Titan Manga has provided an exclusive first look at the English cover art and interior pages for Yūgo Kobayashi’s critically acclaimed soccer manga, Aoashi. The unveiling offers fans a glimpse into the forthcoming English omnibus edition, which is slated to hit shelves on May 12, 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the popular series, making it accessible to a wider international audience.
The debut English omnibus will compile the first three volumes of the original Japanese manga, offering a substantial introduction to the world of youth soccer prodigy Ashito Aoi. Pre-orders are currently available through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Forbidden Planet.
A Closer Look at the English Edition of Aoashi
The newly revealed English cover showcases the dynamic artwork synonymous with Kobayashi’s style, while the interior pages highlight the intricate storytelling and intense soccer action that has captivated millions. Titan Manga is delivering the series in a 3-in-1 omnibus format, a common practice for lengthy manga series entering the Western market, allowing readers to catch up quickly on the extensive narrative.
The decision to publish Aoashi in English comes after considerable demand from fans who have followed the series through its anime adaptation and Japanese releases. This omnibus strategy aims to provide a comprehensive and appealing entry point for new readers, while satisfying long-time enthusiasts eager for an official English translation.
The Story of Ashito Aoi: From Ehime to Esperion
Aoashi, penned and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi with concept collaboration from Naohiko Ueno, centers on Ashito Aoi, a talented yet hot-headed middle school student from Ehime Prefecture with a raw, untapped potential for soccer. His life takes a pivotal turn when he encounters Tatsuya Fukuda, a former professional player and the youth team manager for the J1 club Tokyo City Esperion.
Impressed by Ashito’s unique vision and dedication, Fukuda invites him to try out for Esperion’s prestigious youth academy in Tokyo. The manga chronicles Ashito’s arduous journey as he navigates the highly competitive world of J-Youth Soccer, striving to overcome his shortcomings, adapt to a new environment, and ultimately achieve his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. The narrative delves deep into tactical aspects of football, making it a favorite among sports manga aficionados.
Accolades and Global Recognition
Since its serialization began in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine in January 2015, Aoashi has garnered significant acclaim. The series notably won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2020, one of Japan’s most prestigious honors for manga. By January 2025, the manga had circulated over 23 million copies, underscoring its immense popularity in Japan. The manga officially concluded its serialization in June 2025, with 40 collected tankōbon volumes.
The series’ global reach expanded with an anime television series adaptation, produced by Production I.G, which premiered in April 2022 and ran for 24 episodes. Crunchyroll streamed the anime outside of Asia, further boosting its international fanbase. A second season of the anime, produced by TMS Entertainment, has been announced and is slated to premiere in 2026, coinciding with the English manga release.
The Road Ahead for English-Speaking Fans
The upcoming English release of Aoashi by Titan Manga is a testament to the series’ enduring appeal and growing global interest in Japanese sports manga. Fans can now look forward to experiencing Ashito Aoi’s inspiring journey firsthand in an officially translated format. The decision to launch in omnibus editions suggests a commitment to rapidly bring the extensive story to English readers, allowing them to immerse themselves in one of Japan’s most celebrated soccer narratives.
