FWTS ### Chapter 146: Overseas Serialization (Part 2)

Hou Muyun had interacted with Chen Yixin several times and had somewhat understood his character, especially regarding his passion for comics. It wasn't just enthusiasm; it was almost a fanaticism. Given that, Hou Muyun had a pretty good guess about what this was all about.

Finding a place to sit, he said, "Editor-in-chief Chen is so excited; it must be either the two major American comic magazines or the three major Japanese ones. I haven’t heard of any overseas serializations in the American ones, so it must be one of the three major Japanese shonen magazines."

Chen Yixin nodded, then stared at Hou Muyun for a while before finally breaking the silence, "Why are you so calm?"

Hou Muyun chuckled, "Well, it depends on whether it's a weekly, monthly, or some other magazine."

Japan has three major publishing houses: Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan, each publishing multiple manga magazines. The most renowned among them are undoubtedly the three major shonen magazines: Weekly Shonen J, Weekly Shonen M, and Weekly Shonen S. These magazines have weekly, monthly, and other related publications, with varying levels of influence and circulation.

Of these, the three weekly shonen magazines have the largest circulation and the greatest influence.

Given his recent work in manga, Hou Muyun had naturally gained some understanding of this field. After all, Japan has the largest and most comprehensive manga market, and it's hard to discuss manga without mentioning Japanese comics.

Additionally, Hou Muyun had learned that some Chinese domestic manga had been serialized in Japan, but mostly not in the top three weekly shonen magazines. At best, they appeared on the associated app platforms of these magazines.

For instance, the app platform of "Weekly Shonen J," called "Shonen J+," had featured several Chinese comics, including "Mo Fei Legend," "Five Seconds Fairy Tale," and "The Kingdom of Picking Again."

However, no mainland Chinese manga artist had ever been serialized in "Weekly Shonen J" itself.

Incidentally, Taiwanese manga artist Peng Jie and a Japanese manga artist once collaborated on a short series that was published in "Weekly Shonen J," marking the first time the magazine featured work by an overseas artist.

As for "Weekly Shonen J," it's the leader among the three weekly shonen magazines, once boasting a terrifying circulation of over 6 million copies per issue in a single year. It has published numerous nationally renowned manga, including "One Piece," "Naruto," and "Bleach."

And this magazine's name appeared in Chen Yixin's next words.

"Of course, it's a weekly magazine, and it's none other than 'Weekly Shonen J!'"

Chen Yixin was still visibly excited. "Actually, when you were serializing 'Xuanyuan Sword Master,' they had already started tracking and investigating. They even made indirect contact with our manga department to understand your abilities. As soon as the manga version of 'Nine Heavens' was released, they officially approached us. It's clear they hold 'Nine Heavens' in high regard and are very interested. If it gets serialized there, it will be historic for Chinese domestic comics, and you'll become the first mainland Chinese manga artist to be serialized in 'Weekly Shonen J!'"

Pausing, he looked at Hou Muyun, "Why are you still so calm?"

Hou Muyun smiled, "I haven't heard their conditions yet, have I?"

Chen Yixin, speechless, handed a document to Hou Muyun and said, "It's all in here. I've marked the non-negotiable points in red; the rest can be discussed."

Hou Muyun glanced at it, then looked at Chen Yixin. "Editor-in-chief Chen, this exclusive contract requires 'Nine Heavens' to be serialized exclusively in their magazine. Even domestic serialization has to be delayed until after their publication and requires their authorization. In short, Qiyue Comics will have to stop the serialization first and wait for their authorization. And you're still so excited?"

Chen Yixin smiled, "It's not like it can't be serialized. A little delay is fine. The key is that getting into that magazine has significant implications for 'Nine Heavens' and the entire Chinese manga industry!"

"You have quite the nerve! Does your boss know about this?"

Hou Muyun couldn't help but feel a bit speechless and continued reading. He then stopped and frowned slightly, asking, "Article 7, no room for negotiation?"

Chen Yixin glanced at it, nodded, and said, "This clause is a supplement to the exclusive contract. During serialization, to ensure the artist focuses entirely on the work and to prevent collaboration with other publishers, only one work can be created. Even if you have new ideas or works, they must be reviewed, approved, and wait for a serialization slot. Cooperation with other manga media is not allowed. Also, any ongoing works must be completed or suspended before signing the contract."

Hou Muyun read through a few more clauses, shaking his head repeatedly. "These terms are really overbearing."

Chen Yixin sighed with a wry smile. "Being the industry's number one, it's normal for their terms to be a bit stringent. As for the publication timing, they've given a fairly clear indication. Once the contract is signed, 'Nine Heavens' will be published in the shortest possible time, within a month at the latest. Most manga artists are willing to wait and endure just for the chance to be featured in that magazine!"

"I can't wait or endure that long!" Hou Muyun set the document aside and continued, "According to their contract, I would need to complete or halt the serialization of 'Xuanyuan Sword Master' and 'Sword Master Chronicles' before signing. Given the current progress, it will take at least two months. Then, signing the contract and waiting another month means a minimum of three months! During these two months, I can't continue serializing 'Nine Heavens' to align with their schedule. As for any new works, they're out of the question! This isn't just about overseas serialization rights; it's practically about owning all the rights to 'Nine Heavens'!"

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Editor-in-chief Chen, as much as I'd love for my work to be featured in 'Weekly Shonen J,' I can't sign such an exclusive contract."

Chen Yixin hurriedly tried to persuade him, "It's not all of your rights, just the serialization rights. The film, game, and other rights still belong to you! Xiao Hou, I understand your point, but you need to grasp the significance of being featured in that magazine! Yes, it might take three months, but the wait will absolutely be worth it!"

Hou Muyun frowned even more. "Editor-in-chief, to be frank, the significance you speak of doesn't hold much weight for me, that's the first point."

"Secondly, it's not just about the three months. Even after the wait, during the creation of 'Nine Heavens,' I'll still be heavily restricted!"

"Thirdly, I can't suddenly speed up or halt the serialization of my current works. It's not about letting down the fans or anything sentimental; it just feels humiliating and not something to be proud of."

Hou Muyun stood up and paced for a moment. "Editor-in-chief, if they want 'Nine Heavens' to be serialized, I'll only grant them serialization rights. Only the serialization rights, no exclusive contract. That means I’ll serialize on Qichuang first and then authorize them to serialize. Just like 'One Piece' is serialized in their magazine and then authorized to your Qichuang Comics website! That's my condition. If they can negotiate, we will; if not, then forget it."

After a moment of thought, his expression softened and he switched to a more informal address. "Chen-ge, for me, the biggest market will always be China, not Japan. Maybe it's because I'm not purely a manga professional, so I don't value the significance you're so concerned about. Let me advise you: don't hold it in such high regard either; let's look forward! Who knows, maybe one day, our comics won't just enter the Japanese market but invade it, just like their comics are hugely popular in China!"

Chen Yixin was stunned by Hou Muyun's words.

Bold!

Hou Muyun's words were too bold!

So bold that Chen Yixin felt it was like a fantasy, utterly unrealistic!

Chen Yixin sat there for a long time, then exhaled deeply. "Xiao Hou, your ambition is too grand, and you're too rational! I guess we, as Chinese manga professionals, have been living under the shadow of Japanese manga for too long! Alright, alright! We'll negotiate based on your conditions!"

He then burst into laughter. "Besides, the rights are all in your hands; if we don't do it your way, what else can we do?"

Hou Muyun, seeing this, modestly and truthfully replied, "It's because I haven't been in the manga industry long enough to understand it deeply, so I'm less restricted and dare to think big. Maybe it's what they call the bravery of the young and inexperienced!"

NEXT