In a move that has surprised many within the anime and manga community, Sony has announced the revival of the Crunchyroll Manga app. This announcement, made at Sony’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 press conference, comes just over a year after the app was shut down. The original app, launched in October 2013, was a digital manga distribution service that offered a wide variety of titles to subscribers. However, it faced numerous challenges, including licensing issues and competition from other digital manga platforms, eventually leading to its demise in December 2023. This unexpected revival has sparked debate among fans and industry experts alike.
A Brief History of Crunchyroll Manga
The Crunchyroll Manga app initially launched with a focus on simulpub titles from Kodansha USA Publishing, offering fans access to manga chapters simultaneously with their release in Japan. This was a significant draw for many readers. The service boasted popular titles such as Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, The Seven Deadly Sins, and Fire Force. The app was available in over 170 countries and offered both a manga-only subscription and an “All-Access” membership that included anime and drama content.
However, the app’s journey was not without its bumps. Starting in 2018, Kodansha began pulling completed series from the platform. The biggest blow came in January 2023 when Kodansha terminated its simulpub program with Crunchyroll, opting instead to launch its own digital manga app, K-Manga. This left Crunchyroll Manga with a significantly reduced library, leading to its eventual shutdown on December 11, 2023.
The Revival
Now, just over a year later, Sony is bringing back the Crunchyroll Manga app. The revived app will be offered as a premium add-on for existing Crunchyroll subscribers and will be available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app will initially launch in the US and Canada, with plans to expand to other regions and languages in the future. Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, stated that the app will feature “iconic titles and fan favorites” from “multiple top publishers”, aiming to offer unparalleled access to the manga that inspires the anime loved by fans.
The move comes after Sony’s increased investment in the Japanese media giant Kadokawa, becoming its largest single shareholder. This development could provide Crunchyroll with a competitive edge in the manga distribution market. Sony appears to be consolidating its position within the anime and manga industries by leveraging its various subsidiaries, including Crunchyroll, to create a “One Sony” ecosystem.
Why the Revival is Questionable
Despite the promise of a larger library, the decision to revive Crunchyroll Manga raises several concerns:
Competition in the Digital Manga Market
The digital manga market is now more competitive than ever. Platforms like K-Manga, Shonen Jump’s MANGA Plus, and VIZ Manga have already established a strong presence. These platforms offer a diverse range of titles, often with simultaneous releases and their own unique features. The original Crunchyroll Manga struggled to compete with these services due to licensing issues and a smaller library. It remains unclear how the revived app will differentiate itself this time around.
User Experience Concerns
The original Crunchyroll Manga app was often criticized for its poor layouts, slow loading times, and inconsistent picture quality. These issues contributed to a negative user experience, leading many fans to seek alternatives. Sony will need to address these issues head-on in the new app to win back the trust of manga readers.
Licensing and Publisher Relationships
The previous Crunchyroll Manga app suffered greatly when Kodansha pulled its titles. The success of the revived app will hinge on securing strong relationships with publishers and building a diverse library. If Crunchyroll is unable to secure a steady flow of new content, its new app might not fare better than the original.
Focusing on the Anime Library
Crunchyroll’s primary strength has always been its anime streaming service. The company has invested heavily in expanding its anime library and adding features like Crunchyroll Game Vault. Reviving the manga app might distract from these successful ventures and strain resources.
The Previous Shutdown
The sudden shutdown of the original Crunchyroll Manga app left many fans feeling abandoned. The company stated the decision to shut down the service was part of its “commitment to providing fans with the best experiences.” The move was seen by some as an effort to focus on anime streaming, leaving many to question why the platform is now returning to manga distribution.
Potential Benefits
Despite the skepticism, there are potential benefits to the revival:
Integration with Crunchyroll
The new Crunchyroll Manga app will be a premium add-on to the anime streaming service. This integration could create a more seamless experience for users who enjoy both anime and manga. It would offer fans a one-stop shop for their favorite entertainment.
Larger Library
The new app promises a large library of manga from various publishers. If the company can deliver on this promise, it could attract a significant number of manga readers.
Potential for Innovation
The digital comic space is constantly evolving. With advancements in technology, there is potential for the Crunchyroll Manga app to introduce new features and innovations that could transform the way manga is read. This includes interactive panels and improved accessibility features.
The Future of Digital Manga
The future of digital manga is bright, with many platforms constantly innovating to improve the user experience. Manga platforms are expanding their reach by increasing multilingual support, enhancing accessibility, and refining mobile optimization to ensure seamless reading across various devices. Interactive elements such as sound effects, interactive panels, and dynamic transitions are becoming increasingly common, transforming the reading experience. Additionally, community-building features like forums and reader comments will play an increasingly important role for manga enthusiasts to discuss and share their love for the medium.
Conclusion
Sony’s decision to revive the Crunchyroll Manga app is a gamble. While the integration with the anime service and the potential for a large library are appealing, the company must address past issues and effectively compete in a crowded market. The future of the app will ultimately depend on whether it can offer a compelling experience for manga readers, and deliver a service worthy of the Crunchyroll name. The manga community will be watching closely to see if this revival proves successful, or another misstep for the platform.
