Square Enix launches manga imprint

Square Enix have announced a partnership with Penguin Random House to release manga in English speaking markets.

The company behind the Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Tomb Raider franchises has released their titles indirectly before (Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater) but this marks their first direct entry into the market,

The initial offering will be Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future, a novel which brings a new chapter in the sprawling world to light, as well as Hi Score Girl, A Man and His Cat and the complete Soul Eater manga. 

From the Press Release:

“We are excited to have this opportunity to introduce our wide variety of books with the help of PRHPS to our new readers,” said Katsuyoshi Matsuura, Executive Officer and Vice President of Publication Business Unit, Square Enix Co., Ltd. Masaaki Shimizu, General Manager and Publisher of Book Publishing Division, SEA who is responsible of the new program, said, “We’re so excited that we now have the full support from PRHPS for achieving our goals to introduce more English translated books and expand our reach to new audiences.”
 
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Square Enix for their venture into the worldwide, English-speaking market,” added Jeff Abraham, President, Penguin Random House Publisher Services. “We see significant opportunity for their exciting and original program to succeed here.”