More coverage of the publication of the English language version of the Manga book set in the British Museum.

From:
The Bookseller

British Museum to publish first manga title
03.10.11 | Charlotte Williams

The British Museum Press is teaming up with Japanese star Hoshino Yukinobu to publish its first manga book, featuring the artist’s most famous character, Professor Munakata.

Marketing and publicity executive Sarah Morgan said the book came about after Yukinobu visited an exhibition of his work held at the museum in 2009, and was inspired by his surroundings. The story was first published in Japan as a 10-part serial in Big Comic magazine. The British Museum Press will publish one single volume as a £14.99 paperback on 31st October.

The book, Professor Munakata’s British Museum Adventure, follows the professor, who is invited to deliver a lecture on mythology and folklore at the British Museum—but the focus of his visit changes when the Stonehenge megaliths disappear, and he has to foil a scheme that endangers the museum and its most important collections.

Rosemary Bradley, director of publishing at British Museum Press, said: “The title should appeal to a wide range of readers; established manga fans, who are looking for something that engages with history and culture as well as delivering action and adventure, should definitely pick up this book; as well as lovers of detective fiction that might be new to the manga genre.”

The British Museum will also be ­hosting a free exhibition of Yukinobu’s drawings until 8th April.