Kodansha USA Publishing revealed its new manga acquisitions for Spring 2026 during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday. The forthcoming lineup includes highly anticipated titles such as Stella Must Die, DRAGON CIRCUS, and Magical Karina, alongside a diverse array of other series and special editions.
A Broad Spectrum of New Titles
The Spring 2026 slate from Kodansha USA aims to cater to a wide range of manga enthusiasts, bringing a mix of fresh series, anniversary editions of beloved classics, and new takes on existing hits. The announcement at San Diego Comic-Con provided an early look at the comics set to hit shelves and digital platforms in the coming months.
Spotlight on Key New Licenses
Among the most notable new licenses are:
- Stella Must Die: While specific details about this title’s genre and creators were not immediately available in the search results, its inclusion highlights a new series for fans to anticipate.
- DRAGON CIRCUS: This title also signals a new series joining Kodansha USA’s catalog, with its name suggesting a potential fantasy or action-adventure theme.
- Magical Karina: Another new addition, this manga likely falls into the magical girl or fantasy genre, appealing to readers seeking enchanting narratives.
Other Exciting Additions for Spring 2026
Beyond the highlighted titles, Kodansha USA’s Spring 2026 offerings include a variety of other series:
- Anniversary and Legacy Editions: Kodansha is set to release anniversary editions of popular manga, including Shugo Chara! 20th Anniversary Edition and MARS 30th Anniversary Edition. These editions often feature new covers, updated translations, and bonus content, providing a refreshed experience for long-time fans and an excellent entry point for new readers. A premium The Ghost in the Shell Legacy Edition Manga Box Set is also slated for release, featuring a slipcase with new illustrations and various other collectibles.
- New Series and Returning Favorites: Other new print licenses for Spring 2026 include GALAXIAS, OMORI (based on the popular video game), Fruit of the Underworld, Wicked Spot, Drawing From Your Memory, Love at First Memory, Kirio Fan Club, Hitting Rewind With You, Love Out on a Limb, Perfectly Fine on My Own, So My Fiancé Can Twist in the Wind, Marrying the Dark Knight (For Her Money), Voices in the Sea Foam, Blue Summer Haze, What if I Said, “I Love You”?, Smells Like Green Spirit, and Honey Bee & Lemon Balm.
- Kodansha Print Club Updates: Kodansha USA also confirmed that the second volumes of Blade Girl, Teppu, and Love, That’s an Understatement manga titles from its “Kodansha Print Club”—a program designed to bring digital-first manga to print—will be available in August.
Availability and Future Plans
These new print titles are expected to be available starting Spring 2026 at various physical and online book retailers. Digital editions will also be released concurrently across major platforms, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, and MyAnimeList. Fans can also directly purchase and read all Kodansha digital manga on Kodansha’s official website.
Kodansha’s commitment to expanding its diverse catalog continues, bringing a mix of genres and styles to English-speaking audiences. The comprehensive Spring 2026 lineup underscores the publisher’s strategy to balance new acquisitions with the enduring popularity of classic series through special editions.
