Some North American newspapers are planning to add manga-style comic strips to the Sunday funnies in an effort to attract young readers. Ironically, the strips–Van Von Hunter and Peach Fuzz–are written by Americans. From the Associated Press:
"The newspapers want the manga more even than we want the newspapers," says Stuart Levy, chief executive of TOKYOPOP Inc., which publishes the cartoon strips that will be carried. "Newspapers are looking for new fresh ways to appeal to young people."
Kirk LaPointe, managing editor of The Vancouver Sun, said manga has drawn a strong following in the Vancouver area, particularly among young readers.
"We want to bring more features that appeal to a younger readership, and many of the comics we carry have an older following," LaPointe said in an e-mail. "We also like the artistic nature of manga and feel it will contribute to the graphical beauty of the paper overall."
