Kodansha Faces Criticism for New Manga App Subscription Model
Kodansha’s new manga app, K MANGA, receives backlash for its subscription model, which utilizes a gacha system that requires readers to accumulate points to access each chapter. Readers express disappointment and compare it unfavorably to other manga apps.
Kodansha’s K MANGA App Faces Backlash for Subscription Model
Kodansha, the renowned publishing giant, has recently launched its manga app, K MANGA, in the United States. However, the app’s subscription model has faced heavy criticism from readers, sparking a wave of dissatisfaction. Many have deemed it the worst in the industry.
( Credit to: Animehunch )
The K MANGA app utilizes a gacha system, a monetization mechanism commonly found in games. Readers need to accumulate a specific set of points to access each chapter, ranging from 59 to 139 points. This system has drawn ire from readers who argue that it is not user-friendly or cost-effective.
( Credit to: Animehunch )
Readers quickly took to social media to express their disappointment with Kodansha. Dubbing them the ‘clowns of the industry,’ readers criticized the app’s subscription model, comparing it unfavorably to other manga apps. One such comparison was made to the new VIZ Media manga app, which offers access to over 10,000 chapters for a monthly subscription fee of just $1.99. In contrast, K MANGA requires a similar payment for access to a single chapter.
Gacha System and Reader Dissatisfaction
The gacha system used by the K MANGA app requires readers to spend real money to obtain points, which can then be used to unlock specific chapters. While points can also be earned by watching ads, there is a limit to the number of ads that can be viewed. This limitation has frustrated readers who expected a more accessible and fair subscription model.
( Credit to: Animehunch )
Many readers expressed their disappointment with Kodansha’s decision to remove their titles from platforms such as Crunchyroll and Azuki, only to launch what they consider to be the ‘worst manga app.’ This move has further fueled the backlash against the K MANGA app.
Kodansha’s Efforts to Reach US Audiences
The launch of the K MANGA app is part of Kodansha’s ongoing efforts to make their manga titles more accessible to US audiences. The publisher has witnessed a significant increase in manga sales in the country since 2022, and this app was intended to cater to the growing demand.
Kodansha, headquartered in Tokyo, is Japan’s leading publishing house with a rich history dating back to 1909. They have provided a wide range of content, including manga, novels, fashion magazines, news journals, and picture books for children. Additionally, they have expanded into TV anime, movies, series, and video games. With globally recognized manga IPs such as AKIRA, Attack on Titan, and Ghost in the Shell, Kodansha holds a prominent position in the industry.
In July 2015, the company launched its digital book platform, MAGAPOKE with nearly 20 million times downloading to date. The K MANGA app was intended to build upon this success and further expand their reach in the digital manga market.
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