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Vertical Publishing Co-Founder Ioannis Mentzas Passes Away

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/23 .. hing-co-founder-ioannis-mentzas-passes-away.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 22:19 GMT by Anime News Network
      Locale: Unknown, GREECE

Los Angeles, CA - February 24th, 2026 - Ioannis Mentzas, co-founder of Vertical Publishing and a pivotal figure in the English-language manga industry, has sadly passed away. Mentzas's dedication to bringing diverse and compelling Japanese manga to Western audiences has left an indelible mark on the anime and manga community, garnering tributes from industry professionals and devoted fans alike. He was a tireless advocate for quality localization and a key player in bridging the cultural gap between Japan and the West through the art of sequential storytelling.

Mentzas, alongside his co-founders, established Vertical Publishing as a beacon for manga titles often overlooked by larger publishers. While many companies focused on the most mainstream and commercially proven series, Vertical carved a niche by championing unique narratives, artistic styles, and genres. This commitment to diversity significantly expanded the breadth of manga available to English-speaking readers, introducing them to worlds and characters they might otherwise never have encountered.

Vertical Publishing's catalog, built under Mentzas's vision, boasts a remarkable array of critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles. The company is widely recognized for its meticulous attention to detail in translation and formatting, ensuring that the integrity of the original artwork and storytelling was preserved. Titles such as Kaiju No. 8, a thrilling action series about a man determined to fight giant monsters, My Hero Academia, the globally popular superhero epic, and the intricately plotted historical mystery The Apothecary Diaries represent just a fraction of the impressive library curated by Mentzas and his team.

However, Mentzas's contribution went far beyond simply selecting titles. He was deeply involved in the complex process of securing licensing agreements with Japanese publishers, a task often fraught with challenges. Navigating cultural differences, negotiating terms, and building strong relationships with international partners were hallmarks of his professional life. He understood that successful localization wasn't just about translation; it was about fostering collaboration and mutual respect.

His impact extended to the very definition of what constitutes "popular" manga in the English-speaking world. Before Vertical Publishing, many English-language releases were largely limited to shonen (aimed at young boys) titles with mainstream appeal. Mentzas actively sought out series targeting a broader demographic, including shojo (aimed at young girls), seinen (aimed at young men), and josei (aimed at young women) manga, recognizing the rich tapestry of storytelling available within these genres.

Industry colleagues remember Mentzas as a passionate and dedicated individual with an unwavering belief in the power of manga. He wasn't simply a businessman; he was a true enthusiast, deeply invested in the art form and its ability to connect people across cultures. Many point to his willingness to take risks on lesser-known titles as a testament to his artistic vision and his commitment to fostering a more diverse and vibrant manga landscape.

"Ioannis had a keen eye for talent and a remarkable understanding of what would resonate with English-speaking readers," stated [Fictional Industry Colleague Name], CEO of [Fictional Publishing Company]. "He wasn't afraid to champion stories that were different, that challenged conventions, and that offered a unique perspective. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of manga localizers and publishers."

The news of Mentzas's passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance on social media, with fans sharing their favorite Vertical Publishing titles and expressing gratitude for his contributions to the manga community. Many are highlighting the fact that he introduced them to the medium entirely, sparking a lifelong passion for Japanese storytelling. The anime and manga community has lost a true pioneer, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by readers for years to come. Vertical Publishing has confirmed that they will be honoring Mentzas's memory by continuing to publish high-quality manga and upholding the values he championed throughout his career.