Shōnen Jump and Netflix Unite to Launch Cost-Effective Subscription Plan, Aiming to Make Manga Mainstream”

Discover how Shōnen Jump and Netflix's new joint subscription plan, launching in September 2024, aims to enhance manga's mainstream appeal and help Netflix compete in the anime streaming market.
SummaryShōnen Jump has partnered with Netflix to launch a new joint subscription plan, potentially making manga more mainstream. Set to be available from September 17, 2024, this cost-effective plan aims to attract new readers. While details on which Shueisha services will be included are yet to be confirmed, Manga Plus is a likely candidate. This collaboration could help Netflix compete with Crunchyroll by offering a unique deal. It also provides an opportunity to draw more anime fans into the world of manga, potentially boosting its global popularity.

Shōnen Jump and Netflix Announce Exciting New Joint Subscription Plan

A Strategic Partnership to Boost Manga Popularity

Shōnen Jump has unveiled an intriguing collaboration with Netflix that could significantly enhance the mainstream appeal of manga. In recent years, Netflix has heavily invested in anime and is now poised to expand its horizons into the world of manga through a new subscription plan in partnership with Shueisha.

Details of the New Subscription Plan

According to a post on X by WSJ_manga, the joint subscription plan by Shōnen Jump and Netflix is set to launch on September 17, 2024. This new plan is expected to be more cost-effective, potentially attracting a broader audience to Shōnen Jump.

Although an official announcement from Netflix or Shueisha is still pending, it’s unclear which online reading services from Shueisha will be part of this plan. However, Manga Plus is a strong contender given its recent introduction of subscription tiers.

The Potential Impact on the Manga and Anime Markets

A Chance for Netflix to Gain Ground in the Streaming Wars

Despite rapidly expanding its anime offerings, Netflix has struggled to compete with Crunchyroll. Its reputation among fans has also taken a hit, exacerbated by recent leaks of its major upcoming titles. Nevertheless, Netflix has been securing licensing rights to highly anticipated releases such as the Ranma 1/2 remake and Dan Da Dan. This collaboration with Shōnen Jump could be the strategic move needed to bolster Netflix’s standing.

This diverse array of titles, combined with the new collaboration, might finally give Netflix a competitive edge over Crunchyroll, which has yet to offer a similar deal despite its leading position in the anime-streaming market. More importantly, the new subscription could entice new anime fans to explore manga, fostering its growth into a more mainstream medium. Netflix has already succeeded in attracting new audiences to anime, as evidenced by the live-action adaptation of One Piece. The streaming giant now aims to replicate this success with manga, which, though popular, still lags behind anime and manhwa in global recognition.

Source: WSJ_manga/X