Kodansha USA Publishing has expanded its manga catalog with the announcement of three new licenses: AIDOL, NakiNagi, and Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! These titles are slated for print and digital release in Fall 2026. The announcement provides a diverse range of genres, from dark showbiz thriller to wholesome supernatural romance and whimsical slice-of-life comedy.
Diving into the New Titles
Each newly licensed series brings a unique premise and artistic vision to Kodansha USA’s growing collection.
AIDOL (Denjin N)
AIDOL is described as a dark showbiz thriller, drawing comparisons to works like Death Note and Perfect Blue. The manga centers on a sick fan of a mediocre idol singer who gains monstrous powers, allowing him to possess the electrical grid. He then uses these abilities to relentlessly promote his favorite idol, regardless of her own desires.
The series is a collaborative effort: Kazu Inabe is credited with the art, Yu Kuraishi with the story, and Ku Tanaka with the original concept. Fans of intense, horrific mysteries with a toxic celebrity backdrop, akin to Fort of Apocalypse and Starving Anonymous, are likely to find AIDOL compelling. Each print volume will be an omnibus edition, containing nearly 400 pages across two parts, and the entire story will be completed in three books.
NakiNagi
From Keigo Maki, the creator of Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie, comes NakiNagi, a “1000% wholesome story” of a quiet witch and a girl in love. The narrative follows Nakika, a former deep-sea witch who moves to the surface to learn about “human emotions.” She becomes best friends with Nagisa, a naive romantic. As Nakika uses her magical powers to assist Nagisa in her romantic pursuits, she gradually deepens her understanding of the human world and strengthens her bond with Nagisa.
NakiNagi has been digitally simulpubbed through Kodansha’s K Manga service. The English translation is handled by Masaaki Fukushima, with editing by Sarah Tilson and lettering by Darren Smith.
Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! (Kyō mo Ashita mo Wallaby-sensei)
Authored by Marume Goshika, Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! introduces a whimsical, all-ages fantasy comedy. The story begins with a Japanese professor on a field expedition in Australia, who has an unexpected encounter when a wallaby falls on him from a tree. This wallaby, quite articulate, explains he was distracted by reading a book about bushido, having a dream of visiting Japan. Charmed by the wallaby’s unique personality, the professor takes him back to Japan, where Mr. Wallaby expresses his desire to become a teacher.
This title promises a lighthearted and charming narrative, perfect for readers looking for an endearing and quirky story.
Anticipated Release
These newly licensed manga titles are scheduled to be available in both print and digital formats starting in Fall 2026. Fans can look forward to acquiring these series through various physical and online booksellers, as well as on Kodansha’s digital platforms.
