr orders? Our e frontier store and content paradise do accept PayPal already.

[e frontier]

I agree wit Ink, Fitx and Su... The "Manga" turned me off.

Don't let the name scare you away! It is a powerful program, that will stil suit all your "comic" needs. Sometimes, these things can be political... ;)

[nate lovett]

I agree wit Ink, Fitx and Su... The "Manga" turned me off.


i agree, but for $50 i will probably still pick it up.

[amadarwin]

Quick question: does it handle lettering as well?

[Huerta]

Don't let the name scare you away! It is a powerful program, that will stil suit all your "comic" needs. Sometimes, these things can be political... ;)

I know I'm just saying... whats 50 bones?

[nate lovett]

I know I'm just saying... whats 50 bones?

this......



The Debut version (the lighter version) will be released with an introductory price of $49.99. The EX version pricing and upgrade pricing from Debut wil be announced soon. Right now, in Japan, Wacom bundles their smallest tablet with a very limited version of Comic Studio called Mini. We hope to work out a partnership for the US, but that has yet to be determined.

[Dash Martin]

The Debut version (the lighter version) will be released with an introductory price of $49.99. The EX version pricing and upgrade pricing from Debut wil be announced soon. Right now, in Japan, Wacom bundles their smallest tablet with a very limited version of Comic Studio called Mini. We hope to work out a partnership for the US, but that has yet to be determined.

Any chance of working out a deal with CompUSA, too? So I can run down the street and pick up a copy? That'd be awesome.

Also, what's the difference between the light version and the version we want? :D

[Justice41]

That was pre-order. Just wanted to know if It could be ordered now and delivered once it's officially released?
And what Methane said. Didn't expect so many responses didja?

[E.J.Su]

Hi!
Who were you beta testing for? After many talks and "testing" of the name, it was decided Manga Studio would be best, since it is a Black and White only product at this time, and "Comic" tends to imply color most of the time. We will make sure we market it to everyone, but TokyoPop, the Manga publisher agreed that this was the best name. You will see ads in the November releases of your favorite Manga stories. It doesn't mean the product is any different though! It will still create great Manga, Illustrations and Comics. Knowning Tokyopop, they would certainly pick "manga" as the name. Something I would certainly strongly disagree on. I have no question that you would market it to everyone, but it would be a tough sell to certain groups just because of the name.

Anyways, I got the beta version from TokyoPop, it was only v2.0.

[e frontier]

That was pre-order. Just wanted to know if It could be ordered now and delivered once it's officially released?
And what Methane said. Didn't expect so many responses didja?


Hi-
No preorders yet, we are still in the "building buzz" stage since the release is still 2 months away. Full details on the differences in versions will be available when we launch the website next month. We are hoping to get into Comp and etc, and you can already find some of our other products there. It will be available as download only first and boxed versions will be available after the beginning of the year sometime, direct first and then hopefully through retail soon after. (Sometimes it can be a process to get in stores, so it is usually a bit after the direct launch...)

Ask away! I just may not have all the answers yet. I just saw some old threads linked from google asking questions about if it was dead, so I wanted to give you all some hope!

tori

[antquinonez]

Knowning Tokyopop, they would certainly pick "manga" as the name. Something I would certainly strongly disagree on. I have no question that you would market it to everyone, but it would be a tough sell to certain groups just because of the name.

Anyways, I got the beta version from TokyoPop, it was only v2.0.

aiming it at the manga market makes sense, given market share. but it definately smacks of pandering. and really cheapens the product. i associate the wide appeal of manga with kids growing up with pokemon, power rangers, and yugioh. i love the akira books, but 'manga' is children fodder. maybe $50 is all your intended audience can afford.

and checking with tokyopop to determine naming, makes no sense, whatsoever--what do you expect them to say? im surprised it's not called 'tokyopop studio'.

man, i'm mean.

[E.J.Su]

aiming it at the manga market makes sense, given market share.
Aiming at "manga" market makes more sense or does it make more sense to aim at entire comic book creating community?
I am just stressing this product can be useful to everyone.

[Justice41]

I don't get the hate on the name. But eh. I don't care if it was called drawing with poo as long as it can do what I've seen the Japanese version I got off the site, do.

[Miss V]

I agree that calling it Manga Studio is lame. And Tokyopop would say it's a good idea because they're the "Manga Revolution." I'm sure the program is good (I think a friend of mine also has a beta version), but the name can be a serious turn-off. I use ComicWorks, which is a pretty similar program, except twice as expensive. But it has comic in the name. :D

Fun Fact: A lot of people in Japan call comics "comics," not "manga."

[Inkthinker]

"Comicsu" is the term for comics in Japan when speaking in a larger, global "sequential art" sense. Even to the Japanese, "manga" only refers to comics created and published in Japan. Otherwise, they're just comics.

That's why the Japanese called it "Comic Studio"... because it's for creating comics.

Make no mistake... by labeling it "Manga", you're going to have to fight an uphill battle against prejudices in the US market related to that term. People have a series of assumptions and preconceived notions concerning the meaning of the term, and you really don't want to have to take on the additional task of overcoming their prejudices as well as their learning curves. Now every time you demo it at a convention or talk about it to a reviewer, you're going to have to clarify that it's not just about manga... when you could have handled that by just not calling it "Manga Studio" in the first place.

Even the lack of color is no issue... there's a huge and growing independant industry that's embracing digital toolsets, and they're the perfect market for this software. But the great majority of them would not consider themselves "manga" artists, even those who have a Japanese-influenced style.

But, c'est la vie... I sincerely hope it doesn't hold you guys back too much.

I think it's an excellent program... the best, really, for creating comics using digital tools. It's extremely versatile and effective, and I'll be happy to tell people that it's on the way. I've been looking forward for a long time to the day when I could upgrade from my Debut beta to a full copy of 3.0, and I'm really ecstatic that it's going to happen soon.

But I can't understand why someone thought it was a good idea to turn off half of your potential market of artists and comics creators... and as you can see, I'm not alone in this.

[Inkthinker]

Aiming at "manga" market makes more sense or does it make more sense to aim at entire comic book creating community?
I am just stressing this product can be useful to everyone.

Exactly. And by labeling it "manga", you have to reinforce the fact that it's useful to everyone, instead of it being self-evident.

[Justice41]

But is The US the largest target market? How does this stack up to comicworks from deleter.

[Dash Martin]

I think they decided on the name because a lot of aspiring comic artists over here have strong manga and anime influences and will in turn be attracted to the product because of that. The more serious comic artists that have already been drawing traditionally like us will know Manga Studio is a relabeled Comic Studio and we'll get it because of that. I think with this name, they have a better chance of getting both the diehard artists as well as teenagers just starting to dabble.

I still prefer "Comic" Studio though. :D

[Pencilero]

Hey guys, just wanted to let everybody know it's available for purchase at the e-frontier site and copies should be hitting brick and mortar stores next month.

About damn time. Now I gotta wait on the Mac release, which is slated to come out after the PC version.

Na razie,

Greg