What we’re about
Meet local fans, discuss titles you love, uncover new obsessions, and explore Chicago together! Our nonprofit connects newcomers and veterans 21+ older in friendly spaces to celebrate and examine Japanese media – since 2006.
Join today on Meetup & Discord
✶ 2025 PROGRAMS ✶
- Spotlights – Curated adventure plus networking – Sporadic
- Anime Showcase – Watch hidden gems and chat – Varied Tues
- Anime Discussion – Book club for selected title – 3rd Thu
- Manga Discussion – Book club for selected title – 2nd Sun
- Art Lounge – Jam on your project w/ friendly regulars – Weds
- Anime Sampler – Watch this season together! – 3rd Sat / Qtr
- Meetups – Outings to movies, cons, festivals & more!
✶ BEYOND MEETUP ✶
- Take our quiz to find something new to watch.
- Listen to our podcast Anime’s Game Changers.
- Get quarterly emails on our milestones, local events, anime hits.
- See our Calendar & Guides for more to do around our city.
- Support our 501(c)3 to help educate & connect Chicagoans!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Manga Discussion: The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store Vol. 1-2Goblin Market Manga & Curiosities, Chicago, IL
Please note: We are now meeting IRL for the first time in several years at Goblin Market in Chicago. Discord is still available for people who log in remotely.
"The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store" 「北極百貨店のコンシェルジュさん」is recent seinen manga from Tsuchika Nishimura 「西村ツチカ」 its been adapted into an anime film from Production IG. We'll be reading both volumes relased (the whole series). We've decided to host this event IRL at Goblin Market, but will still be running discord for those who want to come in remote.
Working retail is tough enough with regular human customers, but what about when they’re owls, wolves, koalas…and a woolly mammoth? Welcome to the Hokkyoku Department Store, where new employee Akino’s customers are talking animals–including extinct species! Just like any shopper, each has their own complicated request that Akino must strive to satisfy. From a wealthy laughing owl searching for the perfect present to delight his wife to a thespian sea mink attempting to find a gift for a long-awaited reunion with her father, Akino must learn to meet their needs, while also dealing with her challenging coworkers and elusive floor manager.
We are now meeting IRL at Goblin Market in Chicago. Discord is still available for people who log in remotely.
★★★ IF LOGGING IN - SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★
DISCORD LINK: https://discord.gg/KMtNz4P (Please show up in person if you can!)Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!
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Getting the Comic
Please support Goblin Market if you can as they are our gracious hosts, they'll be more than happy to get you the title if its not in stock.
