Square Enix manga store

Japanese comics, including Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater, available to read in electronic form.

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on Dec. 20, 2010

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2010) — Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced the launch of its online manga store, where users and fans can view electronic editions of popular Square Enix manga series, such as Fullmetal Alchemist® and Soul Eater®. Users can access the store through the SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS website, a free-to-register membership site operated by local subsidiaries of Square Enix ( http://publications.na.square-enix.com/na/us/top).

Through the new service, SQUARE ENIX aims to provide a global audience with easy access to localized versions of its popular manga titles through streaming. Also, through cooperation with regional localization/publishing companies, SQUARE ENIX will endeavor to promote both print and online versions of its manga titles globally. Furthermore, it is the company's aim for the official online distribution service to serve as a deterrent against illegal downloading and piracy.

Anchored by established series in the United States, the online distribution service will continue to provide manga titles that will appeal to readers of the region (further details outlined below). Starting today, the initial lineup in the United States will be four titles, including Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater, available at the special sale price of $5.99 for a limited time. The first update is scheduled for January 11, 2011. New titles will be added bi-monthly after January.

The community services offered through the SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS website will not only allow members to enjoy manga titles, but also supply a public forum where fans can provide commentary and exchange opinions about their favorite series. The site will also have special offers where members can download free wallpapers. Non-members can get a taste of the Japanese manga experience as well through free previews of the first chapters from each of the available titles.

Square Enix is dedicated to creating new entertainment experiences via online communities, shopping sites and other Internet-based business operations, and digital distribution of manga is one such endeavor toward that goal. The company plans to continue delivering a wide variety of content to an expanding global customer base through numerous outlets and multiple forms of media.

For details on the manga distribution service in the United States, please refer to the following

Online Manga Store Details

Service Launch December 17, 2010

Fees and Pricing Special Launch Sale Price: $5.99

Note: Access to the online manga store requires registration with the SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS service (registration free of charge). Current membership: over 1,700,000 members worldwide (as of December 1, 2010).

Access to the free previews available on the preview site does not require SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS registration.

Payment method is credit card only.

System Requirements Supported Operating Systems / Browsers

Windows XP / Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or above, Firefox 3.x Windows Vista / Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or above, Firefox 3.x, Safari 3.x

Note: The newest Adobe Flash Player plug-in (version 10 or above) is required for all browsers.

Display

1024 x 768 resolution or higher

Internet Connection

ADSL or faster

Official URL http://publications.na.square-enix.com/na/us/top

<SQUARE ENIX MANGA STORE>

Initial Distribution Lineup:

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

Author: Hiromu Arakawa

SOUL EATER

Author: Atsushi Ohkubo

THE RECORD OF A FALLEN VAMPIRE

Story: Kyo Shirodaira

Art: Yuri Kimura

YUMEKUI KENBUN: NIGHTMARE INSPECTOR

Author: Shin Mashiba

Future Releases:

PandoraHearts

Author: Jun Mochizuki

Story: Masahiro Totsuka

Art: Aguri Igarashi

Note: All images are of the Japanese editions of the manga.

About SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS

SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS is Square Enix’s free-to-register membership website. It currently has over 1.7 million members worldwide (as of December 1, 2010). Members have access to various contents based on Square Enix titles. Members can create their own profile page and interact with other members. ( http://member.square-enix.com/na/)

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 54 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, SOUL EATER, THE RECORD OF A FALLEN VAMPIRE, YUMEKUI KENBUN: NIGHTMARE INSPECTOR, PandoraHearts, BAMBOO BLADE, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, TAITO, TPMB RAIDER, SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.