Japanese publisher AlphaPolis has confirmed it will begin releasing English-language manga in print editions starting June 2026. The move marks a significant expansion for the company, which has previously focused on digital distribution through its Alpha Manga service. Three titles have been announced for the initial print rollout, with their first volumes scheduled for release on June 9, 2026.
The company aims to “reach a wider audience and bring even more enjoyment to its readers” by entering the physical print market. This initiative will introduce popular titles, many originating as web novels, to manga enthusiasts worldwide in a tangible format.
Initial Print Releases and Schedule
The first wave of AlphaPolis’s English print manga will feature three popular series, each launching with its debut volume in June 2026. Subsequent volumes for these titles are already slated for release later in the year.
Featured Titles for Summer 2026
- May I Ask for One Final Thing?: The first volume of this manga, which is based on an original web novel by Nana Ōtori and illustrated by Sora Hoonoki, will be released on June 9, 2026. The series follows Scarlet, a young woman seeking revenge after a false accusation and a broken engagement, embracing her rebellious fighting spirit. This manga is also inspiring a television anime that premiered in October, with Crunchyroll streaming the series.
- Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time: The inaugural volume of this fantasy title is also set for release on June 9, 2026.
- A Gatherer’s Adventure in Isekai: The first volume of this adventure series will complete the initial trio of print releases on June 9, 2026.
Following these initial releases, the second volumes for all three series are scheduled for August 4, 2026, with the third volumes to follow on October 6, 2026. AlphaPolis has indicated that further announcements regarding future print releases will be made as decisions are finalized.
AlphaPolis’s Journey from Web to Print
AlphaPolis Co. Ltd., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, was founded in 2000 as a publisher of online content. The company has since grown into a significant player in the Japanese publishing industry, known for converting popular web novels into light novels and manga, often leading to anime adaptations. Their distinctive user-generated content (UGC) platform allows them to identify successful series, a model that has proven highly effective in generating hits.
Notable titles published by AlphaPolis include Gate, Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, and Re:Monster, many of which have seen considerable success in both print and anime formats. The company launched its Alpha Manga app in August 2021, providing English versions of its titles digitally to smartphone users. This upcoming move to print signifies a natural progression for the publisher, aiming to capitalize on the robust global demand for physical manga.
Strategic Expansion and Market Impact
The decision to move into physical print publishing for the English market reflects a broader strategy by AlphaPolis to leverage its intellectual properties (IPs) across multiple media and regions. With a strong catalog of fantasy and “Isekai” themed manga, the company is well-positioned to appeal to a dedicated fanbase that often prefers collecting physical editions.
This expansion will see AlphaPolis directly competing in the established English manga market, currently dominated by publishers like Yen Press and Kodansha. By offering popular titles previously exclusive to their digital platform in a physical format, AlphaPolis hopes to carve out a significant niche and enhance its brand recognition among international readers. The company’s history of identifying and nurturing successful web-originated content suggests a strong pipeline for future print releases.
