This is DMP's third Kickstarter Campaign but the first to publish a children's work and in full color. The manga original printed in color has had many reprints in Japan but mostly in black & white. The last time this title was in print in color in Japan was over 11 years ago. The cost of color printing is much more expensive and so this Kickstarter is asking for more donations than before.
With Kickstarter, users pledge money to the campaign over a 30 day period. If the goal is met by the end of the 30 days, then the project is funded. By pledging different amounts, users can gain different rewards. Awards include a copy of the book when it's printed or even a package that not only includes the book, but a t-shirt and poster as well.
DMP said:
Dozens of volumes of manga by Osamu Tezuka have now come to American shores, many to great acclaim. The vast majority of them have been stories written for adults. Yet many of Tezuka's most famous characters in Japan appear in manga meant for children. We think it's unfortunate that so few of Tezuka's manga for kids are in print in English, so we set out to publish "Tezuka manga to read with your kids."
Dozens of volumes of manga by Osamu Tezuka have now come to American shores, many to great acclaim. The vast majority of them have been stories written for adults. Yet many of Tezuka's most famous characters in Japan appear in manga meant for children. We think it's unfortunate that so few of Tezuka's manga for kids are in print in English, so we set out to publish "Tezuka manga to read with your kids."
Source: DMP's Kickstarter page
Update, June 26
The Unico Kickstarter reached its goal of $20,500 on Tuesday June 25th, just five days after it started. Pledges are still being taken if you would like to take advantage of the Kickstarter only rewards.
DMP has also announced their first stretch goal on their Facebook page. If they reach $26,000 they will be able to release ATOM CAT, a manga where Astro Boy is a cat.
https://www.facebook.com/DigitalMangaInc
Story by Brand
