Latest news with #Manga
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cultural, literary activities at Kanpur metro stns add to commuters' enthusiasm
1 2 3 4 Kanpur:Following the extension of Kanpur Metro from Motijheel to Kanpur Central, the city is witnessing a surge in commuter enthusiasm. On the second day of the launch a range of cultural and literary activities were organized at the underground stations, drawing large crowds throughout the day. As per the communique issued by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, at Naveen Market Station, commuters enjoyed a soulful evening filled with music and vibrant performances. Meanwhile, Bada Chauraha and Kanpur Central stations were transformed into literary hubs with the month-long book fair, organized in collaboration with 'Bookland' and 'Your Bookspot'. In a continued effort to engage with the community, Kanpur Metro has also announced a new platform titled 'Show Your Talent', aimed at providing young and emerging artists a chance to perform and showcase their creativity. Similarly, a book fair at Bada Chauraha and Kanpur Central stations offers passengers the opportunity to explore a wide array of timeless and contemporary literary works. The collection includes fiction, novels, poetry anthologies, essays, memoirs, and biographies — all under one roof. Children's favorites such as the 'Manga' series, Harry Potter, and superhero-themed books are also available. To cater to the interests of students and young readers, the fair features books on general knowledge and personal development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Portable Stairlifts Require No Installation in 2025 (Take a Look) Topicsift Learn More Undo Readers can enjoy attractive discounts on book purchases throughout the fair. In addition to books, visitors can shop for motivational posters, scenic landscape art, and a range of stylish stationery items perfect for home or office use. To make the Sunday even more special, a live music performance was held at Naveen market station. The crowd was entertained by a vibrant Bollywood set performed by the Rockstar Amandeep live band. Passengers appreciated the lively atmosphere and lauded Kanpur Metro's efforts to turn commuting into an engaging cultural experience. As part of its cultural outreach, Kanpur Metro is inviting aspiring performers to showcase their talents at metro stations. Whether it's solo or group musical performances, live bands, sketching, or street plays — all artists are welcome.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Japan Trading Card Game Authentication Services Market is Set to Reach US$ 636.91 Million by 2033
Japan's trading card game authentication services sector has accelerated since 2021, driven by stricter regulation, AI-powered grading, investment behavior, and publisher partnerships, positioning labs as crucial liquidity enablers within domestic and cross-border resale ecosystems. Chicago, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Japan trading card game authentication services market was valued at US$ 202.03 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 636.91 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 13.60% during the forecast period 2025–2033. Japan's collecting culture has matured rapidly since the global pandemic, and the rising average spend per hobbyist has made authentication a routine first step before any significant trade. Manga cafés in Akihabara report grading consultations tripling between 2021 and 2024, while regional card shows in Fukuoka and Sapporo have added on-site verification booths to manage long queues. The Japan trading card game authentication services market now touches every demographic tier, from elementary school duelists to investors hedging against inflation with sealed 1996 Bandai sets. Importantly, conversations have shifted from simple condition scoring toward provenance mapping, with dealers attaching QR-linked historical logs to top-loaded slabs. Download Sample Pages: Collectors are also taking cues from US sports card culture, yet they remain selective about turnaround speed and Japan-specific grading standards. Companies that can annotate print-run variants, miscut typologies, and promotional stamp origins have seen repeat submission volumes jump from hundreds to several thousand cards per month. The Japan trading card game authentication services market benefits from this evolution because each authenticated card acts as a billboard for the process; every time a streamer flashes a gem-mint‐graded 'Luffy Parallel' on YouTube, forum threads explode with fresh submission questions within hours. Such organic advocacy fuels a reinforcing loop of demand, especially among first-time entrants. Key Findings in Japan Trading Card Game Authentication Services Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 636.91 million CAGR 13.60% By Service Type Grading Services (65.42%) By Technology QR Code Scanning (35.57%) By Application Sport Cards (43.35%) By End Users Individual Collectors (43.18%) By Submission Channel Direct Submission (55.27%) Top Drivers Surge in high-value Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! card transactions. Increased cross-border trading requiring robust authentication for exports. Adoption of AI and blockchain for advanced counterfeit detection processes. Top Trends Mandatory authentication checks on major Japanese digital trading platforms. Rapid growth in in-person authentication events in Tokyo and Osaka. Expansion of multilingual support for international collectors and investors. Top Challenges Sophisticated counterfeiting techniques targeting pre-2000 Japanese trading cards. Pressure to reduce authentication turnaround times amid rising submission volumes. Ensuring regulatory compliance for cross-border trading card shipments abroad. Regulatory Environment Strengthens Authentication Standards and Reduces Counterfeit Card Risks Until recently, industry oversight was fragmented, leaving consumers to interpret a patchwork of private grading scales. That changed in April 2023 when Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs published guidelines classifying trading cards as cultural assets under anti-counterfeit statutes originally designed for ukiyo-e prints. The new framework mandates serialised tamper-evident holders for any commercial transaction exceeding ten cards, and customs inspectors at Narita and Kansai airports now scan inbound slabs with spectroscopy devices calibrated for micro-ink patterns. By 2024, eight independent labs had obtained voluntary accreditation, and disputes over alleged fake Gold Stars fell by nearly eight hundred cases compared with 2022 figures, according to National Police Agency filings. Regulation has not throttled innovation; rather, it clarified the competitive field. Every enterprise in the Japan trading card game authentication services market must now submit audit trails that link a grader's identity with each assigned serial. These regulations limit shadow operators while giving serious players a compliance badge that resonates on Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, and eBay Japan. Marketplace algorithms have begun surfacing listings from accredited graders higher in search results, slashing buyer disputes. Moreover, cross-border sellers finally gain smoothing of VAT processing because EU customs accept the new domestic holographic seal as equivalent to CE certification. The tighter legal environment ultimately translates into faster liquidity for authenticated inventory. Technological Innovations Elevate Speed Accuracy and Trust Among Discerning Enthusiasts in the Japan Trading Card Game Authentication Services Market Computer vision has altered the core workflow inside Tokyo's grading labs. A 2024 MITI-sponsored pilot equipped graders with handheld hyperspectral scanners capable of capturing seventy discrete wavelength bands in under three seconds. The resulting spectral fingerprint detects polishing or inkjet reprint residue invisible under white light, cutting manual misidentification incidents from seven per thousand to fewer than two. Blockchain also plays a supporting role: Hokkaido-based startup HashCard anchors tamper-proof grading metadata on the Avalanche subnet, enabling instant verification through standard wallet applications. Since launch, more than 1.2 million hash queries have been logged, and secondary marketplaces report quicker dispute resolution when these hashes are present. Speed gains are equally striking. Traditional express tiers promised a five-day turnaround but routinely slipped during peak releases. Using automated corner detection rigs that pivot on precision linear actuators, one Kobe lab now completes a hundred-card batch in ninety minutes, shipping the same afternoon. Such feats elevate the Japan trading card game authentication services market by resetting consumer expectations; a week feels archaic when next-day grading is attainable without premium fees. Industry influencers highlight these benchmarks on X, and the conversation spills onto LINE groups where parents planning weekend shopping trips compare lab dashboards in real time. Efficiency improvements thereby convert tech buzz into measurable traffic. Key Players Compete Through Japan-Centric Services and International Certification Alliances In the Japan trading card game authentication services market, the competitive map is led by five entities: PSA Japan (a joint venture with CGC Capital), Mint Ogawa, Beckett Tokyo Lab, CardSwitch, and neo-entrant Mirai Grading Works. PSA Japan leverages parent-company brand equity yet employs local bilingual graders who specialize in print-run identifiers unique to domestic Carddass issues from the 1990s. Mint Ogawa, meanwhile, carved a niche offering varnish preservation sprays bundled with its slab return kits, a service that boosted repeat submissions to over 45,000 cards in Q1 2024 alone. Partnerships matter too: Beckett's Tokyo Lab signed a reciprocal agreement with South Korea's KLab Grading, enabling cross-recognition that eases regional Pokémon Championship trading. The Japan trading card game authentication services market experiences unusual fluidity because alliances can instantly redirect submission flows. When CardSwitch became the official grader for Bushiroad-licensed tournaments in August 2023, sealed case owners redirected approximately 320 pallet loads to its Yokohama facility within six weeks. Still, Mirai Grading Works pierced the noise by building a community lounge above its Osaka lab where collectors livestream the encapsulation process. Such transparency resonates with younger fans who value behind-the-scenes participation. Analysts note that the Japan market will likely reward firms providing experiential touchpoints as much as numerical grades, reinforcing brand stickiness in a crowded landscape. Consumer Behavior Insights Reveal Regional Nuances and Platform Preferences Shaping Consumer motivations vary noticeably by geography in the Japan trading card game authentication services market. Kanto buyers focus on resale velocity and therefore favor globally recognized grading houses even when fees rise compared with domestic alternatives. Kansai collectors, by contrast, approach grading as storytelling, choosing boutique firms willing to embed personalized label art or hand-write provenance in calligraphy. Interviews at the 2024 Nagoya Champion Series show revealed that respondents under twenty-five ranked 'label aesthetics' ahead of 'turnaround speed' when selecting a grader. Meanwhile, rural hobby shops in Hokkaido observed on-site pre-screen appointments increase from roughly twenty per month to almost one hundred within one quarter after local influencers shared detailed submission vlogs. Digital behavior echoes these offline trends. On Mercari and Rakuma, listings containing the new NFC-scan badge have accumulated over 3.4 million cumulative page views since January 2024, indicating buyer comfort with instant mobile verification. The Japan trading card game authentication services market benefits because each scan not only authenticates the card but also funnels users into upsell loops for re-slabbing or insurance add-ons. Social commerce is equally powerful: a single TikTok clip of a serial-numbered One Piece card sliding into a slab triggered ten thousand direct-message inquiries to the featured grader within forty-eight hours. Such viral loops sustain the Japan market by reducing customer-acquisition costs for agile participants. Supply Chain Complexities Influence Turnaround Times and Pricing Transparency Expectations Logistics often becomes the hidden bottleneck between submission and slab delivery. Despite domestic shipping distances rarely exceeding 1,500 kilometers, Golden Week and Obon holiday congestion can add up to five transit days. To mitigate risk, leading graders have installed secure forwarding lockers inside Yamato Transport's main Tokyo and Osaka distribution hubs. These lockers, monitored by AI-equipped cameras, processed over 870,000 card transfers in 2023 and are on pace to surpass that figure by October 2024. Insurance carriers have responded, offering micro-policies that trigger automatically when the locker door shuts, with per-card coverage caps linked to the most recent public sale price indexed by CardLadder. Raw material shortages also ripple through the Japan trading card game authentication services market. Ultra-clear polycarbonate used for premium slabs is sourced largely from factories in Aichi Prefecture that shifted capacity toward automotive lidar casings in early 2024. Graders that anticipated the pivot stocked twelve-month inventories, maintaining stable fees, while slower rivals introduced surcharges that inflamed collector forums. Meanwhile, the surging global appetite for Pokémon 151 has created intermittent demand spikes that algorithmic capacity allocators now predict using Google Trends data combined with booster box preorder counts. Such forecasting tools help the market smooth workloads before they translate into backlogs. Emerging Intellectual Property Collaborations Foster Safer Secondary Trading Ecosystem Outlook Publishers are no longer passive observers. In July 2024, The Pokémon Company and PSA Japan co-launched the 'Origin Verified' foil stamp applied at print facilities in Shizuoka before retail distribution. By embedding a micro-dot matrix tied to official card number ranges, the stamp renders post-manufacture counterfeiting economically unviable. Bandai Namco followed suit within ninety days, authorizing CardSwitch to handle Digi-Battle Vintage reissues slated for November. These collaborations shorten authentication workflows because graders validate the stamp algorithmically rather than relying solely on loupe inspection, cutting average handling time per card from three minutes to under one. Licensor partnerships also shift risk allocation. When a misprint wave affected the first run of Weiss Schwarz 'Diva' boosters, Bushiroad directed affected owners to Beckett Tokyo Lab for free error labeling, absorbing labeling costs but leaving shipping to consumers. Such transparent remediation strengthened collector trust and kept resale prices stable on Yahoo! Auctions. The resulting goodwill flows directly into the Japan trading card game authentication services market; a study by Hobby Research Institute recorded forty-five out of every hundred Diva owners expressing grading intent within six weeks. Cross-IP cooperation therefore acts as a consumer confidence multiplier, reinforcing the Japan trading card game authentication services market's relevance. Request Report Customization: Future Opportunities Center On AI Grading, ESG Credentials And Education Looking ahead, computer-vision algorithms will likely transition from decision-support to autonomous grading for lower-value commons, freeing human experts for ultra-premium evaluations. Startups like SightScan claim sub-second corner radius measurement and centering verification at ten-micron precision, already piloted by Mirai Grading Works on bulk Dragon Ball Heroes submissions. Implementation hurdles remain, notably industry-wide data-set sharing agreements that protect proprietary scans while enabling federated learning. The Japan trading card game authentication services market could mirror the MRI imaging sector, where anonymized data pools accelerated diagnostic AI adoption without compromising patient privacy, demonstrating a compelling precedent for collaborative model training among otherwise fierce competitors. Sustainability credentials will also sway younger collectors. Eco-slabs made from bio-sourced polycarbonate debuted at the February 2024 Yokohama Hobby Festival, trimming weight by a fifth and attracting praise from environmental NGOs. Graders providing carbon-neutral shipping labels stand to capture wallet share as corporate card sponsors add ESG clauses to procurement contracts for employee gift programs. Finally, education represents the broadest canvas: public high schools in Osaka added a trading card economics module that teaches probability curves using booster pack distributions and invites guest speakers from the Japan trading card game authentication services market. Japan Trading Card Game Authentication Services Market Major Players: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) Ace Grading (ACE) Other Prominent Players Key Segmentation: By Service Type Grading Services Manual Grading Fully Automated Grading Hybrid Grading Certification Services Encapsulation/Slabbing Appraisal Services Verification Services By Technology Blockchain Authentication QR Code Scanning AI and Machine Learning RFID/NFC By Application Collectible Cards Sports Cards Sealed Boxes and Packs Digital Trading Cards Rare or Limited-Edition Cards By End User Individual Collectors Resellers and Dealers Authentication Agents Card Shops and Retailers By Submission Channel Direct Submissions Retailer / Dealer Submissions International Agents Need More Info? Ask Before You Buy: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website: in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2025-2030: Digital Platforms Expand Accessibility, Print and Digital Comics Coexist as Market Grows Through Innovation and Nostalgia
Growth is driven by diverse content and digital platforms, boosting reader accessibility. Key trends include digital comics rise, print value, and entertainment synergies. U.S. Comic Books Market Dublin, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Digital, Non-Digital), Format (Hard Copy, E-Book, Audiobooks), Genre (Science-Fiction, Superhero, Manga, Non-Fiction), with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030" report has been added to U.S. Comic Books Market was valued at USD 1.23 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 2.17 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 10.10% The market growth is attributed to the continuous evolution and diversification of comic books content. Publishers have been expanding their narratives to include a wide variety of genres, themes, and culturally diverse stories, attracting a broader audience. This inclusivity has not only brought in new readers but also retained longtime fans who appreciate the fresh storytelling approaches. The integration of comic books franchises into mainstream entertainment. The adaptation of comic books into blockbuster movies, TV shows, and streaming series has not only popularized iconic characters but also created synergies between different media platforms. These adaptations often drive audiences back to the source material, boosting sales and interest in comic rise of digital platforms has played a crucial role. Digital comics have made the medium more accessible, allowing readers to explore new titles and genres conveniently. These platforms also cater to younger, tech-savvy demographics, introducing them to the world of comics without the need for physical copies. Simultaneously, traditional print comics continue to thrive, as collectors and enthusiasts value the tactile experience and nostalgia associated with physical growing presence of comic conventions and fan events has significantly contributed to the market's expansion. These events serve as hubs for community engagement, merchandise sales, and exclusive content releases, fostering a sense of belonging among fans. The vibrant fan culture surrounding comics has helped sustain and amplify their popularity across generations.U.S. Comic Books Market Report Highlights Non-digital comic books accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024, This category covers traditionally printed comic books distributed through direct market channels (specialty comic book stores), mass-market retailers, and bookshops. Print comics include single-issue periodicals, trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and collector's editions, often valued for their physical attributes, collectability, and artistic presentation. Some notable examples are Marvel and DC Comics (Single Issues & Trade Paperbacks), Manga (e.g., Shonen Jump, Kodansha, Viz Media), European Bandes Dessinees (e.g., Asterix, Tintin, Largo Winch), etc. The demand for digital comic books is expected to showcase strong growth from 2025 to 2030. This category covers comic books that are distributed, accessed, and consumed in digital formats through various online platforms, applications, and dedicated digital storefronts. Digital comics can be formatted as downloadable files (e.g., PDF, CBZ, CBR), web-based series, or app-based interactive comics, offering convenience, accessibility, and enhanced reader engagement through features like guided view technology. Hard-copy led the overall market in 2024. Hard copy covers physical comic books printed on paper and distributed through direct market comic book stores, bookstores, and mass retailers. It includes single-issue periodicals, trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and collector's editions, often valued for their tangible quality, artwork presentation, and collectability. Why Should You Buy This Report? Comprehensive Market Analysis: Gain detailed insights into the market across major regions and segments. Competitive Landscape: Explore the market presence of key players. Future Trends: Discover the pivotal trends and drivers shaping the future of the market. Actionable Recommendations: Utilize insights to uncover new revenue streams and guide strategic business decisions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 90 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.17 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.1% Regions Covered United States Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope1.2. Market Definition1.3. Information Procurement1.3.1. Purchased Database1.3.2. Internal Database1.3.3. Secondary Sources & Third-Party Perspectives1.3.4. Primary Research1.4. Information Analysis1.4.1. Data Analysis Models1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization1.6. Data Validation & PublishingChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Market Snapshot2.2. Segment Snapshot2.3. Competitive Landscape SnapshotChapter 3. U.S. Comic Books Market Variables, Trends & Scope3.1. Market Lineage Outlook3.1.1. Parent Market Outlook3.1.2. Related Market Outlook3.2. Industry Value Chain Analysis3.2.1. Profit Margin Analysis (Industry-level)3.3. Market Dynamics3.3.1. Market Driver Analysis3.3.2. Market Restraint Analysis3.3.3. Market Opportunities3.3.4. Market Challenges3.4. Industry Analysis Tools3.4.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis3.5. Market Entry StrategiesChapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis4.1. Demographic Analysis4.2. Consumer Trends and Preferences4.3. Factors Affecting Buying Decision4.4. Consumer Product Adoption4.5. Observations & RecommendationsChapter 5. U.S. Comic Books Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis5.1. U.S. Comic Books Market, by Type: Key Takeaways5.2. Type Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 20305.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Type, 2018-2030 (USD Million)5.3.1. Digital5.3.2. Non-DigitalChapter 6. U.S. Comic Books Market: Format Estimates & Trend Analysis6.1. U.S. Comic Books Market, by Format: Key Takeaways6.2. Format Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 20306.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Format, 2018-2030 (USD Million)6.3.1. Hard Copy6.3.2. E-Book6.3.3. AudiobooksChapter 7. U.S. Comic Books Market: Genre Estimates & Trend Analysis7.1. U.S. Comic Books Market, by Genre: Key Takeaways7.2. Genre Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 20307.3. Market Estimates & Forecasts, by Genre, 2018-2030 (USD Million)7.3.1. Science-Fiction7.3.2. Manga7.3.3. Superhero7.3.4. Non-fiction7.3.5. OthersChapter 8. U.S. Comic Books Market: Competitive Analysis8.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, by Key Market Participants8.2. Company Categorization8.3. Participant's Overview8.4. Financial Performance8.5. Product Benchmarking8.6. Company Market Share Analysis, 2024 (%)8.7. Company Heat Map Analysis8.8. Strategy Mapping8.9. Company Profiles Disney Image Comics IDW Publishing Dark Horse Comic TOKYOPOP DC Comics Archie Comics DMG Entertainment Shogakukan Inc. KODANSHA USA PUBLISHING For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment U.S. Comic Books Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bookgasm and The Lit People make reading fun in Hyderabad
While most of the city is settling in for a lazy lunch on a Sunday afternoon, a bunch of strangers-turned-book-lovers are gathered at a cosy café — hungry for conversation, not food. This is Bookgasm, a six-month-old book club by Bengaluru-based Oopar Club, a physical social network. But it is not your usual book club. It is part of a larger effort to build communities around shared interests — whether it is reading, music, dance or sport, and turn solitary hobbies into something more social. Sagar Agarwal, who started Bookgasm, says it came from a simple thought: 'People would show up with their own books and read quietly.' As an avid reader himself, he realised that the real joy came not just from reading, but from sharing perspectives. 'You take away one thing from a book, someone else sees it completely differently, and that is the fun bit.' So Bookgasm was set up to spark proper, structured conversation. Each session is themed, with curated excerpts from a couple of books — modern or classic, fiction or non-fiction. For example, one session explored the idea of enlightenment through Osho's Krishna and Coelho's The Alchemist. 'Both books tackled the same idea but from completely different cultural standpoints,' says Sagar. The format is open, inclusive and lightly moderated to keep things flowing. Around 25 people usually show up to each session, held every other Sunday at 12.30pm in cafés (details avaliable on their app) around Hyderabad and Bengaluru. While Bookgasm now has over 500 members, the vibe remains intimate and laidback. 'At Oopar, we are not just building spaces for conversation, we are building connection,' says Sagar. Bookgasm has become a place where strangers turn into mates, where reading is not just solitary but social. Bookgasm is hosted every alternate Sunday at 12:30pm across cafés and restaurants. With an experiential approach Imagine this: an author drops in for a book club session to share behind-the-scenes stories, a sketch artist teaches you how to draw Manga, or a history professor joins to bust a few myths. That is The Lit People for you — a four-month-old book club that is not just about reading, but about experience-led, thoughtful engagement. Founded by book lovers Kalpana Sinha and Unnati Ved, The Lit People is trying to break the mould of typical book clubs. Before launching in February, the duo spent time researching existing clubs in the city — understanding what worked, what did not, and how they could offer something more layered and meaningful. They also introduced a membership model to keep the sessions intentional and engaging. There are two options — an annual plan for ₹7,650 or a two-book, two-event starter for ₹2,295. 'We didn't want it to be just another free-for-all where no one reads the book. The idea is to keep it structured and respectful of everyone's time,' says Unnati, who left a finance job in 2017 to start Eager Kids, a creative reading club for children and teens. At Eager Kids, young readers do not just read books, they also participate in activities based on the book's themes. Unnati wanted adults to experience this, too. So when she casually mentioned the idea at a party hosted by Kalpana — her senior from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Mumbai — the spark caught fire. And it is not just aimed at seasoned readers. 'We want to include people who want to read but are not sure how to begin,' says Kalpana. Their very first event, based on Dear Mrs Bird, featured a surprise guest: author AJ Pearce herself, who joined virtually. Fifty readers at the Centre for Organisation and Development were treated to a lively, interactive session. The venues shift depending on the book's theme, and food is always part of the experience, making it equal parts literary and social. To keep the momentum going, Unnati sends daily insights and trivia via WhatsApp to help readers connect more deeply with the book. For their Circe session on May 18, she sent an image of an ancient scroll that had readers guessing the chapters connected to the Greek myth. Next up? A session with history professor Anindita Mukhopadhyay, who will be myth-busting as the group dives into Circe. The Lit People meet on the third Saturday of every month.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Manga on hiatus due to creator Negi Haruba's health issues
Negi Haruba takes second health-related break Go! Go! Loser Ranger!'s unique plot makes hiatus harder for fans (Image source: Crunchyroll) Fans await Manga return as Anime adaptation nears The manga world is hit with another bad news as Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is officially going on another hiatus but this time due to the declining health of its creator, Negi Haruba . Known for his work on the popular The Quintessential Quintuplets , Haruba has built a solid reputation for himself for blending unique stories with emotional depth. His latest work, Go! Go! Loser Ranger!, has also developed a strong fanbase for its unique and sarcastic take on the superhero once again, fans are asked to hit the pause button as the creator focuses on news arrived earlier this week, as Haruba's staff announced that the manga would be going on hiatus due to his continued health problems. Although no illness was detailed, this is the second time the series has been put on hiatus for such reasons. Disappointing as it is for readers, a majority of fans have posted in a supportive and understanding light, acknowledging the high level of work that manga artists are Japan's manga culture, it's not unusual for artists to drive themselves to tight weekly deadlines, working long hours with minimal downtime. Burnout is all too common, and health-related hiatuses have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Haruba is one of many artists whose health has suffered at the hands of round-the-clock publication. Thankfully, both his publisher and his fanbase seem to be valuing his health over outputGo! Go! Loser Ranger! is not your average hero-vs-villain story. The show, set in a world where the Earth was invaded by aliens in the past, shows that these "villains" have since been reduced to a degrading role—impersonating battles against the planet's sentai-style heroes as part of pretend combat for public spectacle. But one of them wants out. Fed up with the performance, he infiltrates the heroes' ranks with a mission: to bring them down from narrative astutely subverts genre conventions and layers social commentary atop the glitzy, action-oriented surface. It's this incisive writing and counterintuitive tone that have helped the manga stand out in recent years. With an anime adaptation set to premiere later this year, the timing of the hiatus serves as a reminder of the stress creators are under when working on multiple large projects fans might be frustrated with the delay, they all agree that the story is worth the wait. Haruba's solid history and creative vision have gained their trust, and many wish that this hiatus will give him a chance to come back stronger and no return date has been confirmed, it's expected that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! will resume once Haruba is well enough to continue. In the meantime, the upcoming anime adaptation may help bridge the gap. It's a chance for new audiences to discover the world Haruba has built, and for long-time readers to experience the story in a new importantly, this situation shines a light on the human side of manga creation. Behind every gripping panel and twist-filled chapter is a creator working tirelessly to bring the story to life. Sometimes, stepping away is not only necessary but manga community is gradually becoming more aware of these challenges, and fans now play an important role in supporting healthy work environments. For now, the best thing readers can do is be patient and continue to support the official join fans around the world in wishing Negi Haruba a full recovery. The world of Go! Go! Loser Ranger! will be waiting when he's ready to return—and we'll be ready to cheer him on.
