As announced over in the School Library Journal, Penguin Random House‘s children’s graphic novel imprint Random House Graphic has announced Ink Pop, a line showcasing manga, manhwa (Korean comics), and print editions of webtoons. The upcoming comic line will be an age-appropriate counterpart to the Inklore imprint, which sells similar titles, albeit ones that are aimed at adults.
The line will launch with I Wanna Be Your Girl, a young adult manga by Umi Takase, originally published online from 2018 to 2020. A queer romance, the series follows a girl who is in love with her childhood friend, something that grows complicated when her friend comes out as transgender girl before they begin high school. It will be released over four volumes, the first of which will hit stores on July 1, 2025.
A second series was also announced, My Life as an Internet Novel. A YA manhwa by Han Ryeo Yu and A Hyeon, My Life as an Internet Novel follows a teen who is transported to a world that is resembling some of her favorite high school romance novels, where she has multiple potential suitors. Vol. 1 of the series, which began on Tappytoon in 2019, will be released on September 2, 2025. Michelle H. Nagler, SVP & Publisher, Random House Brands & Graphic, announced the line which will be led by Whitney Leopard, Executive Editor, Random House Graphic.
Michelle H. Nagler, SVP & Publisher of Random House Brands & Graphic, states, “It’s an exciting time to bring manga to our market. We’ve seen the popularity of the genre rising in the US, and we hear from parents, teachers, and librarians all the time about wanting more manga for young readers. The Random House Graphic team is thrilled for the opportunity to thoughtfully bring global comics to the children’s market we know and love, with our Ink Pop line.”
English (US) · 