In 2023, Running Press, part of Hachette Book Group, commissioned CATACI to provide original manga illustrations for “The Essential Manga Guide,” a publication exploring the breadth of manga genres, including shōnen, shōjo, seinen and beyond. The project required artwork that could clearly communicate the distinctive visual language and atmosphere of each genre while remaining engaging and accessible to readers.
CATACI selected a Japanese manga artist whose versatility and artistic range closely matched the publisher’s brief. She created all the original illustrations for the book, adapting her approach to reflect the different genres, character types and storytelling traditions presented throughout the guide. CATACI facilitated the collaboration, helping connect the publisher’s editorial objectives with the specialist creative skills required to realise the project.
The completed artwork gives each section its own visual identity while bringing consistency and energy to the publication as a whole. This collaboration demonstrates how CATACI supports international publishers with access to professional Japanese manga artists, carefully matched to the creative and editorial needs of each title. From artist selection and visual development to production coordination and final delivery, we help publishers create authentic manga illustration for books, educational resources and specialist publications.
