Dark Horse Comics has announced a new series of Deluxe Edition manga, bringing back seminal works from legendary creator Masamune Shirow. The lineup includes an Appleseed Deluxe Edition, an Appleseed Companion Deluxe Edition, and a Shirow Masamune Anthology Deluxe Edition, with the first title, Appleseed Deluxe Edition, slated for release in August 2026. This announcement marks a significant moment for fans and collectors looking to experience Shirow’s iconic cyberpunk universe in premium formats.
Appleseed Deluxe Edition Leads the Charge
The highly anticipated Appleseed Deluxe Edition is set to be a comprehensive collection, bundling together books one through four of the original series into a single, oversized hardcover volume spanning an impressive 848 pages. Dark Horse is enhancing this release with several premium features, including a wraparound, seven-color artwork cover, elegant edge-gilded pages, distinctive four-color end sheets, and a convenient sewn-in bookmark.
The critically acclaimed manga, originally penned and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, plunges readers into the year 2127, following a devastating global war. The story centers on Deunan Knute, a former SWAT team member, and her cyborg partner Briareos Hecatonchires. The duo is recruited by Hitomi to join Olympus, an advanced experimental city-state seeking to rebuild the world from its protected zone. Their mission involves protecting Olympus from internal and external threats, navigating the city’s complex politics, and utilizing advanced weaponry, including the powered combat armor known as the Landmate.
The translation for this deluxe edition will be handled by Dana Lewis, Toren Smith, and Duane Johnson, with lettering by Tom Orzechowski, L. Lois Buhalis, John Clark, and Sasquatch. The Appleseed Deluxe Edition is scheduled to arrive in bookstores on August 11, 2026, and in comic shops on August 12, 2026. Dark Horse has a long history of publishing Appleseed and other Shirow works in North America, with various editions released over the decades.
Expanding the Shirow Universe: Companion and Anthology Editions
While details remain under wraps, Dark Horse has also confirmed plans for an Appleseed Companion Deluxe Edition and a Shirow Masamune Anthology Deluxe Edition. Specific contents and release dates for these two titles will be revealed at a later time. These additional releases promise to offer deeper insights into Shirow’s intricate worlds and potentially gather other celebrated or lesser-known works by the influential artist.
Dark Horse has previously released a variety of Masamune Shirow’s works, including the seminal Ghost in the Shell, Dominion, Orion, and volumes from his Intron Depot art book series. The ongoing commitment to presenting his bibliography in deluxe formats underscores his lasting impact on the science fiction and manga landscape.
The Enduring Legacy of Masamune Shirow
Masamune Shirow is widely regarded as a visionary in the manga industry, particularly for his contributions to the cyberpunk and mecha genres. His works are celebrated for their intricate world-building, detailed technological designs, and philosophical depth, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, transhumanism, political intrigue, and the human condition in a technologically advanced society.
Appleseed, alongside Ghost in the Shell, stands as a cornerstone of his bibliography, influencing countless creators and media across anime, film, and video games. The series has garnered critical acclaim, including receiving the 17th Seiun Award for Best Manga in 1986. The narrative of Deunan and Briareos in Olympus continues to resonate with readers, offering a timeless exploration of utopia, conflict, and the complexities of human-cyborg relationships.
This new wave of Deluxe Editions from Dark Horse follows the successful release of other prestige manga editions, such as Lone Wolf & Cub and Oldboy, signaling a continued dedication to providing fans with high-quality, definitive collections of beloved series. The upcoming Appleseed Deluxe Edition and its accompanying volumes are poised to be essential additions for both long-time admirers and new readers discovering the genius of Masamune Shirow.
