Abrams Employees Vote Strongly to Unionize

Company votes 88% in favor of unionization

ICv2 reported on Monday that employees at Abrams Books and its manga- and comic book-focused division Abrams ComicArts have voted to unionize, with an impressive 88% supporting the move. The union is part of UAW Local 2110.

Background of the Vote

The voting process took place from April 30 to May 21. It follows a period marked by several layoffs and cuts to health benefits at Abrams. UAW Local 2110, which will represent these workers, already includes over 3,000 members across publishing, universities, museums, and law firms.

Photo credit: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

New Initiatives at Abrams

Launch of Kana Imprint

On April 23, Abrams ComicArts announced the launch of Kana, a new manga-focused imprint for the U.S. market. It will publish both Japanese manga and French comics, aiming for a yearly output of 40-60 paperback titles.

• The initial list includes three manga and three French comics.
• All three manga licenses are from Éditions Ki-oon in France.
• Featured titles include:
  • Leviathan by Shiro Kuroi, serialized in Shonen Jump+
  • Eden of Witches by Yumeji, serialized in Kadokawa’s Harta
  • Manhole by Tetsuya Tsutsui, serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan

The distributor will be Hachette.

Company Background

• Abrams ComicArts was founded in 2009 as an imprint focusing on graphic novels and comic book history.
• It became a full division of Abrams Books in April 2023.

Sources: ICv2 (Milton Griepp)

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