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.

[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.

[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.

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!