the award-winning series MAGICA was published by a Japanese company that DOESN'T usually publish manga... just because the editor fell head-over-heels in love! I spoke to that editor, Maaya Watanabe to find out what makes MAGICA so special that she HAD to have it~ Q: Before MAGICA, did you have any prior experience editing or producing manga? How was working on a manga series different from your usual work? Watanabe: "Although I had worked on several manga titles previously, most were comic essays. MAGICA marked my first experience with an original, full-color manga series. "With MAGICA, the world of the story was already fully formed in Hoshimi-sensei's mind, so I felt it was important to bring out as much of its charm as possible in the printed book. "I collaborated closely with Hoshimi-sensei on every detail—from the interior layout to the cover design—aiming to give readers the feeling that they were holding a genuine book of magic in their hands. "I am grateful to have received so much positive feedback regarding the design. The work was even nominated for Best Publication Design at the American Manga Awards." are you also in love? if so the English editions of MAGICA are available online and in bookstores now~! @KodamaTales @Daiwashobou ____ this is another original Anime ID interview! to support our manga journalism, please *follow* and *comment*--if you've got good comments, I'll poke the interviewees to respond!