Crunchyroll Launches Digital Manga Subscription Service With Same-Day Offerings

Longtime on-demand anime streaming powerhouse Crunchyroll is entering the "simulpub" manga business in a big way this week with a new monthly digital comics subscription service. The Web, iOS and Android compatible service is kicking off with a set of 12 Kodansha titles translated for English readers in 170 countries the same day the material debuts in its native Japan. The first wave of material in the service includes Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, Mysterious Girlfriend X, Space Brothers, UQ Holder!, A Town Where You Live, Yamada-Kun and the Seven Witches, My Wife is Wagatsuma-San and Coppelion. What's more, Crunchyroll says even more manga is yet to come.

Fans familiar with digital comics subscription services like Marvel Unlimited/Marvel Unlimited Plus will recognize how the service works to an extent. Those seeking only manga can subscribe for $4.95 a month, while those who want access to manga along with Crunchyroll's full host of features including premium access to anime, live action shows and site shopping discounts can pay $11.95. If you already have a Crunchyroll All-Access membership, you'll be able to access Crunchyroll Manga for no additional charge.

Those who don't subscribe to either plan can still read select digital manga for free too, though there'll be limited advertisements to mull through.

[Via Crunchyroll]