Bringing K-Comics to the Next Generation: Inside Ink Pop's Vision for Young Readers

As manga and manhwa surge in global popularity, Penguin Random House has launched Ink Pop—a new imprint dedicated to bringing age-appropriate manga, manhwa, and webtoons to young readers in the U.S. The line, which debuted this summer under the Random House Graphic umbrella, reflects a growing need for high-quality, family-friendly graphic stories in a market that's rapidly expanding. We spoke with executive editor Whitney Leopard about the philosophy behind Ink Pop, what makes a series print-worthy, and the special appeal of Korean stories for young American audiences.

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Ink Pop launches at a time when manga and manhwa are booming globally. What was the editorial philosophy behind creating a dedicated line for kids and teens?

Whitney Leopard: There was already a line for adult manga and manhwa—Inklore—but there wasn't a dedicated space for younger readers. Having worked on many children's and young adult books, the team saw an opportunity to build a trusted brand where kids could enjoy manhwa and manga safely. There was confidence that the same care and quality applied in children's publishing could be brought into this space.

How does Ink Pop distinguish itself from other U.S. manga or webtoon publishers?

LEOPARD: Years of publishing children's books helped build strong trust with parents and educators. While some still view manga as adult-only, today's parents often grew up reading manga themselves. Now, many are looking for stories to share with their kids—and Ink Pop wants to deliver those stories with confidence.

What do you look for when deciding if a digital series is ready for print in the U.S.?

LEOPARD: Having a completed story helps, but what matters most is the narrative itself. The focus is on finding something fresh—what's missing in the current manga/manhwa space. That unique storytelling element is the top priority.

Do cross-media adaptations like anime or live-action influence your acquisition decisions?

LEOPARD:They're always a nice bonus, but not a deciding factor. Story and artwork quality come first. The goal is to make sure the book stands strong on its own.

Your launch list includes My Life as an Internet Novel. What excites you about Korean stories and their reception in the U.S. market?

LEOPARD: This title has always been a favorite. It's fun, dramatic, and incredibly accessible. With the global popularity of K-dramas, stories like this resonate deeply with young readers—it feels like reading a K-drama on the page.

You've worked across multiple age groups and genres. What drew you to Ink Pop?

LEOPARD: Reading manga since the age of seven created a lifelong love of comics. Working in children's publishing sparked a passion for creating meaningful stories for kids. Ink Pop is the perfect fusion of both—a dream opportunity to bring manga and manhwa to younger audiences.

If you could recommend just one Ink Pop title (besides the launch list), what would it be and why?

LEOPARD: I Wanna Be Your Girl is an ideal starting point. At only four volumes, it's short enough not to feel overwhelming—especially for parents buying books for their kids. It's fun, emotionally resonant, and can serve as a great gateway into the world of manga and webtoons.