Manga Mavericks Books, the new publishing division of the Manga Mavericks website and podcast, announced at New York Comic Con on Sunday that it has licensed two new manga titles: Sen’s Horon of the Closed Country and Atsuji Yamamoto’s Sinbad. Both series are slated for digital and physical releases in 2026.
This announcement marks a significant expansion for Manga Mavericks as it continues to grow its catalog, bringing diverse Japanese creators to a broader international audience.
Horon of the Closed Country by Sen
Horon of the Closed Country is an indie manga series by creator Sen, which has been completed in four volumes in Japan. Manga Mavericks Books plans to release the digital version in early winter 2026, followed by a print edition in summer 2026. The print version will be published in A5 size (5.83″ x 8.27″).
Synopsis of Horon of the Closed Country
The narrative of Horon of the Closed Country delves into a mysterious land protected by a forest deity, where sacrifices are essential to ward off foreign enemies. In recent times, the deity has become increasingly intrusive, with only specially empowered individuals, known as diviners, capable of repelling it. The story follows a trio, each having lost something precious, who embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the forest deity. Their quest reveals the interconnectedness of their losses, the deity’s frequent appearances, and the necessity of sacrifices. One child, possessing the power of these diviners, has had their memory stolen, leaving only a cryptic warning.
Creator Sen expressed excitement about the English release, stating that the manga originated from a desire to draw the kind of fantasy story they would have loved as a child, and expressed hope that readers worldwide would enjoy it.
Atsuji Yamamoto’s Sinbad Manga
Manga Mavericks Books will also be bringing Atsuji Yamamoto’s Sinbad manga to English-speaking audiences. This completed manga series spans four volumes in Japan and will also be released in the A5 print size by Manga Mavericks.
Synopsis of Sinbad
Set in medieval Arabia, Sinbad follows a young protagonist with “sanpaku eyes” who is troubled by his unique appearance and seeks to uncover the secret of his birth. His journey begins when he encounters Lulu, a fortune teller, who helps him delve into his past using her magical jewel, the “Eyes of Marute,” which can perceive all times. However, Lulu is kidnapped by the powerful magician Raas, who covets the “Eyes of Marute” to break the seal on a sacred wall protecting the “Tears of Harute”—jewels that grant the ability to see through all space. To rescue Lulu, recover the Eyes of Marute, and find answers about his origins, Sinbad embarks on a life-changing adventure alongside the insightful fortune teller Jaris, facing numerous foes and dangers. The series is set within the framework of the classic Arabian Nights tales.
Manga Mavericks Books: A New Endeavor
Manga Mavericks began as a manga news podcast in 2016, evolving into a multimedia company dedicated to exploring manga as both a medium and an industry. The launch of Manga Mavericks Books signifies its expansion into direct manga publishing, aiming to highlight diverse Japanese creators and their stories. The company collaborates with Japanese translation company Red String to localize and distribute its titles globally. This latest licensing announcement further solidifies Manga Mavericks Books’ commitment to introducing unique and captivating manga to new readers.
