Dark Horse Manga presents Shirow Masamune’s classics in a three-book Deluxe Edition manga series, starting with Appleseed Deluxe Edition. The series will also include the Appleseed Companion Deluxe Edition, and additional works by Shirow within the Shirow Masamune Anthology Deluxe Edition.
Translated by Dana Lewis, Toren Smith, and Duane Johnson, lettered by Tom Orzechowski, L. Lois Buhalis, John Clark, and Sasquatch, the Appleseed Deluxe Edition collects Books One through Four of Appleseed, and will feature a wraparound, seven-color artwork cover, metallic, edge-gilded pages, and four-color end sheets along with a sewn-in bookmark. This new Deluxe Edition collection will be available starting in August 2026, and it’s recommended that fans and retailers pre-order now to secure copies. Dates and additional details for the Companion and Anthology will be provided soon.
The year is 2127. In the aftermath of a devastating global war, Deunan and Briareos are just the kind of couple you’d find managing to survive—she’s a former SWAT team member, he’s a cyborg former mercenary. Both of them are found in the ruins by Hitomi, a young woman who recruits them to work for Olympus, an ultra-advanced, experimental city-state that survived the apocalypse.
It’s an oasis of peace that now seeks to step outside its protected zone to try to reconstruct the world…but to do so, its philosophers, planners, and scientists will need the support of people who know how to fight. Olympus can offer them a new, safe home—and the chance to use the most advanced weapons tech on earth, including the powered combat armor known as the Landmate.
And so Deunan and Briareos are drawn into the paradoxes and power struggles of Olympus: their new job, to serve and protect the people of a city whose secrets they know little about. Protect them both from outsiders, and from themselves—for while Deunan and Briareos may believe enough in Olympus to put their lives on the line for it, they’re far too smart to be satisfied being anyone’s mere pawns, even in the most noble cause…
Don’t face the apocalypse alone. Appleseed, the 848-page (7×10”) hardcover arrives in bookstores and comic shops on August 11 and August 12, 2026 for $69.99. Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local bookstore or comic shop.
Sometimes even the greatest kaiju-fighting heroes need a day off.
With the highest kaiju-emergence rates in the world, Japan is no stranger to attack by deadly monsters. But kaiju don’t attack every day! Sometimes, even the best and brightest kaiju-fighting heroes get a chance to relax.
Join the top troops of the Third Division of the Japan Defense Force, a military organization tasked with the neutralization of kaiju, on their days off! Kafka Hibino attempts to bare his soul in meditation, only to end up baring something else. Then, an off-duty Captain Mina Ashiro blows off steam at the arcade, Reno Ichikawa confronts his fear of ghosts, a curious cadet sets out to glimpse Vice-Captain Hoshina’s eyes and uncovers a sweet surprise, and Kikoru Shinomiya finally spends time with her friends.
Original Concept: Naoya Matsumoto Story: Kizuku Watanabe Art: Kizuku Watanabe Translation: David Evelyn Touch-up Art and Lettering: Kyla Aiko Design: Jimmy Presler Editor: Patrick Macias
Get your copy in comic shops! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
(W) Ryu Kamio (A) Yu Nakahara Publisher: Titan Manga SC, 224pp, B&W, $12.99 ISBN: 9781787748019 On sale: December 2, 2025
From the creators of Last Inning, follow an ex-convict’s path to redemption riddled with vengeance, betrayal, and deadly conspiracies – the stakes are too high for him to strikeout off the pitch.
After serving nine years for a crime he didn’t commit, Hachiya Ken is free—but his past is far from behind him. Released from prison, he’s confronted by Hana, the fiery daughter of a ghost from his past. Together, they’re forced to navigate a deadly web of betrayal, yakuza power, and political corruption.
As they uncover a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined, Ken must confront his own demons—and decide how far he’s willing to go for redemption.
Format: Comic book W: Cullen Bunn A: Daniele Serra Publisher: Titan Comics BW, 32pp, $4.99, On sale: February 11, 2026
Akarat, the ancient legend whose teachings spawned the Zakarum faith, has risen from death. He claims he has returned to spread peace, love, and the Light. His powers healed the leader of the Fox Tribe, and now the barbarians are amongst his most loyal followers. All but Derris. Though his people have sworn themselves to Akarat and the Light, Derris knows that the cycle of violence consumes Sanctuary sooner or later—an opinion shared by the mysterious Vrexia, another skeptic swept up in Akarat’s caravan. But when assassins come to slaughter Akakrat, Derris must either save the holy man…or watch his tribe be cut down.
COVER A: ADAM GORHAM COVER B: NICK MARINKOVICH COVER C: DEV PRAMANIK COVER D: ANDREA OLIMPIERI COVER E: BLANK SKETCH COVER F: ADAM GORHAM FOIL TRADE
LENORE: CURSE OF THE BEEBEE YAGA #1
Format: Comic book W/A: Roman Dirge Publisher: Titan Comics FC, 32pp, $4.99, On Sale: February 18, 2026
THE LIVING UNDEAD GIRL IS BACK
FIRST OF 4 BRAND NEW LENORE ONE SHOTS
One day in the deep dark forest, whilst out on a lovely walk, looking for some green grass to eat, Lenore and Ragamuffin find their chum Pooty at the bottom of a reeaally deep dark well.
Turns out he’s been beaten up and thrown down there by a real dick of a bee.
Then things take a turn for the worse when the bee comes back and proceeds to beat the living crap out of them all and then his Gram Gram, the legendary BEEBEE YAGA, turns up and all hell breaks loose! Mondays, am I right?
COVER A: ROMAN DIRGE COVER B: KIT WALLIS COVER C: ROMAN DIRGE COVER D: KIT WALLIS FOIL TRADE ($14.99)
CONAN THE BARBARIAN TIDES OF THE TYRANT-KING #0
Format: Comic book W: Jim Zub A: Jesús Merino Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics FC, 24pp, FREE, On Sale May 2, 2026
Special #0 launch issue for brand-new CONAN THE BARBARIAN TIDES OF THE TYRANT-KING Mini Series, coming in September!
CONAN OF CIMMERIA believed that THULSA DOOM’s evil had been banished forever, but the Atlantean necromancer’s dark power stirs once more and, if it cannot be stopped, the dead shall overtake the living! The Tyrant-King of Atlantis returns and all shall suffer, unless Conan and his brave allies can turn back the tide!
COVER: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
GUN HONEY: DOUBLES DOWN #0
Format: Comic book W: Charles Ardai A: Ace Continuado Publisher: Hard Case Crime and Titan Comics FC, 24pp, FREE, On Sale May 2, 2026
BRAND NEW GUN HONEY STARTS HERE!
Offered $10 million to smuggle a gun into the Kremlin, Gun Honey Joanna Tan enlists the aid of a beautiful former lover in this thrilling lead-up to the events of the summer’s big event, GUN HONEY: DOUBLES DOWN.
COVER: ACE CONTINUADO
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #29
Format: Comic book W: Jim Zub A: Doug Braithwaite Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics FC, 32pp, $4.99, On sale: 11th Feb 2026
New pulp-tastic tales In the tradition of Robert E. Howard. A deadly new foe hunts Conan the Barbarian, tracking his spirit wherever he travels – a killer with keen blade in hand and teeth from old prey strung ‘round his neck. The cult of the Black Stone wants revenge against the Cimmerian and the Son of the Tooth is their weapon of choice.
COVER A: ROB DE LA TORRE COVER B: DOUG BRAITHWAITE COVER C: MARTIN SIMMONDS COVER D: JESUS MARINO COVER E: TOBY WILSMER COVER F: ROB DE LA TORRE FOIL TRADE COVER G: MARTIN SIMMONDS CARDSTOCK VIRGIN VARIANT
THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN REFORGED #3
Format: Comic book W: ROY THOMAS A: NEAL ADAMS, TONY DEZUNIGA Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics FC, 48pp, $9.99, On sale: 18th Feb 2026
In the desert city of Zamboula, Conan is attacked by a group of cannibals who feast on weary travelers. Together with a mysterious dancer named Zabibi, he learns the city’s rulers turn a blind eye to the nightly hunts so long as those who live there aren’t on the menu. But when Conan agrees to help Zabibi kill a depraved priest who cursed her lover, he’ll find himself caught in a web of illusion and betrayal within the temple walls of the ape-god Hanuman! Reprinting the adaptation of the original Robert E. Howard story from Savage Sword of Conan #14, presented her for the first time in stunning color.
CONAN THE BARBARIAN SCOURGE OF THE SERPENT #1-4 PACK
Format: Comic book W: JIM ZUB A: IVAN GIL Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics FC, 32pp x 4, $19.99, On sale: 25th Feb 2026
AN UNMISSABLE SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S PACK COLLECTING CONAN THE BARBARIAN SCOURGE OF THE SERPENT #1-4 from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics. FEATURES COVERS FROM Roberto De La Torre, EM Gist and Gerardo Zaffino! Limited to 800 copies!
COVERS: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, EM GIST, GERARDO ZAFFINO
DARK SOULS: MOTHER OF MOURNING #3 (OF 4)
Format: Comic book W: George Mann A: Maan House Publisher: Titan Comics FC, 32pp, $4.99, On sale: February 18, 2026
Hope is a fleeting feeling for the Knights of Mourning. But the knightly order are willing to bet everything on their last chance of salvation. In search of a hero to rekindle the flame, these knights turn to the Mother of Lilies, a soulless mummified saint with legends about her ability to restore balance to the world. The knights believe that her lost soul will resurrect her and bring them their sought after champion to guide them to solace. But madness looms in every knight’s mind and this long-awaited goal might not be what it once seemed…
COVER A ITO VAR COVER B JAIME CARILLO VAR COVER C ITO VIRGIN VAR
DOCTOR WHO: THE PRISON PARADOX #4 (OF 4)
Format: Comic book W: Dan Watters A: Sami Kivela Publisher: Titan Comics FC, 32pp, $4.99, February 18, 2026
The grand finale! The entire journey has led to this point, as the Doctor and Belinda face the sinister Warden. What is his staggering secret and can the time travellers do the impossible and break out of his inescapable prison?
COVER A SUNGHAN YUNE VAR COVER B PHOTO VAR COVER C SAMI KIVELÄ VAR
ESCAPE FROM SKULL ISLAND #2 (OF 4)
Format: Comic book W: Simon Furman A: Christopher Jones Publisher: Titan Comics FC, 32pp, $4.99, On sale: February 25, 2026
The greatest threat to the world as we know it, Yuugoth, claims Kong’s temple, and the fragile balance of Skull Island shatters. Now, Charlie, Annie, Kaia, and their allies must risk everything to seal the Pit before Yuggoth’s monstrous army overruns the surface… while Kong, wounded and weary, faces battles that could end the island’s last line of defense forever.
COVER A DIEGO YAPUR VAR COVER B CHRISTOPHER JONES VAR COVER C EDUARDO MELLO VAR COVER D DIEGO YAPUR INKS VIRGIN VAR
RETURN TO SKULL ISLAND VOL 1
Format: Graphic Novel W: Simon Furman A: Christopher Jones Publisher: Titan Comics SC, 112 pages, FC, $17.99, ISBN: 9781787743915, On sale February 4, 2026
The official continuation of the hit Netflix series and set in the iconic Kong franchise, Return to Skull Island is a thrilling continuation.
Written by Simon Furman (Transformers) and illustrated by Christopher Jones (Young Justice, Teen Titans) – be amongst the explorers witnessing epic battles between monsters.
REGULAR: CHRISTOPHER JONES DIRECT MARKET: INHYUK LEE
CRANIACS TP VOL 1
Format: Graphic Novel W: Sholly Fisch A: Joe Simko Publisher: Titan Comics SC, 112 pages, FC, $17.99, ISBN: 9781787748606, On sale June 10, 2026
From the collective, creative Craniums of Ira Friedman (Ex-Topps) and Joe Simko (Garbage Pail Kids) comes Craniacs, a refreshingly new and totally original comedy/action/adventure that has blasted its way across collectible trading cards and now into comics!
In the Craniacs universe of skull-headed folks, two planets collide and force two very different societies – Stone-Aged Retrovia and ultra-futuristic Futerra – to figure out how they’re going to make this new planet-sharing world order work! Innovative high-octane action, wacky physical comedy and outrageous competitions will be at the heart of every issue, alongside the importance of friendship, fraternity and family.
The graphic novel collections all four issues of the comic book series and is presented with exclusive bonus interviews and artwork!
UNEMPLOYED KILLERS SUPPORT GROUP
Format: Manga W/A: Rio Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 256pp, $12.99, ISBN: 9781787749627, On sale: February 4, 2026
A bold, bloody, and brilliantly offbeat ride through the lives of society’s most dangerous burnouts. Welcome to the group—check your conscience at the door. Locker Loyed, once a deadly sniper, lost his vision—and his job—on a mission gone wrong. Now, he’s joined an unlikely circle of former contract killers, each grappling with their own personal collapse. Among them: Gloria Maze, a meticulous assassin whose career imploded after catching her husband cheating and killing the mistress in a jealous rage; Jerry Cole, a justice-obsessed lawyer turned bloodthirsty executioner; and Jordi Joe, a delusional con man who’s never actually killed anyone.
GIZMO RISER VOL. 1
Format: Manga W/A: Roku Souna Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 192pp, $12.99, ISBN: 9781787749061, On sale: February 18th, 2026
In the dystopian kingdom of Urunaria, the higher you live, the more you’re worth.
From the bold mind of Roku Souna – a gripping sci-fi debut where one boy dares to rise against a world built to keep him down.
In the towering kingdom of Urunaria, society is literally built on inequality. The wealthiest reside at the top, while the poor are confined to the dark, crumbling depths below. For Kuro, a young slave raised by his uncle in the lowest levels, life offers no future – only labor, loss, and silence. But when his uncle is executed by the state, Kuro inherits a mysterious device: Gizmo – a pair of mechanical gloves with the power to grip, scale, and defy the very system built to crush him.
FAREWELL, MY ODIN VOL 2
Format: Manga W/A: Chiihiro Yoshioka Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 208pp, $12.99, ISBN: 9781787748880, On sale: February 25th, 2026
The “War-Wolf” Odin continues to walk the bloody path of revenge in 10th century Danelaw
Against the brutal backdrop of 11th century England, Farewell, My Odin Vol. 2 continues the harrowing saga of Luke – now fully transformed into the fearsome “War-Wolf” Odin. After surviving unimaginable loss and betrayal, Odin’s quest for vengeance intensifies as he confronts merciless enemies and navigates a world steeped in bloodshed and betrayal.
In this gripping sequel, Luke battles not only battles invading Vikings and the English warriors, but also the darkness growing within him. His struggle between savage instinct and lingering humanity deepens, making every fight more brutal and every choice more devastating. As alliances shift and new threats emerge, Odin’s legend grows, pulling readers deeper into a medieval world where honor is scarce, and survival demands ruthless resolve.
DO WOMEN NEED SEX ENTERTAINMENT VOL 2
Format: Manga W/A: Yachinatsu Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 208pp, $12.99, ISBN: 9781787748866, On sale: February 11th, 2026
Laugh, blush, and grow with this quirky and honest coming-of-age manga, as our heroine dives deeper into the hilarious and heartfelt chaos of love, sex, and self-discovery.
After dipping her toes into the world of female-focused sex work, our quirky heroine returns – a little wiser, a little bolder, and still hilariously unsure of herself. As she stumbles through new experiences, awkward misunderstandings, and unexpected emotional turns, she begins to reflect more deeply on what intimacy, desire, and connection really mean to her.
COSMIC CENSORSHIP VOL 3
Format: Manga W/A: Ryu-Ichi Sadamatsu Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 240pp, $13.99, ISBN: 9781787745735, On sale: February 4th, 2026
A traitor is revealed. A power awakens. And Maki Makino must decide what she’s willing to destroy to save the future.
Maki Makino’s reality is spiraling faster than ever. Still reeling from the traumatic events of Volume 2, Maki’s mysterious powers evolve in unpredictable ways, making her both a weapon and a target. As Earth faces new cosmic-level threats, Maki and her team must push their alliances and strategies to the limit – confronting powerful enemies that seem to know their every move. When a shocking betrayal from within shakes the team’s foundations, Maki must question who to trust, and whether she can even trust herself.
This installment introduces terrifying new foes, intertwines technological warfare with arcane forces, and pushes Maki toward a dramatic personal revelation that could change the fate of the world. Meanwhile, her connection with a certain teammate begins to evolve from camaraderie into something far more complicated – and dangerous.
TENGEN HERO WARS VOL 3
Format: Manga W/A: Yasu Hiromoto Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 192pp, $12.99, ISBN: 9781787743496, On sale: February 25th, 2026
The battle for supremacy escalates as legendary generals Hannibal and Napoleon enter the fray, challenging young Oda Nobunaga and his sister in a high-stakes clash of strategy and might. Perfect for fans of action-packed historical fantasies!
In this thrilling continuation of Tengen Hero Wars, Oda Nobunaga and his sister find themselves amidst intensifying conflicts as more legendary historical titans join the battlefield.
Nobunaga, fresh off a deadly confrontation with the legendary warrior Lü Bu in Volume 2, now faces the tactical genius of the cunning Carthaginian general Hannibal and and the formidable French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, each vying for dominance in this mysterious realm where history’s greatest warriors collide. As alliances shift and strategies unfold, Oda must navigate treacherous waters to uncover his own destiny and survive the escalating war.
OUTSIDERS VOL 3
Format: Manga W/A: Akira Kanou Publisher: Titan Manga BW, 176pp, $13.99, ISBN: 9781787745766, On sale: February 11th, 2026
Experience a world where the supernatural collides with everyday life in this dark fantasy thriller. Follow a high school girl caught between vampires, werewolves, and a deadly web of intrigue.
In Outsiders Volume 3, the tension between humans, vampires, and werewolves escalates as Ema’s investigation into a missing classmate takes a chilling turn. When Kaho Sato, a young girl from Ema’s school, vanishes without a trace, Ema and her werewolf partner Taiga embark on a dangerous search for answers. But as they dig into the case, they realize Kaho’s disappearance may be tied to a much larger, supernatural conspiracy.”
STAR WARS INSIDER #236
Format: Magazine Publisher: Titan Magazines FC, 84pp, $9.99, On sale: February 25, 2026
FEATURING: STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD Sam Witwer discusses his return as the villainous former Sith
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY 10TH ANNIVERSARY Gareth Edwards, John Knoll, and Garry Whitta talk about the making of the movie
INTERVIEWS: Andor and Rogue One’s Alistair Petrie (General Draven) LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy director Chris Buckley
EXCLUSIVE STAR WARS SHORT FICTION By Lucasfilm’s Phil Szostak
December marks one year since the launch of the Kodansha Print Club—the publishing program aimed at bringing Kodansha’s digital-first manga favorites to print. Kodansha is celebrating this upcoming anniversary by unveiling a new-to-the-program series with Girlfriend, Girlfriend Omnibus, volume 1 by Hiroyuki, debuting December 9, 2025!
Girlfriend, Girlfriend—the multi-partner high school rom-com, and one of Kodansha’s most frequently requested series for print on social media—finally arrives on fans’ bookshelves this December, in a 2-in-1 omnibus paperback edition, bringing more story directly to fans in each volume.
Not only that but volume 3s of existing Kodansha Print Club series are also arriving this December: Love, That’s an Understatement, Teppu, and the heartfelt finale of Blade Girl.
Kodansha continues to invite fans to be part of this program by not only purchasing Kodansha Print Club titles, but also by letting the publisher know which series they would like to see added to this ever-expanding roster. Suggestions, comments, and requests can be submitted via Kodansha’s Publishing suggestion feedback form.
Girlfriend, Girlfriend
Naoya just got a girlfriend, the gorgeous Saki-chan, and though their intensities often pit them against each other like ice and fire, they’re totally, uncontrollably in love with each other. He vows never to cheat…when out of the blue he receives a confession of love from another girl! Nagisa’s cute, sweet, and she’s made him lunch to boot! He knows he can’t cheat, but his interest is piqued and he’s utterly moved… So he does the next logical(?) thing: Ask Saki for permission to date them both! The confidence! The arrogance! The very gall! No matter the outcome, Naoya’s future will be lively!
Blade Girl
One year after losing her leg, 16-year-old Rin is tired—tired of the painful physical therapy, tired of being treated differently, and tired of her stupid, heavy, awkward prosthetic leg. All that changes when she encounters the Blade Runners, a group of one-legged athletes who run with “blades”—carbon fiber prosthetics specialized for competitive running—made by their gifted prosthetist, Kazami. The blades are light, flexible, and formidably difficult to control—Rin can barely walk with one, much less sprint. But as she tumbles to the ground again and again, she rediscovers many of the things that she’d forgotten, and finds a new goal: to compete in the Paralympics.
Love, That’s an Understatement
Spare eraser? Check. Extra folding umbrella? Check. First aid kit? Check. Cool and collected high school student Risa Amakawa has something in her heavy bag for every situation, and the last thing she needs—or knows how to ask for—is anyone’s help. When she saves a beat-up delinquent in the park one rainy evening, she refuses any sort of repayment. But it turns out that saving the notorious Zen Ohira buys her the attention of some unsavory characters. As Zen keeps swooping in to help her out of one pickle after another, her feelings about relying on anyone but herself—and her feelings toward Zen—slowly begin to change… A new romcom from the author of Lovesick Ellie!
Teppu
It’s not easy being good at everything. First-year high school student Natsuo Ishido has always been a gifted athlete, and her ability to easily master every sport has not only bought her a life of boredom, but the resentment of everyone else who has had to work hard for their achievements. Not that Natsuo cares what anyone else thinks. All she longs for is a break from the monotony…for a real challenge worthy of pouring all her efforts into. A rival—an equal—worth beating down, crushing, and demoralizing… That all seems like a pipe dream until a pair of annoyingly peppy transfer students arrive from Brazil and start up a brand-new club that teases the challenge she craves—Mixed Martial Arts.
An all-new adventure featuring Edward Kenway, following the events of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag!
It’s time for Edward Kenway to take on one last swashbuckling mission! Shifting alliances with new friends, deadly battles with the scheming Templars, and all-new enemies are going to put all of Kenway’s skills to the test!
Noa Kim is kidnapped by Abstergo in Macau and forced to explore the memories of one of his ancestors through their Animus program. That ancestor turns out to be Edward Kenway, the legendary pirate and Assassin! Held under Abstergo’s thumb, Kim finds himself thrust into an adventure that spans Southeast Asia as Kenway searches for vaults from the First Civilization.
Original Concept: Ubisoft Story: ARC Art: Tabii Translation: Amy Cho Retouch and Lettering: Brandon Bovia
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
VIZ Media provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
Kadokawa Corporation has announced that it will launch a new global manga competition, theKadokawa World Manga Contest, open to anyone, anywhere in the world. Entries will be accepted from Friday, November 28, 2025 to Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with award winners scheduled to be announced around May 2026.
Kadokawa embraces the guiding principle of “Global Media Mix with Technology,” focusing on discovering talent worldwide and delivering the intellectual properties it creates to a global audience through various technological means, such as digital platforms and online content distribution. As part of this approach, in 2024 the company held its first-ever “Wordless World Manga Contest,” where creators were challenged to convey stories purely through visuals, enabling their works to communicate across languages. The contest drew 1,126 submissions from 104 countries and regions, far exceeding expectations.
Based on this response, Kadokawa is scaling up the contest as the Kadokawa World Manga Contest, now open to works that include dialogue. The contest website will be available in five languages – Japanese, English, Spanish, French, and Traditional Chinese – enabling even broader participation from creators around the world.
Through this contest, Kadokawa aims to serve as a bridge between global talent and the Japanese manga industry, providing a new starting point for international creative collaboration.
Two Submission Categories with Prizes and Publication Support
The Kadokawa World Manga Contest is accepting submissions in two categories: the “Manga With Dialogue” Category, which allows dialogue, and the “Wordless Manga” Category, in which stories are told without dialogue. The newly established “Manga With Dialogue” Category accepts works in five languages – Japanese, English, Spanish, French, and Traditional Chinese. In the “Wordless Manga” Category, creators can submit works without dialogue so that anyone can participate regardless of language. The contest is open to individuals, teams, or organizations worldwide and welcomes submissions from creators of any age or experience level.
Submissions will be evaluated by editors selected from Kadokawa’s editorial departments and the Kadokawa World Manga Contest secretariat, ensuring a comprehensive “all-KADOKAWA” judging process.
Prizes for winners include:
Gold Prize: 10,000 USD
Silver Prize: 5,000 USD
Bronze Prize: 3,000 USD
In addition to cash awards, Kadokawa’s comic editorial team will provide hands-on support to help winners prepare their works for commercial publication in Japanese magazines and online platforms. Support includes remote meetings and email consultations with editors to help creators develop their works toward potential serialization. Other benefits for winners include invitations to the contest awards ceremony, editorial department tours, and publication on Kadokawa’s manga portal site Kadocomi. This contest aims to provide aspiring manga creators worldwide with guidance and support toward developing their works for potential publication with a Japanese publisher.
This year, the contest also introduces Honorable Mentions (300 USD), recognizing outstanding entries that did not receive a main prize. Honorable Mentions winners will receive cash only.
New World Manga Editorial Section Established to Enhance Support for Winners
In the previous Wordless World Manga Contest, a total of eight works were selected as winners: one Gold Prize, two Silver Prizes, and four Bronze Prizes in the Original Manga Award, and one Bronze Prize in the Themed Manga Award. All winners are continuing to develop their works with Kadokawa’s editorial team, aiming for one-shots, serialization in Japan, and international publication.
To further support overseas creators, Kadokawa has established a new Overseas Manga Editorial Section this year. This department is dedicated to nurturing contest winners and providing specialized assistance for global development and distribution of their works, ensuring ongoing support for their creative activities.
Noboru Segawa : Head of the World Manga Editorial Section
In the previous Wordless World Manga Contest, they received more than three times the number of submissions they had anticipated. Kadokawa was amazed by the sheer number of talented manga creators from around the world.
With the new Kadokawa World Manga Contest we aim to meet even more unique creators and discover outstanding works, hosting the contest on a larger scale. At the same time, we have strengthened our operational structure by establishing the World Manga Editorial Section to provide ongoing editorial support to winners through their potential debut in Japan.
Looking ahead, we hope not only to help creators debut in Japan but also to expand opportunities for their works to be read around the world, by strengthening collaboration with our overseas group offices.
We truly look forward to meeting manga lovers and creators from across the globe and sharing in the joy of creative storytelling.
KADOKAWA WORLD MANGA CONTEST – Submission Overview
Submission Period: November 28, 2025 (Friday) – March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
Categories: “Manga With Dialogue” Category: Works using dialogue and speech bubbles. Submissions may be in Japanese, English, Spanish, French, or Traditional Chinese.
“Wordless Manga” Category: Works that tell a story without dialogue or text. Submissions are accepted regardless of language.
Eligibility: Open to professional and amateur creators of any nationality or age, including individuals, teams, and organizations (some conditions may apply).
⁎Note: Minors must obtain consent from a parent or guardian.
– Prizes:
Gold Prize: 10,000 USD
Silver Prize: 5,000 USD
Bronze Prize: 3,000 USD
*Honorable Mentions: 300 USD (for submissions not selected for a main prize but deemed noteworthy)
How to Apply: Submit via the contest’s official website submission form. Results Announcement: Scheduled for May 2026
Star Wars: The Path of the Lightsaber is an action-packed adventure that takes the reader along on the relatable journey to learn what it takes to actually be able to use lightsaber.
All Jedi Knights are bestowed an important item that only those in tune with the Force could wield—the lightsaber. These powerful objects disappeared with the Jedi when the Empire took over, but even if you find one, you may not be able to master it.
The First Order rules the galaxy, but some still remember the Jedi Knights who once bravely defended the Republic. Nioka, a resourceful young tinkerer, dreams of becoming a Jedi like the legendary Luke Skywalker. For now, though, she keeps a low profile aboard salvage ship the Random Luck with her crewmate Barun, an enthusiastic supporter of the Resistance.
During an expedition to a mysterious asteroid, Nioka stumbles upon an incredible find—a lightsaber, the weapon of the Jedi. As she tries to figure out how to use it, she realizes others are after the artifact as well, seeking to use it for sinister purposes. With danger closing in, Nioka must protect the lightsaber and herself while learning what it truly means to wield such power. But if she’s going to stand a chance, she’ll need someone to teach her the ways of the Jedi.
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PREQUEL TO THE HIT NETFLIX ANIME SERIES! SET IN AN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION, A VENGEFUL BOY BATTLES POWERFUL KAIJU CREATED FOR WAR, uncovering a dark conspiracy where powerful creatures fight artificial wars to benefit the elite! The story follows a boy named Lucius, who is left scarred and vengeful after witnessing the death of his father in one of these brutal conflicts. As the kingdom’s experiments lead to the creation of Gamera, a fire-breathing turtle with immense power, Lucius vows to dismantle the aristocracy and destroy the source of these monstrous creations.
Discover intense isekai action with a divine twist and stunning artwork, from Aoi Akashiro of Classroom Of The Elite.
This volume continues the thrilling and comedic story from the hit Crunchyroll anime, offering captivating fantasy and drama.
In Working For God In A Godless World Volume 4, the stakes are higher than ever as Yukito and the divine Mitama face increasingly formidable challenges. Dakini, a powerful figure with a legion of followers, poses a significant threat with her perverse religion centered around lust and depravity. Meanwhile, Mitama’s waning influence is exacerbated by the growing devotion of her followers to Atar, causing her to become weaker.
As the pressure mounts, Yukito uses his acting skills to navigate a complex and dangerous situation, turning adversity into opportunity. His resourcefulness and Mitama’s divine abilities have become an iconic combination, as seen in the popular twelve-part anime adaptation on Crunchyroll.
Fans of isekai manga with a divine twist will find this series particularly engaging. The stunning art by Sonsho Hangetsuban brings both the desolate landscapes and Mitama’s godly powers to life, creating a visually enthralling experience and enhancing the manga’s unique take on the genre.
Created by Aoi Akashiro, known for his work on Classroom of the Elite and Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, this volume continues to deliver the complex character dynamics and thrilling storytelling that fans love. As the fourth instalment in this seven-volume series, it promises even more dramatic developments and divine challenges.
