Manga Mavericks Books has announced that manga creator Sen, the artist and writer behind HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY, will make her first convention appearance in America at Anime NYC 2026. The creator will join the publisher’s industry panel to discuss her career, the development of her fantasy adventure manga, and the process of bringing independent Japanese manga to English-speaking readers.
Sen’s appearance is part of Manga Mavericks Books’ continued effort to connect manga creators with international audiences. The publisher will host her at the Manga Mavericks Books Industry Panel on August 21, where fans can learn more about the creation of HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY and the challenges of publishing indie manga overseas.
The event will also feature a Q&A session with Sen, behind-the-scenes stories about the manga’s development, and new manga license announcements from Manga Mavericks Books. Alongside the panel, attendees will have multiple opportunities to meet Sen during autograph sessions held throughout Anime NYC 2026.
Sen Brings HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY to Anime NYC 2026
The Manga Mavericks Books Industry Panel feat. Manga Creator Sen will take place on Friday, August 21, from 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM in Room B01-03 at Anime NYC 2026. The panel will focus on Sen’s journey as a manga creator and the creation of HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY, a fantasy series that has gained attention among readers in Japan’s doujinshi and indie manga communities.
Manga Mavericks Books CEO Varun Gupta expressed excitement about bringing Sen to the convention, highlighting the creator’s growing popularity among manga fans.
“We are very excited to welcome a talented manga creator Sen for her first convention appearance in America,”
Gupta said.
He added that Sen’s work has “captivated” readers within Japan’s doujinshi and indie manga scenes, with that enthusiasm continuing after the English release of HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY Volume 1. Gupta also said the publisher hopes the event will create more opportunities to connect overseas readers with manga creators.
Sen will also participate in autograph sessions at the Manga Mavericks / Independent Manga Alliance booth #2028. Fans who want an autograph must provide proof of purchase of the English print edition of HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY Volume 1, which will be available at the booth.
The scheduled autograph sessions are set for August 20 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, August 21 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, August 22 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and August 23 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY Volume 1 Introduces a Fantasy World of Gods and Sacrifice
Published by Manga Mavericks Books, HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY Volume 1 follows a mysterious fantasy world where a protective god shields an ancient land from foreign threats. However, maintaining that protection comes with dangerous sacrifices, and the god’s growing influence begins to affect humanity.
The story follows three unlikely companions who have each lost something important and venture on a journey to uncover the truth behind the Protective God and the powerful Quietists, individuals with special abilities capable of pushing back against the god’s influence. Their discoveries reveal a deeper connection between their losses, the god’s appearances, and the sacrifices demanded by the land.
Volume 1 is currently available in print and digital formats through Manga Mavericks Books and major retailers. The English print edition features 148 pages, carries a suggested retail price of $14.99, and is recommended for readers aged 13 and above.
Sen is a Japan-based manga artist and writer known for creating fantasy stories inspired by her dreams and imagination. She began drawing manga after discovering the COMITIA comic markets and has become a regular participant, where she publishes self-created works such as HORON OF THE CLOSED COUNTRY.
Her other projects include the one-shot “And Thus, They Became A Good King,” which appeared in the November 2025 issue of Asahi Shinbun’s Nemuki+ magazine. Her independent manga work will also be featured in the August 2026 issue of TIA’S MAGAZINE, the catalog publication for COMITIA.
