Tokyopop, Noir Caesar Prepare Launch of the Basketball Manga Series Deep 3

TOKYOPOP and NOIR CAESAR Prepare the Launch of the Basketball Manga Series DEEP 3

Series about a young player's quest for glory was originally featured in Japan in Big Comic magazine and set for English language debut next Spring

Los Angeles, CA – Publisher TOKYOPOP and Noir Caesar Entertainment, a black-owned indie creative company that supports and nourishes content from marginalized communities across various media, expand their relationship as TOKYOPOP announces the March 2026 release of DEEP 3.

The manga, by creator Mizuno Mitsuhiro and artist Ryōsuke Tobimatsu, was originally published in Japan by Shogakukan and has been licensed for North American release by Noir Caesar with print and digital distribution by TOKYOPOP. The series depicts the on- and off-the-court dramas of a young Japanese basketball player in his quest to become a top-ranked scorer. DEEP 3 was originally serialized in Japan in the manga magazine, Big Comic.

This is the story of a young basketball player willing to do whatever it takes to get back on track. Demian Kawai has devoted himself to basketball with the goal of becoming the top scorer in the National Basketball Organization. For now, competition at the high school level is tough, especially if you can't measure up to the other players.

Despite his promising future, Demian is struck by a case of the yips, causing his arms to stiffen up and risking his chances to reach the big leagues! Now Demian will have to dig deep to power ahead in his climb to greatness.

“I've been a fan of Deep 3 for years,” says Noir Caesar co-founder, Johnny O'Bryant, who is himself a professional basketball player and former NBA player. “I first discovered it on Twitter, where the character designs kept popping up and instantly caught my attention. That curiosity led me down a rabbit hole – researching the series, studying the artwork, and digging through the Japanese pages since there was no English translation available at the time.”

He continues, “Years later, while playing professionally in Japan for the Ibaraki Robots in the B.League, I reached out to the creator of Deep 3 on Instagram and arranged a meeting with the help of a translator. During our conversation, I learned that no one had yet bid for the English rights. Knowing how special the series was, I mentioned it to my partners at TOKYOPOP and the possibility of bringing the series to English-speaking audiences. I'm very excited for its debut to manga readers and fans of basketball.”

Follow Noir Caesar Online:
Noir Caesar Twitter: https://Twitter.com/noircaesar
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Noir Caesar Website: https://www.noircaesar.com
Get in touch with Noir Caesar: [email protected]

About Noir Caesar:
Noir Caesar Entertainment is a growing indie creative company that supports and nourishes art from marginalized communities in various media, including animation, film, tv and comics. The brand is one of the fastest growing entertainment and publishing companies in the US, driven by diverse and brilliant creative talents spanning from top notch 2D animation partner studios to exceptional writers, artists, illustrators, producers and division heads, on top of a committed crew of sales and client management professionals. More information at https://www.noircaesar.com.

Follow TOKYOPOP Online:
TOKYOPOP on Twitter/X: https://Twitter.com/TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyopop
TOKYOPOP on Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP Official Website: https://www.tokyopop.com/
TOKYOPOP on TikTok: https://www.TikTok.com/@tokyopop

About TOKYOPOP, Inc.
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP brings Asian pop culture to Hollywood and beyond. TOKYOPOP established the market for manga in North America, introducing the term to the English language in the process, and expanding the market in Germany, publishing thousands of books in both languages, distributing anime and Asian films on home video and television, licensing merchandise to consumer goods and companies, and creating graphic novels of both original content and major IP adaptations. With NARUTO THE GALLERY, the company is launching its live events and location-based entertainment division. TOKYOPOP's core values focus on multiculturalism and diversity; aestheticism and artistic integrity; and passionate and positive storytelling. More information at: https://www.tokyopop.com/.