01 May• Written by admin01
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Manga in Arabic
Manga's global reach is undeniable, and its spread in the Middle East was initially fueled by the popularity of anime. Shows like Captain Tsubasa, Slam Dunk, and Dragon Ball found massive audiences in the region, thanks to Arabic dubbing, television broadcasts, and DVD releases.
While anime thrived, manga faced a significant hurdle: accessibility. Prior to the 2000s, obtaining manga in the Middle East was challenging. Limited quantities were often imported in French. The advent of the internet, however, changed the game. As online access grew, so did manga's popularity, thanks to wider availability. It's worth noting, though, that some manga titles were published in the Middle East concurrently with the airing of these popular anime.
Captain Majid
While Middle Eastern audiences recognize "Captain Majid" as the localized title for Captain Tsubasa, it's important to note that the name was also used for other series.
Prior to Captain Tsubasa, Young Future Publishing, founded in 1979 and known for translating and publishing Arabic comics, released their own Captain Majid (كابتن ماجد). This version was an Arabic localization of the popular British soccer comic Billy's Boots by Fred Baker, which originally ran in Scorcher and Tiger magazines throughout the 1970s. These two series were later combined and serialized in Tiger magazine in 1985.
Young Future ver. Captain Majid 1st Issue
Excerpt from Captain Majid 1st Issue.
Excerpt from Billy's Boots on Tiger Magazine
During the broadcast of Captain Tsubasa on Arab television, Young Future released a manga series titled Captain Majid in volume format. While the title might suggest a connection to Captain Tsubasa, this Captain Majid was not an Arabic localization of the original manga. Instead, it was a localized version of a different manga series entirely: Soccer Kakeru, by Nodashigeru and Takayama Yoshiki.
Young Future ver. Captain Majid N. 1
Soccer Kakeru Vol. 1 by Nodashigeru and Takayama Yoshiki
Young Future's true Arabic localization of Yoichi Takahashi's Captain Tsubasa, titled Captain Majid, is a rare find, particularly in its complete form. This first issue, containing two chapters from the original manga, reveals several production shortcomings. Like other manga localizations of that era, the text is handwritten. Furthermore, while the original Japanese sound effects were removed, they weren't replaced with Arabic equivalents. Finally, the players' shirts were modified, likely to obscure Japanese text.
Later, Kinokuniya UAE published a complete Captain Tsubasa tankobon edition featuring new translations and improved printing quality.
Young Future ver. Captain Majid Issue 1
Excerpt from Captain Majid Issue 1
JP ver. Captain Tsubasa Vol. 1
Excerpt from JP ver. Captain Tsubasa Vol. 1
Kinokuniya UAE ver. Captain Tsubasa Vol. 1
Madrasat Kung Fu (Kung Fu School)
To coincide with the Arabic dub of Iron Fist Chinmi: Kung Fu Boy (titled Madrasat Kung Fu) premiering on Arabian television, Young Future released a special manga issue. This special edition, based on Takeshi Maekawa's original Iron Fist Chinmi manga, featured a redrawn version of the story that aligned with the anime adaptation. While following the anime's narrative, some manga scenes were omitted, and the artwork was colored using the anime's palette.
Madrasat Kung Fu Special Issue
Excerpt from Madrasat Kung Fu
Excerpt from JP ver. Iron Fist Chinmi Vol. 1
JP ver. Iron Fist Chinmi Vol. 1
Manga Arabia
Manga Arabia, a subsidiary of the Saudi Research and Media Group established in August 2021, is a Saudi Arabian company dedicated to the creative content industry. It focuses on producing and publishing both Arabic and Japanese comics, offering two magazines: Manga Arabia for Kids and Manga Arabia for Youth Magazine. These publications are accessible in both print and digital formats, with free electronic access available through their dedicated app.
Manga Arabia
Manga Arabia for Youth
Manga Arabia for Kids
The magazine's content featured a blend of locally produced Arab manga and imported Japanese manga. Printed on high-quality white paper, it enjoyed wide distribution across the Arab world in various stores such as Tamimi Markets, Jarir Bookstore, and Virgin Megastore, all offered free of charge. Notable Japanese titles published in the magazine included:
هجوم العمالقة / Attack on Titan
هايكيو / Haikyuu!
اجين / Ajin Demi-Human
نيفرلاند الموعودة / The Promised Neverland
فينلاند ساغا / Vinland Saga
قاتل الشياطين / Demon Slayer
أكاديمية بطلي / My Hero Academia
كايجو رقم 8 / Kaiju No. 8
In 2024, Manga Arabia announced the release of physical copies of manga titles, including Attack on Titan, Ajin: Demi-Human, and Bungo Stray Dogs, which were made available at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024. Continuing this initiative, Manga Arabia announced in 2025 that their physical manga would also be sold through their official website: https://store.mangaarabia.com/.
Attack on Titan
Ajin Demi-Human
Bungo Star Dogs
Blue Lock
Tokyo Revengers
Al Mahrousa
Al Mahrousa, an independent publishing house, research, and information center, was established in 1986 by Faried Zahran. Over three decades, Al Mahrousa has published over 1000 titles, introduced numerous pioneering writers, and fostered many literary communities. Beyond its extensive catalog in politics, socio-economics, religion, and mythology, Mahrousa currently emphasizes engaging with science, philosophy, and comics. Furthermore, it is committed to translating 30 acclaimed cult literature and fiction titles annually from around the world.
In 2018, they released Barefoot Gin in Arabic. In 2023, they released Old Boy in Arabic. In 2024, they released ULTRAMAN and Rooster Fighter in Arabic. The releases seem to be yearly basis.
Barefoot Gen
Old Boy
ULTRAMAN
Rooster Fighter
Asir Al Kutub
Aser Al-Kotob started with a popular Facebook group, aiming to connect readers with their favorite authors. This online community grew into a formal publishing house on September 9th, 2014. Their goal was simple: make it easier for readers to buy and find the books they wanted in any bookstore. Since then, they've published about 300 original Arabic books and 70 translated ones, with plans to publish even more.
JP Ver. of Showa: A History of Japan
Arabic Ver. of Showa: A History of Japan
In 2023, Asir Al Kutub releases Showa: A History of Japan in Arabic. Created by Shigeru Mizuki, the book is an autobiographical and historical work that chronicles the author's experiences growing up during the Showa period (1926-1989) in Japan, interweaving his personal story with the major political, social, and economic events of the time.
The influence of manga continues its steady expansion throughout the Arab world, a growth significantly bolstered by the efforts of companies like Manga Arabia. Recognizing the widespread appeal of Japanese media, numerous Arab companies are now actively working to broaden its reach through various avenues, including the importation and localization of both anime and manga. This growing interest not only provides Arab audiences with greater access to beloved Japanese series but also fosters the development of local creative talent within the manga industry.
By wholeheartedly supporting local manga companies, enthusiasts can actively contribute to a vibrant and promising future for this dynamic art form in the Arab world, paving the way for more original Arabic manga creations and further enriching the cultural landscape.
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