Eksmo Buys Majority Stake in Popcorn Books
Eksmo publishing house has acquired a 51 percent share in Popcorn Books, according to RBC. The new owners have stated they will not disrupt Popcorn Books policy and will support continued publishing of comics and African novels.
Popcorn Books, founded in 2018, has produced titles such as Summer in a Pioneer Tie, released in 2021. The publisher primarily targets readers under 30 to 35 years old, aiming to engage a young and diverse audience with contemporary stories and regional voices.
Financial figures presented by RBC indicate that in 2022 Popcorn Books LLC reported revenue of 44.7 million rubles and a nominal profit of 1 thousand rubles. The company ended 2021 with a loss of 1.5 million rubles, reflecting the challenging market conditions faced by mid sized publishing houses in recent years.
Earlier reports from activists in the Khabarovsk region described a dispute around families and local communities advocating against certain titles. They claimed that Western criticism of a consultant and pioneer themed novel and another book related to a pioneer with a tie was misguided and that the actions were intended to protect children, sparking broader discussions about censorship and access to youth literature.
There were prior claims that the circulation of Summer in a Pioneer Tie faced setbacks not solely due to readership issues. Observers noted that some stakeholders argued the book faced opposition from factions concerned with its content, while others suggested the controversy may have been amplified by misunderstandings about its themes and intended audience.
Industry observers emphasize that the collaboration between Eksmo and Popcorn Books could revitalize a niche segment of the market. By aligning with a publisher that respects Popcorn Books policy and focuses on graphic novels and regional literature, the partnership aims to broaden distribution, support emerging authors, and maintain a platform for fresh storytelling. The move also reflects broader consolidation trends in the publishing sector, where larger houses seek to diversify catalogs and expand into new genres while fostering creative autonomy for smaller labels.
Market analysts caution that the publishing landscape remains sensitive to economic pressures and licensing costs, but see potential for growth through strategic investments. Popcorn Books is expected to continue operating with its existing team and editorial direction, preserving its brand identity while benefiting from the resources and distribution networks of a larger parent company. Prospective readers can anticipate a steady stream of updates, including new titles in the comics and African literature categories, along with ongoing support for authors who bring regional perspectives to the page.