Kodansha USA Publishing has unveiled a robust lineup of new manga licenses slated for Spring 2026, including the highly anticipated titles “Stella Must Die,” “DRAGON CIRCUS,” and “Magical Karina.” The announcement was made during their panel at San Diego Comic-Con, revealing a diverse collection of series set to hit shelves and digital platforms.
Featured Spring 2026 Manga Releases
The upcoming slate includes a mix of new series debuts and anniversary editions of beloved classics, catering to a wide range of manga enthusiasts.
Stella Must Die
While specific details about “Stella Must Die” remain somewhat under wraps in the initial announcement, its inclusion as a prominent title suggests a significant addition to Kodansha’s catalog. It is distinct from the visual novel “Stella of The End” or the ongoing manga “Tonari no Stella”.
DRAGON CIRCUS
From the creators Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi, known for “Ultraman” and “Linebarrels of Iron,” “DRAGON CIRCUS” delves into a world where humanity faces the overwhelming threat of dragons. The story begins in Tokyo with a dragon’s appearance and later shifts to an American battlefield, introducing a dragon-slaying “puppet” named “Shikigami.” The manga, which originally launched in 2019 and later resumed its serialization with a planned sequel in July 2024, explores action, drama, mystery, and the supernatural.
Magical Karina
“Magical Karina” by Koyuri is another notable acquisition. The series follows Karina Nogata, whose life takes an unexpected turn after her grandmother’s passing, when she encounters a terrifying monster and a mysterious young man. The manga is categorized under genres such as drama, fantasy, and magical girls, with themes including monsters and school life.
Other Significant Spring 2026 Licenses
Beyond these highlighted titles, Kodansha USA is expanding its offerings with several other new series and special editions.
New Series Debuts
- GALAXIAS by Ao Hatesaka.
- OMORI by OMOCAT and Nui Konoito, a manga adaptation based on the popular video game, promising a dark and dreamy adventure.
- Fruit of the Underworld by Aya Kanno.
- Wicked Spot by Sal Jiang, described as a modern magical fantasy centered around a witch influencer.
- Drawing From Your Memory by Shiki Kawabata.
- Love at First Memory by Narumi Hasegaki.
- Kirio Fan Club, an “oddball romantic rivalry comedy.”
- 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.
- Honey Bee & Lemon Balm.
Anniversary and Collector’s Editions
Kodansha is also bringing back fan-favorite classics with special anniversary releases and collector’s editions.
- Shugo Chara! 20th Anniversary Edition by PEACH-PIT, offering a refreshed edition of the magical-girl manga with new covers, updated translation, and a color art gallery.
- Shugo Chara! Jewel Joker.
- MARS 30th Anniversary Edition by Fuyumi Soryo, returning with an all-new translation in collectible 2-in-1 hardcovers featuring metallic covers and new illustrations.
- The Ghost in the Shell Legacy Edition Manga Box Set by Shirow Masamune, an ultimate uncensored edition that matches the final Japanese manga, packaged with new illustrations, exclusive posters, and Fuchikoma robot stickers. An anime adaptation of “The Ghost in the Shell” is also in production, assured to be faithful to the original manga.
- Witch Hat Atelier: Grimoire Edition by Kamome Shirahama, a deluxe, keepsake-quality hardcover collecting the first three volumes of the acclaimed fantasy manga. This edition includes extra-large books printed on premium paper with gold foil covers and exclusive bonus content.
These titles will be available for purchase starting Spring 2026 at various physical and online book retailers. Digital editions will also be available on release across participating vendors, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, and MyAnimeList.
