Kodansha has announced the highly anticipated results of the Young Magazine US reader poll, with five manga titles emerging as winners destined for simultaneous English and Japanese serialization. Topping the poll is Kami Nishio’s Still You, a series focusing on LGBTQ+ high school students, among other diverse stories now set to reach a global audience concurrently with their Japanese releases.
The Groundbreaking Young Magazine US Initiative
The Young Magazine US project, launched by Kodansha in August 2025, marked a significant expansion for the Japanese publisher into the North American market. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the original Young Magazine in Japan—a renowned seinen (young adult male) manga anthology that birthed classics like AKIRA and Ghost in the Shell—the special English edition was curated with American readership in mind. It featured 19 brand-new chapters, presenting diverse genres such as sci-fi, dark horror, and cyberpunk, designed to explore themes beyond the scope of traditional shonen manga. Out of these, 16 titles were made eligible for a fan-participation poll to determine future serialization.
A Poll of Unprecedented Engagement
The reader poll, which ran from August 21 to November 10, garnered an overwhelming response, accumulating a final count of 281,461 votes. This level of engagement significantly exceeded the expectations of the Young Magazine editorial team, underscoring the strong interest in seinen manga within the U.S. market. Voting was conducted through a dedicated website and the official Young Magazine U.S. X (formerly Twitter) account, where likes and reposts contributed directly to the vote count.
The Five Winning Manga and Their Themes
The top five manga, chosen by reader votes, represent a rich tapestry of storytelling, reflecting the diverse sensibilities of the U.S. audience.
Still You by Kami Nishio
Claiming the top spot, Still You by Kami Nishio delves into the sensitive themes surrounding LGBTQ+ high school students, depicting their conflicts and heartaches with a delicate touch. Its significant popularity highlights a growing appreciation for nuanced character-driven narratives.
Godmother by Rin Shimokawa
Securing second place, Rin Shimokawa’s Godmother is a horror-themed work that particularly impressed with its acceptance in the U.S. despite being set in the Japanese city of Yokohama. Critics have noted its atmospheric setting and diverse scare tactics.
The Knight of Blasphemy by Ray Kindo
Ray Kindo’s The Knight of Blasphemy offers an epic drama centered around religious warfare, captivating readers with its intricate world-building and exploration of weighty themes.
The Journey of a Dark Elf with Fading Powers by Daisuke Itabashi
This fantasy tale by Daisuke Itabashi follows a legendary magician who has lost her powers and embarks on a quest for “ordinary happiness.” The story has been praised for its distinct heroine.
Fasciation by OUGA
Rounding out the top five, OUGA’s Fasciation presents a compelling narrative about a woman raising a young girl, showcasing diverse and stimulating sensibilities.
What “Simultaneous English Serialization” Means for Readers
The five winning manga are guaranteed serialization both in Japan, through Monthly Young Magazine and/or YanMaga Web, and in the U.S. via Kodansha’s K MANGA app. This “simultaneous English serialization” ensures that Western readers can access new chapters at the same time as their Japanese counterparts. This approach has been increasingly adopted by major publishers, such as Shueisha for its Shonen Jump+ titles, allowing for a shared, global excitement around new releases and fostering a more connected international manga fandom.
Looking Ahead: More Manga and Future Projects
The overwhelming success of the poll has prompted Kodansha to make additional selections for serialization beyond the top five, specifically choosing four more works based on their “brilliance of the talent” and “lingering impact.” Details on these additional titles will be revealed via the official Young Magazine U.S. X account and website. Furthermore, a second Young Magazine U.S. project is already in development, indicating a sustained commitment to bringing diverse seinen manga to English-speaking audiences. The five poll winners will also be celebrated with special gift campaigns, with more information to be announced soon. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for international manga distribution, promising a broader and more immediate array of stories for fans worldwide.
