Manta, the digital comics platform operated by South Korean publisher RIDI, announced two major initiatives aimed at expanding its catalogue and supporting readers transitioning from the soon‑to‑close Tapas service.
Independent Creator Section Launching November 16
Starting on November 16, Manta will host a dedicated section where independent creators can set up personal profiles, upload episodes through a built‑in creator studio, and publish directly to the platform. The move is designed to give solo artists and small studios a straightforward path to reach new audiences without the gatekeeping of traditional publishers.
According to the platform’s official announcement, readers will be able to discover these indie titles alongside existing series, leave comments, and engage with creators in real time. While the existing library will remain untouched, the independent works will appear in a separate tab to keep the two collections distinct.
Interested creators are invited to submit their contact information via an online form linked on Manta’s help site. The form is not a formal application but simply a way for the platform to gauge interest and follow up with potential participants.
“Our goal is to empower creators to build their own fan communities while providing a future path to monetization,” the company said in the statement. Manta also hinted that successful indie series could eventually be promoted into its official lineup.
“Move Your Bookshelf” (MYB) Program for Former Tapas Readers
On October 9, Manta unveiled the “Move Your Bookshelf” (MYB) program, a free service that lets users who previously unlocked episodes on Tapas transfer their owned content to Manta. The initiative comes after Tapas announced on October 1 that it will cease operations on March 31, 2027, with no option to move purchased episodes to other Kakao services (source).
To qualify for MYB, readers must have purchased at least ten episodes of a given series on Tapas. There is no cap on the number of series a user can apply for. The application process requires a single uncut screen recording of the user’s Tapas purchase history in its original file format, showing episode ranges owned. The recording must not include login screens, payment details, or the episodes themselves. Once approved, the episodes are added to the user’s Manta library in the same version as originally unlocked.
A step‑by‑step guide hosted on Google Drive explains how to create and submit the required video (here). The full list of eligible titles can be found on the program’s campaign page (here).
“Move Your Bookshelf” reflects Manta’s broader strategy to attract readers displaced by Tapas’ shutdown and to grow its own user base through a seamless migration experience.
First Global Release: From the Burnt Ashes
In tandem with the creator hub, Manta announced on October 5 that From the Burnt Ashes, a series by Jeung‑ji Ma, would debut as a Manta exclusive. The title is marketed as the platform’s first “Global Release,” meaning new episodes are published simultaneously on Manta and RIDI for readers worldwide.
The early release of the first episode on the same day underscores Manta’s commitment to delivering fresh content directly to its audience, especially as it expands its catalog with indie works.
What This Means for the Digital Comics Landscape
By opening its doors to independent creators and offering a hassle‑free migration path for Tapas users, Manta positions itself as a rising contender in the competitive digital manga market. The platform already hosts a broad range of Korean and international titles, and the new indie section could diversify its offerings further.
For creators, the ability to publish without a traditional publisher reduces barriers to entry and may spur a wave of original webtoons and manhwa. For readers, the MYB program promises continuity of ownership, a rare assurance in a market where platform closures can leave fans stranded.
As the digital comics space continues to evolve, Manta’s dual‑track approach—supporting creators while safeguarding reader investments—could set a new standard for platform‑centric ecosystems.
For more details, visit Manta’s official website or consult the Anime News Network entry for Manta.
Featured image: © Manta
Source: Anime News Network