Crossed Hearts: Bridging Asian Comics and Global Readers

Crossed Hearts, a new publisher based in Los Angeles and Bengaluru, India, is making waves in the comic and graphic novel industry with its bold mission: to bring Japanese manga, Korean webcomics, and Asian light novels to English-language audiences worldwide.

Founded by Niharika Puthamakula, also known by her pen name Aurora Aurealis, the publisher has assembled a team of over 50 professionals and already plans an ambitious rollout of 30 titles across 20 series by 2027. Many of these titles will see their first print editions in English. Unlike traditional publishers, which often release English-language editions years after an Asian webcomic or manga has completed its run, Crossed Hearts aims to release ongoing series promptly.

By signing contracts that cover the entire duration of a series, the publisher ensures that fans can enjoy current content in print, rather than waiting years for the series to be completed. This model addresses a growing demand among English-speaking readers, who increasingly seek timely access to their favorite stories.

Crossed Hearts’ inaugural titles focus on romance webcomics with large existing audiences. Fall releases include Baroness Goes on Strike (November 25), From a Knight to a Lady (December 13), and The Archduke’s Adopted Saint (spring 2026). U.K. readers will get early access slightly before the U.S., and pre-orders for Baroness include a limited-edition format with collectible extras.

Distribution spans North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of Latin America, with plans to expand into Southeast Asia, South Africa, and the Middle East in the coming year, reflecting the publisher’s truly global ambitions.

While online platforms already provide English translations for many Asian webcomics, Crossed Hearts is differentiating itself by creating print-exclusive features designed to enhance the reading experience. Collectible photo cards, journal pages for personal notes, and French flaps with extendible pages turn each book into a personalized keepsake. Puthamakula emphasizes the value of allowing fans to customize their experience: “Their book can be their own keepsake,” she said. These features also cater to the growing collector culture around comics and graphic novels, where readers appreciate unique, tangible editions.

While the initial releases focus on romance, 2026 will see an expansion into other manga genres, including action, fantasy, mystery, and thriller, alongside at least two light novels. To further diversify, Crossed Hearts will introduce four new imprints in May 2026. Two formats will be established: one for light novels and another for anthologies of completed series. The other two will cater to boys’ love and girls’ love audiences, reflecting global interest in queer romance narratives.

Crossed Hearts’ strategy aligns with broader trends in self-publishing and indie comic distribution. According to industry analysis, platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, and Kickstarter have empowered creators worldwide, while print publishers that integrate collectible editions and fan engagement see higher loyalty and sustained sales. Additionally, the globalization of manga and webcomics has led to strong cross-cultural exchanges, with English-speaking markets increasingly demanding access to diverse narratives.

Crossed Hearts exemplifies the evolving landscape of comic publishing: blending global accessibility, print innovation, and audience engagement. By bridging Asian webcomics, manga, and light novels with English-language readers and offering collectible print experiences, the publisher is poised to redefine how international stories are shared and enjoyed. With ambitious plans for multiple imprints, genres, and markets, Crossed Hearts is a name to watch for fans and collectors alike.