From Tokyo to Kolkata: Manga Takes Centre Stage at the Book Fair:

🖊️Pallabi Ghosh

At the ongoing 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026, Simon & Schuster India has carved out a distinctive niche by presenting a curated selection of manga and graphic novels, reflecting the growing appetite for this genre among Indian readers. The fair, held from January 22 to February 3 in Salt Lake, Kolkata, continues to showcase a rich diversity of literary offerings from across the globe, and S&S India’s focus on manga adds a dynamic cultural dimension to the event.

Simon & Schuster India, one of the region’s leading trade publishers, is leveraging its position as the official distributor for VIZ Media manga titles in India—a partnership that brings a wide range of English-language editions of popular Japanese comics to local readers. At their stall, visitors can explore mainstream and beloved series that have contributed significantly to the genre’s global popularity, including volumes from the Naruto and One Piece franchises, alongside other notable titles adapted and localized for the Indian market.

The presence of manga at a major literary event such as this marks a shift in India’s reading culture, where visual storytelling and graphic narratives are gaining traction beyond traditional comic circles. S&S India’s selection spans genres—from action-packed adventures and dramatic sagas to character-driven tales—offering something for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.

By foregrounding manga within its exhibition space, Simon & Schuster India not only showcases a commercial catalogue but also reflects broader trends in global publishing and readership. Young adults and lifelong readers alike are engaging with stories that blend intricate art with compelling narratives, underscoring manga’s increasing relevance in diverse literary landscapes.

 

Against the backdrop of record footfalls and over 1,000 new releases at this year’s book fair, the publisher’s manga showcase stands out as a vibrant intersection of international pop culture and traditional book-fair enthusiasm.