Chapter 285: Manga Paradise's PR Crisis
Since the broadcast of the first episode, Gundam SEED has rapidly gained popularity. Let's not talk about the impact it has had on mainland Japan, but its ratings in Japan have surpassed those of Mobile Suit Gundam.
After the broadcast of some episodes, Gundam's setting, which was several years ahead of other manga, attracted a lot of attention. Although Manga Paradise repeatedly suppressed it, more and more people began to blame it.
"Mirai-sensei's Gundam settings have an unprecedented level of detail, whether it's the limb details or combat methods, including armor and various weapon configurations, all with a unique system. Faced with the rich information of 'Gundam SEED', 'The Strongest Mobile Suit' can only be considered a children's anime with Mobile Suit's coat. Why does Manga Paradise say that Gundam plagiarized Mobile Suit?"
"Why is Mirai-sensei's anime so good? I hope Manga Paradise can give an explanation. Is Mobile Suit's orthodoxy a deception or an exaggeration?"
Several employees of Hiroki, the "Father of Mobile Suit", have refused to be interviewed since the broadcast of "Gundam SEED". What a coincidence! Are they going on vacation or avoiding journalists?
On Manga Paradise's official forum, readers' comments are ubiquitous, and outside Manga Paradise's headquarters, the media have been waiting at the door to ask questions.
Manga Paradise refused to accept interviews or give explanations, and the employees, blocked by journalists, knew nothing. This obvious evasion gradually aroused people's anger.
"Damn it, they must have tricked us!"
"Master Mirai-sensei's story is much more detailed than Manga Paradise's. Manga Paradise even took the initiative to sue them in Osaka. They can do something so despicable. Do they have any shame?"
"Bah. What kind of people are they? I trusted Manga Paradise so much. So their previous reports about Master Mirai-sensei were all made up?"
The matter became more and more serious.
Ryuji didn't take it seriously at first. He thought everything would be fine after the rumors dissipated. At most, he would stop making Gundam anime in the future. However, he underestimated the situation's speed, or he underestimated the anger his deception caused in readers.
Before this, readers in Japan greatly supported Manga Paradise. They believed it was a conscientious local company. When Manga Paradise sued Hinotori Publishing and Mirai-sensei, many readers signed a joint letter hoping to win the lawsuit.
Readers are very naive. They believe that Gundam is the creation of several veteran mangaka from Japan. They believe that their actions are just.
Hinotori Publishing and Mirai-sensei gave no explanations to the public, which made many readers think they were running away. However, after Gundam SEED's launch, it was like a slap in these readers' faces.
It was very painful...
"We worked so hard to help Manga Paradise, but it turned out to be a liar. After the incident was exposed, it refused to apologize to us!"
Readers felt hurt, and those most affected were those who believed in Manga Paradise with all their hearts. They suffered a severe blow and discovered they were being used. Enraged, they vented their anger on Manga Paradise.
In a few weeks, Manga Paradise's manga sales began to drop drastically. Readers across the country not only didn't calm down, but, as Manga Paradise didn't provide explanations for a long time, their emotions spread further and further.
Some began sending insulting letters to Manga Paradise, and the more radical readers bought Manga Paradise magazines, recorded videos of burning them, and uploaded them to the internet...
Manga Paradise suddenly faced an unprecedented public relations crisis.
In this era of abundant information, a public relations crisis only needs an opportunity, and Manga Paradise is a company that has only been around for half a year. It does not have the full trust of readers.
Companies like Hinotori Publishing and Kanto Manga Company have accumulated a reputation over several years and have many ways to deal with crises. But for Manga Paradise, a new company, if this crisis is not managed properly, the entire company could fall into a quagmire.
But when Ryuji discovered the danger, it was already too late...
"How could this happen? Only a few days have passed... How could it be so serious!"
Ryuji was so anxious he paced around. He still harbored a small hope in his heart. If "Gundam SEED" wasn't strong enough, Manga Paradise wouldn't be able to continue lying.
But now, not to mention the lack of strength, it's difficult to deal with readers.
"Call a press conference immediately... Is there an interview show tonight?"
Ryuji asked his secretary. He wanted to take action to reassure readers.
"Yes, it was scheduled half a month ago. There's an interview show for 'The Strongest Mobile Suit' tonight... President, what are you doing?"
The secretary was a little surprised. He didn't think Ryuji would apologize.
Manga Paradise has reached this point and there's no going back. If they publicly apologize, they will confirm others' ideas, much less revitalize. The entire company's credibility will plummet, so it's better to maintain the current situation...
"I will personally go to the television interview tonight... Also, find Hiroki and the others, and have them take responsibility for this matter..."
Ryuji explained the plan in detail to the secretary. After he finished speaking, the secretary, a little embarrassed, nodded and said: "I know what to do, President, I'll do it well!"
Manga Paradise cannot admit its mistake, so Ryuji only has one option left: blame those "Fathers of Mobile Suit".
As long as those mangaka admit to lying and deceiving Manga Paradise, Manga Paradise is an innocent victim, readers' anger will dissipate, and Manga Paradise will be able to get away with it.
But it's difficult. Mangaka value their reputation. If there's a problem with their character, it will be difficult for this mangaka to recover, so the "Fathers of Mobile Suit" will definitely not be willing to take the blame.
But fortunately...
That night, on the way to Tokyo TV, Ryuji received a call from his secretary: "President, the masters agree... You can put all the blame on them tonight."
"How much did it cost?"
Ryuji felt a little distressed. He asked his secretary to use coercion and temptation. The first option was money, but if they asked for too high a price, it would be very uneconomical.
"A total of 400 million yen, 100 million yen for each of the four masters. Akiro didn't agree. He said his lifetime income would never exceed 100 million yen, so...".
The secretary whispered on the phone: "I sent someone to take his son to the hospital. It didn't cost a penny, and Akiro knelt down and agreed."
Threats and violence are also an option. The shopping mall is like a battlefield. Ryuji was very satisfied with the result.
"Well done, you let them make up an excuse and then called a press conference to apologize to society." After
hanging up the phone, Ryuji breathed a sigh of relief. This time there was no problem. Not to mention the readers, not even Mirai-sensei had an excuse to cause them trouble.
Manga Paradise will remain the largest manga publisher in Japan.
"This time I lost, but Mirai-sensei... As long as Manga Paradise remains in Japan, your manga won't sell well!"
Ryuji gritted his teeth and thought: "The anime isn't good, he still has manga left."
Meanwhile, in an office at Tokyo TV, Takumi received a warm welcome.
"Welcome, Mirai-sensei, thank you for coming!"
Sasaki, the director of Tokyo TV, looked at him excitedly. Tokyo TV in this world is just a regional channel, not as powerful as in his previous life.
Although Mirai-sensei is just a mangaka, he is a rising mangaka with an influence comparable to a superstar, and his potential is enough for Sasaki to come and greet him in person.
Of course... even without such a reason, inviting Mirai-sensei is something many channels dream of; since his debut, Mirai-sensei hasn't appeared much in the media and is famous for being difficult to invite.
"Mirai-sensei must have a good impression of our channel."
Sasaki thought enthusiastically. This time they had only sent an invitation, but he hadn't expected Mirai-sensei to accept without a word. Did this unprecedented action not mean that Mirai-sensei valued Tokyo TV greatly?
"Why is this man so excited...?"
But seeing Sasaki's flushed face, Takumi got goosebumps, thinking he had met a gay man.
There's no special reason for him to come to the television station this time. It's just that a year of traveling has made him more aware that he needs to keep moving forward with all his strength, and the media is a necessary tool; this is also why he decided to reopen the Mirai-sensei Festival.
This time, Takumi will go on stage.
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