CMX (comics)

CMX was an imprint of DC Comics that focused on publishing manga for the North American market. Established in 2004, CMX aimed to bring a diverse range of Japanese manga titles to English-speaking audiences. The imprint was operational until 2010, when it was discontinued by its parent company.

History

CMX was launched by DC Comics in October 2004 as part of an effort to enter the growing manga market in North America. At the time, manga was becoming increasingly popular among readers, and many publishers were seeking to capitalize on this trend. CMX's initial lineup included a variety of genres, from action and adventure to romance and fantasy, catering to a wide audience.

One of the first titles published by CMX was From Eroica with Love, a classic manga series by Yasuko Aoike. The imprint also published Tenjho Tenge by Oh! great, which became one of its most well-known series. However, CMX faced criticism for its decision to edit some of the content in Tenjho Tenge to make it suitable for younger audiences, which led to controversy among fans who preferred unaltered versions of manga.

Notable Titles

CMX published a variety of manga series, some of which gained significant popularity. Notable titles include:

• Emma by Kaoru Mori - A historical romance set in Victorian England, praised for its detailed artwork and storytelling.
• Crayon Shin-chan by Yoshito Usui - A comedic series about the adventures of a mischievous young boy.
• Astral Project by Marginal and Syuji Takeya - A supernatural thriller involving astral projection and mystery.

Controversies

CMX's decision to edit certain manga titles, particularly Tenjho Tenge, sparked debates about censorship and the authenticity of translated manga. Fans argued that editing content altered the original intent of the creators and deprived readers of the full experience. Despite these controversies, CMX continued to publish a wide range of titles until its closure.

Closure

In May 2010, DC Comics announced the closure of the CMX imprint. The decision was part of a broader restructuring within the company, and it marked the end of CMX's six-year run in the manga publishing industry. The closure left several ongoing series unfinished in English translation, disappointing fans who had followed CMX's publications.

Legacy

Although CMX was short-lived, it played a role in the expansion of manga in the North American market. It introduced readers to a variety of genres and styles, contributing to the growing appreciation of manga outside Japan. The imprint's legacy is remembered by fans who enjoyed its diverse catalog and by those who continue to discuss the impact of its editorial decisions.

Also see

• DC Comics
• Manga
• Tenjho Tenge
• Emma (manga)
• Censorship in comics