Dark Horse Comics has unveiled plans for a new series of deluxe manga editions, bringing Masamune Shirow’s seminal works Appleseed, Appleseed Companion, and a Shirow Masamune Anthology back to print in premium hardcover formats. This exclusive announcement marks a significant event for fans of the acclaimed cyberpunk creator and collector’s edition manga. The first of these, Appleseed Deluxe Edition, is slated for release in August 2026.
Appleseed Deluxe Edition: A Classic Reimagined
The Appleseed Deluxe Edition will collect the first four books of Masamune Shirow’s iconic series into a single, oversized hardcover volume, spanning a substantial 848 pages. Fans can anticipate a visually stunning presentation, featuring a wraparound, seven-color artwork cover, elegant edge-gilded pages, four-color end sheets, and a convenient sewn-in bookmark.
The series introduces readers to Deunan Knute, a former SWAT team member, and her cyborg partner Briareos. Set in the year 2127, after a devastating global war, the duo is recruited to Olympus, an advanced city-state striving to rebuild the world. Their mission involves protecting Olympus from external threats and internal power struggles, navigating the complexities of their new home and its secrets.
The translation for this deluxe edition will be handled by Dana Lewis, Toren Smith, and Duane Johnson, with lettering by Tom Orzechowski, L. Lois Buhalis, John Clark, and Sasquatch. This comprehensive volume is scheduled to arrive in bookstores on August 11, 2026, and in comic shops on August 12, 2026. Dark Horse previously published the Appleseed manga in North America, alongside other Shirow works like Ghost in the Shell and Dominion.
Appleseed Companion Deluxe Edition and Shirow Masamune Anthology Deluxe Edition
While specific details regarding the contents and release dates for the Appleseed Companion Deluxe Edition and the Shirow Masamune Anthology Deluxe Edition are yet to be fully revealed, Dark Horse has confirmed these titles are part of the three-book deluxe series. The Appleseed Companion is expected to offer supplementary material to the main Appleseed series, potentially including the kind of sketches, studies, and schematics found in previous companion releases like Appleseed ID. These companion books often delve deeper into the intricate world-building, technology, and character designs that define Shirow’s work.
The Shirow Masamune Anthology Deluxe Edition suggests a broader collection of the author’s diverse creations, offering a curated look into his other influential manga and art. Masamune Shirow is internationally acclaimed for his contributions to manga, having created numerous classic titles beyond Appleseed, including Ghost in the Shell, Dominion, Orion, and Black Magic. This anthology could serve as an excellent entry point for new readers or a valuable collection for long-time fans looking to explore the breadth of his artistic vision.
Further details, including cover art and specific contents for these additional deluxe editions, are anticipated to be announced by Dark Horse at a later date. These announcements continue Dark Horse’s trend of releasing popular manga titles in high-quality, oversized deluxe editions, following successful runs with series like Lone Wolf & Cub and Oldboy.
