Kodansha USA Publishing has announced a robust and diverse slate of new manga licenses set to launch in Spring 2026, featuring highly anticipated adaptations, fresh original series, and deluxe anniversary editions of beloved classics. Revealed at Anime Expo 2025, the upcoming catalog promises a rich tapestry of genres, from dark psychological adventures and whimsical fantasies to heartwarming romantic comedies and impactful dramas. The new titles will be available in print through major retailers and digitally across various platforms, including Kodansha’s own K Manga service.
Major New Series Debuts
Leading the charge for Kodansha USA’s Spring 2026 releases are several brand-new series poised to capture the imagination of a wide array of readers, including adaptations of popular media and fresh narratives from exciting creators.
GALAXIAS
Ao Hatesaka’s GALAXIAS is a shonen fantasy adventure that promises a blend of whimsy and action, drawing comparisons to popular titles such as One Piece and Fairy Tail. The series, stylized in all caps, began its serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine in July 2024 before transferring to the Magazine Pocket digital service in February 2025. It has already seen success in Japan, with its one-shot pilot receiving the Special Manga Award of Weekly Shōnen Magazine‘s 108th Rookie Manga Award in 2022, and has been nominated for the 11th Next Manga Awards in the print category in 2025.
The story of GALAXIAS unfolds a decade after the assassination of the supreme leader, the Dragon King. In a kingdom where “dragonfolk”—individuals capable of growing a tail—coexist with humans, the narrative centers on Jio, a human girl who yearns for adventure beyond her secluded countryside life. Her aspirations take an unexpected turn when she encounters Neraid, a mysterious young man suffering from amnesia. Their paths converge when Jio is targeted by Yerkes, a government dragon knight, who reveals Jio is the daughter of Yuri Holst, an explorer accused of the Dragon King’s assassination. Neraid, revealed to be a formidable dragonfolk, aids Jio in her escape, and together they embark on a journey to find Yuri Holst and help Neraid recover his lost memories. The series has garnered attention for its unique blend of fantasy elements and a compelling quest, with its creator Ao Hatesaka citing Attack on Titan as a strong influence on the “battle fantasy” series. Kodansha’s K Manga digital service has been simultaneously publishing GALAXIAS in English.
OMORI
A highly anticipated adaptation, OMORI brings the critically acclaimed indie horror video game to the manga format. Penned by OMOCAT, the original story’s creator, with manga art by Nui Konoito, this series is described as a “surreal psychological adventure following Sunny and his alter ego as they confront trauma and loss.” The manga delves into the life of Sunny, a reclusive teenager who has not left his house for four years following a life-altering event. His mother’s decision to move their family out of town forces Sunny back into the world when his childhood friend Kel re-enters his life. With only three days remaining before the move, Sunny and Kel encounter familiar faces, gradually reawakening a dark past that Sunny has desperately tried to suppress.
The OMORI manga commenced its digital serialization on Kodansha’s K Manga service, with the first chapter, “DEAR LITTLE BROTHER…,” released in June 2024. While the Japanese physical editions began release in November 2024, an English print version is highly anticipated given the existing digital translation and significant demand from fans. The manga’s narrative progression is being closely watched by fans of the original game, particularly how it will navigate the video game’s diverging plot points and endings. The series is noted for its ability to convey a “terrifying, dreamy, and heart-wrenching teen horror story” through its comic adaptation.
Fruit of the Underworld
From the acclaimed author Aya Kanno, known for her intricate storytelling, comes Fruit of the Underworld. This new series offers a chilling and unique twist on Greek mythology. The premise involves a cursed boy who embarks on a perilous journey into the literal underworld in a desperate attempt to rescue a friend. This title is expected to appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy, mythological reimagining, and narratives exploring themes of sacrifice and arduous quests.
Anniversary Editions and Classic Revivals
In addition to new narratives, Kodansha USA is celebrating enduring legacies with special anniversary editions of highly influential manga, bringing beloved stories to new and returning fans with updated presentations.
Shugo Chara! 20th Anniversary Edition
PEACH-PIT’s beloved magical girl series, Shugo Chara!, is set to receive a 20th Anniversary Edition. This refreshed edition allows readers to relive the journey of self-discovery alongside Amu Hinamori and her Guardian Characters. The new release will feature updated packaging, revised translations, and a beautiful color art gallery, offering both nostalgic fans and newcomers an enhanced reading experience. Amu Hinamori, outwardly “cool” but secretly shy, finds her inner desires manifest as character eggs that hatch into Guardian Characters, granting her special abilities and helping her embrace her true self. This edition also includes Shugo Chara! Jewel Joker, a sequel manga following Amu as a middle schooler at Arcana Academy, tasked with a mission to retrieve mysterious Arcana Jewels and help students regain hope.
MARS 30th Anniversary Edition
Fuyumi Soryo’s emotionally charged shojo classic, MARS, returns with a 30th Anniversary Edition. This series, which became one of the best-selling shojo manga of all time upon its initial English release in 2002, has been out of print for decades. Kodansha is reintroducing MARS in collectible 2-in-1 hardcover volumes, featuring all-new translations and glittering metallic covers with new illustrations by creator Fuyumi Soryo. The story explores the lives of two damaged souls, Kira and Rei, who find solace and healing in each other amidst their painful pasts. This new edition will be complete in eight volumes.
The Ghost in the Shell Legacy Edition
For fans of cyberpunk and seminal science fiction, The Ghost in the Shell Legacy Edition by Shirow Masamune is a must-have box set. This premium collection includes all three major series entries: the original The Ghost in the Shell, The Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processor, and The Ghost in the Shell 2.0: Man-Machine Interface. Notably, this Legacy Edition restores pages that were previously edited in the original English release of The Ghost in the Shell manga, ensuring a complete and uncensored experience. The set features high-quality hardcover volumes presented in right-to-left manga format, mirroring the latest Japanese print versions. Additionally, it boasts a premium slipcase adorned with two brand-new illustrations by Shirow Masamune specifically created for this box set, along with rare posters and stickers.
Other Notable Licenses
Kodansha USA’s Spring 2026 lineup further expands with a variety of compelling new series across diverse genres, reflecting the publisher’s commitment to offering a broad selection for all manga enthusiasts.
Romantic Comedies & Slice of Life
The romantic comedy and slice-of-life categories receive several intriguing additions. Kirio Fan Club by Chikyuu no Sakana Ponchan introduces an irreverent romantic rivalry comedy where two girls vie for the attention of a boy with an unusual trait. This josei manga was highly rated in Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook. Hitting Rewind With You by Hanamaru Kira explores a light-hearted age-gap romance as two college students find themselves reliving their high school relationship. Another notable entry is Perfectly Fine on My Own, So My Fiancé Can Twist in the Wind by Jun Hareta and Yahiro Arase, a defiant noblewoman’s journey to freedom and potential new love after rejecting an inattentive fiancé.
Yuri & BL Standouts
The Yuri (girls’ love) and Boys’ Love (BL) genres are also well-represented with a selection of promising titles. Marrying the Dark Knight (For Her Money) by Sometime Suoh presents a comedic enemies-to-lovers yuri tale set in a world plagued by monsters. For BL fans, Voices in the Sea Foam by Kotaro offers a haunting romance where a boy uncovers a tragic past life linked to The Little Mermaid. Blue Summer Haze by Dondon introduces a steamy baseball love triangle involving two catchers and their ace pitcher. Lastly, Smells Like Green Spirit by Saburo Nagai is described as a powerful coming-of-age story that tackles themes of queerness, bullying, and unexpected companionship within a rural setting.
Other Genre Highlights
Beyond these categories, Kodansha USA is also bringing Wicked Spot by Sal Jiang, a modern magical fantasy where a spellcasting sorceress gains viral fame, sparking a magical conflict with a mysterious fan. These diverse new licenses, alongside the anniversary editions, underscore Kodansha USA’s dedication to enriching the North American manga landscape for Spring 2026. Physical editions will be available through major retailers, with digital versions accessible simultaneously on various platforms and Kodansha’s official website.
