Chapter 306 - Exclusive Contracts Only (2/2)
What surprised Goro Takahashi the most was there was no trace of influence from any well known manga artists in the skills, style, and storyboard of the drawings presented to him.
He pondered at the drawings for a long time but not as long as Muto Kentaro. It took him about forty or so minutes to withdraw his eyes from the manga and the storyboard and to refocus his attention on Meng Fan. His gaze was burning. “Meng-san, where do you plan to serialize your manga?”
Before Meng Fan could respond, he continued: “If Meng-san trusts me and allows me to be the editor in charge, I promise, I can make this publish on ‘Weekly Shōnen Magazine’!”
“Weekly Shōnen Magazine” was the largest manga company under Kodansha enterprises. It was one of the three largest shōnen magazine establishments, next to “Weekly Shōnen Jump” and “Weekly Shōnen Sunday.”
There was another reason besides the quality and potential of the manga that allowed Goro Takahashi to give Meng Fan this offer so hastily. That was gratitude.
“Weekly Shōnen M’s” publication rate wasn’t as great as “Weekly Shōnen J,” nor was its serialization ranking. But serialization was still scarce, and there were several manga artists awaiting the serialization of their work!
Muto Kantaro also believed that the manga “Legend of the Mountains and Seas” could make Weekly Shōnen, but that was just acknowledgment. He didn’t confirm that it would happen for sure, and even if it made the cut, he would have to wait for a serialization position. Even with Oda san’s recommendation, Meng Fan could only meet with Muto Kantaro in advance to discuss terms and conditions.
Of course, if Oda had taken Meng Fan personally instead of providing a letter, the result would be very different. But when it came to Goro Takahashi, Meng Fan received a completely different treatment.
Goro was grateful because Meng Fan had saved his life, and he genuinely respected his character and was attracted to his charm. Plus, with the quality of the manga presented, he was naturally willing to do all he can to fight for Meng Fan, even if it meant sacrificing his own profit and displace his resources. He would help Meng Fan to the end!
He did not even consider the fact that Meng Fan was a Chinese person or what not.
Meng Fan heard this and smiled at Goro thankfully. He then got to the point and spoke out his request. “Goro-san, please hear me out before you make your decision.”
“It’s no secret that I came to Japan because of my manga. I was originally aiming for Shueisha, especially after I received the recommendation from Oda-san. But Shueisha did not accept my requests. I have the same conditions towards Kodansha as well. I want to sign a contract, and give your company in Japan all the copyrights to my manga, including manga serialization, network serialization, and solo publications, as well as miscellaneous merchandise.”
“But for the animation copyrights… I am happy to hand it to your company as well, even though it might be a long time in the future. But I must clarify in advance, I request that a Chinese production studio participate in the production of the animation…”
“Collaboration agreement?”
Goro heard this and creased his brow, smiling bitterly. “Meng-san, this is very difficult for me! If it was an exclusive contract, I can give you the best treatment for any other request! But if it’s not exclusive, I could give up my life and still won’t be able to get you onto ‘Weekly Shōnen Magazine!”
Meng Fan knew Goro Takahashi was telling the truth and sighed. He was too idealistic! He then asked: “Would it be possible if it’s not Weekly Shōnen, but another magazine instead?”
“Another magazine? That would be a pity… Meng-san… Ah, nevermind. I know if you are willing to accept an exclusive contract, you would have signed with Shueisha already.” Goro Takahashi continued. “As for other manga publishers, they have several collaborative projects, so it won’t be a problem. Meng-san, what other requests do you have? If so, let me know. I’ll take your requests up above to discuss. If they allow it, I’ll contact you to discuss the details. How does that sound?”
Meng Fan nodded and told him the rest of his requests. Goro Takahashi listened as he took note. Every once in a while, he would look up to confirm some points.
Once Meng Fan finished, Goro Takahashi looked at the requests he’d written down and sighed in his mind. If this was any other person, he would have flipped the table long ago.
Even if his manga was excellent, Japan was a society that highly valued societal status that followed many formalities.
“Meng-san, please wait a moment.”
Goro Takahashi left the room, daring to take these requests with him. Aside from coming out alive with this outstanding manga, he had another request.
Kodansha was the first firm out of the big three to enter the Huaxia market and collaborate with Chinese companies. Especially recently with the Huaxia manga market expanding so rapidly. Their collaborations have become more common, and aside from creating a mutual platform, they also established the first branch of their company within Huaxia.
This was Kodansha’s first branch in a foreign country and also the first wholly-owned Japanese company in Huaxia.
Kodansha publishing corporation had been frequently exchanging negotiations with Huaxia and the Chinese publishing industry regarding copyright and trade in recent years.
If this prospect did not exist, Goro Takahashi would have persuaded Meng Fan to adjust some of his requests. Now, he would wait and see.
Goro Takahashi was very willing to help Meng Fan!