Glacier Bay Books, an independent publishing house known for its dedication to alternative and indie manga, has announced its acquisition of True Blue Never Fades (True Blue wa Kesshite Iroasenai), a poignant manga by Yumi Tada. The English release is slated for the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be translated by Matthias Hirsh. This marks another significant addition to Glacier Bay Books’ impressive catalog of translated manga.
A Glimpse into True Blue Never Fades
Originally published in March 1995, True Blue Never Fades tells the story of Bonny and Mickey, a young couple deeply in love, navigating the complexities of life and relationships. The narrative explores themes of love, commitment, and the challenges of maintaining a bond amidst the demands of everyday life. Mickey’s profession as a long-haul trucker adds another layer to the story, creating distance and testing the strength of their relationship.
The official synopsis from Glacier Bay Books offers further insight: “Bonny and Mickey are young and in love, but Mickey is married to the life of a long-haul trucker. Though they have a son together, the gulf between the two grows with each broken promise and passing year, until all that’s left are small mementos, postcards, and memories. After a naïve, pure-hearted young man enters their orbit, things slowly begin to change…”
This sets the stage for a compelling drama that delves into the intricacies of human emotions and the ever-evolving nature of relationships.
Yumi Tada: A Spotlight on the Artist
Yumi Tada is a Japanese manga artist born in Osaka Prefecture. While specific details about her birthdate are not widely available, her career spans several decades, showcasing her versatility and unique storytelling style. Besides creating manga, Tada also produces self-published comics focusing on musicians, bands, and even the popular Tennis no Ohjisama series.
Tada’s work extends beyond manga, as she also contributed to the anime industry by writing the script and designing the characters for Yukikaze (OAV). Her official website provides a glimpse into her diverse creative endeavors.
Notable Works by Yumi Tada
While True Blue Never Fades is generating excitement for its upcoming English release, Yumi Tada has created numerous other works throughout her career. Some notable titles include:
- The Mermaid and the Prince (doujinshi, also published by Glacier Bay Books)
- Robot (an all-color manga compilation with various artists)
- Hai ni Naru Made (1992)
- Ruby Tuesday (1995)
- Seppun/Nu-Nile (1995)
Her work, The Planetarium In Midsummer, was featured alongside Murata Range in Robot. This demonstrates her involvement in collaborative projects and her standing within the manga community.
Tada’s Artistic Style and Themes
Yumi Tada is known for her expressive character designs and her ability to capture a wide range of emotions in her stories. Her narratives often explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. True Blue Never Fades exemplifies these qualities, promising a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
Glacier Bay Books: Champions of Indie Manga
Glacier Bay Books has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on indie and alternative manga, translated works, and contemporary literature and art. Founded in 2019/2020, the press initially operated out of Oregon, USA, before relocating to Manitoba, Canada, in 2022 while maintaining its US warehouse. They are known for publishing the indie manga anthology Glaeolia, with the first issue recognized as a best book of 2020 by various publications.
Glacier Bay Books’ commitment to bringing unique and often overlooked voices to English-speaking audiences makes them a vital part of the manga landscape. Their catalog features a diverse range of titles, including:
- Children of Mu-Town
- The Cursed Body
- Dear Sara, 1997, Summer
- En Chan’s House
- False Stars: Red Riding Hood’s Wolf Apprentice
- A Favorable Wind on Full Sails
- From This Flame
- Glaeolia (anthology series)
- Invisible Parade
- The Karman Line
- Meet Me in the Unkept Garden
- The Mermaid and the Prince
- Mermaid Town
- One Strange Day
- Rabbit Game
- Red Riding Hood’s Wolf Apprentice: Final Testament to the Moon
- Ripples
- Seaside Beta
Glacier Bay Books also distributes works from other small press and self-published international comics creators.
Supporting Indie Publishing
Glacier Bay Books relies on the support of the manga community to continue its mission of bringing unique and diverse voices to English-speaking audiences. They have used Kickstarter campaigns to fund the release of several titles. By supporting Glacier Bay Books, readers can help ensure that more indie and alternative manga become available in English.
Anticipation and Impact
The announcement of the English release of True Blue Never Fades has generated significant buzz within the manga community. Fans are eager to experience Yumi Tada’s storytelling and Glacier Bay Books’ dedication to quality translations. The release of True Blue Never Fades is expected to introduce Yumi Tada’s work to a broader audience and further solidify Glacier Bay Books’ position as a leading publisher of alternative manga.
The manga’s themes of love, loss, and the challenges of maintaining relationships are universal and relatable. Readers are likely to connect with the characters and their struggles, finding resonance in the story’s exploration of the human condition.
Where to Find More Information
- Glacier Bay Books: Visit their official website for updates on True Blue Never Fades and other releases.
- Anime News Network: Follow Anime News Network for news and reviews of manga and anime.
- Manga Updates: Explore Manga Updates for detailed information on Yumi Tada’s works.
- MyAnimeList: Check out Yumi Tada’s profile on MyAnimeList for a comprehensive list of her works.
- Social Media: Follow Glacier Bay Books and individuals involved in the project on social media platforms like Bluesky for behind-the-scenes updates and announcements.
The upcoming release of True Blue Never Fades promises to be a significant event for fans of manga and those interested in exploring diverse and compelling stories. Glacier Bay Books’ dedication to bringing unique voices to English-speaking audiences continues to enrich the manga landscape, and True Blue Never Fades is poised to be another shining example of their commitment.
