Late last evening, Publishers Weekly broke the news that San Francisco-based manga publisher Viz Media had laid off nearly 60 employees, a number that is estimated to be about 40% of the company's workforce. There's been no official word on exactly who the layoffs have affected, though e-mail to certain Viz staffers has been returned with the message, "This person is no longer available at this email address."
According to Publishers Weekly reporter Calvin Reid, Viz acknowledged in a formal statement that it is, “restructuring to adjust to changing industry and financial market realities.” For more details, read Reid's full report. This is Viz's second round of layoffs in just over a year.
Boston-area critics react on Twitter with a mixture of surprise and distress. Blogger Brigid Alverson comments that the company had seemed to be "weathering the storm very well," while reviewer Ken Haley sums things up with a succinct, "Ouch." More reactions from local bloggers are likely to emerge as the day continues. Keep an eye on Alverson's MangaBlog for updates.
Viz Media has long been considered manga's greatest success story in the west, with long-lasting titles like Naruto and Bleach as part of their bulletproof catalogue. Recent licensing of riskier, less mainstream titles for adult readers have pleased critics and serious fans, particularly offerings from their IKKI and Signature imprints.
Boston readers will find most recent Viz releases in stock at Kenmore Square's Comicopia.
Update: Additional local links
Not the end of the world as we know it (MangaBlog)
Oh Viz, sweet Viz (Manga Bookshelf)
Viz Media Cuts 40% Staff, Go!Comi Disappears (Mania.com)
Update: Official message to fans from Viz
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