ICv2 has learned that Fred Gallagher's Megatokyo may soon make the switch from Studio IC to Dark Horse.  The story of two American gamers stuck in Tokyo began as an online comic in 2000, and quickly become one of the most popular Web comics before making the transition to print in the Megatokyo Volume 1 Graphic Novel from Studio Ironcat. 

Unlike many American 'manga' creators, Gallagher understands that creating 'manga' involves more than just aping an art style.  Megatokyo is filled with quirky, interesting characters and the kind of loopy humor that makes Love Hina and Slayers so popular; and its online popularity provides a built-in audience for Megatokyo graphic novels.

The acquisition of Megatokyo will further strengthen Dark Horse's manga line, which recently received a boost from the acquisition of The Ring, Trigun, and Hellsing (see 'Dark Horse Announces Three Manga').