Who Publishes The Here Books Series?

I love exploring how standalone novels connect to larger franchises. Take 'The Witcher' series by Andrzej Sapkowski, for example. It started with short stories like 'The Last Wish' and expanded into a massive saga with novels, games, and even a Netflix show. The depth of lore and interconnected plots make it a standout. Another great example is 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson, which is part of the larger Cosmere universe. Books like 'The Way of Kings' and 'Words of Radiance' are epic in their own right, but they also tie into other series like 'Mistborn' through subtle crossovers. Then there's 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, a sci-fi masterpiece that spans multiple sequels and prequels, building a rich, expansive world. These franchises offer endless immersion for fans who crave more than just a single story.

The manga 'Here & There' by Akihito Tsukushi is actually a standalone work, not part of a larger series. It's a short but incredibly atmospheric story that blends slice-of-life elements with a touch of surrealism—something Tsukushi does brilliantly in his more famous work, 'Made in Abyss.' What I love about 'Here & There' is how it captures fleeting moments of connection between characters in this almost dreamlike setting. It doesn’t need a series to expand its world because it’s deliberately vague and open-ended, leaving room for readers to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations. The art style has that same detailed yet slightly unsettling quality as 'Made in Abyss,' but the tone is quieter, more introspective. If you’re looking for something with a similar vibe but prefer a complete story in one volume, this is a great pick. That said, I’ve seen some fans wish it was part of a series because the world feels ripe for exploration. There’s a mysterious, almost melancholic beauty to the setting that makes you crave more. But I think its standalone nature works in its favor—it’s like a perfectly crafted short story that lingers in your mind long after you finish it. Tsukushi’s ability to create dense, immersive worlds in just a few chapters is seriously underrated. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s worth tracking down, especially if you’re into atmospheric, character-driven narratives.