Kodansha USA Publishing has revealed a fresh wave of manga acquisitions set to debut in print and digitally in Fall 2026, featuring titles such as the boys’ love romantic comedy Kiss or Die Trying! and the otaku-centric romance Fan/Girl x Call/Boy. The announcement, made between January 7 and January 9, 2026, introduces a diverse lineup across various genres, promising new reads for fans of thrillers, fantasy, and romantic comedies alike.
A Closer Look at the New Fall 2026 Manga Titles
The new licenses highlight Kodansha USA’s continued commitment to bringing a wide array of Japanese manga to English-speaking audiences. Here’s an overview of the newly announced series:
Kiss or Die Trying!
Penned by Den Mitao, Kiss or Die Trying! (original Japanese title: Douse Shinunara Kiss Shitai!) plunges readers into a madcap boys’ love (BL) story. The narrative centers on Kanemaru, a seasoned serial dater, who develops an interest in Liu, a new transfer student from China who also works at his favorite eatery. Their burgeoning connection is repeatedly interrupted by bizarre and unpredictable predicaments, including a sudden attack by kidnappers, making it seem as though the universe itself is determined to keep the couple apart, even if it means putting their lives on the line. This title is anticipated to deliver a comedic yet thrilling romance.
Fan/Girl x Call/Boy
From creator Kotora Aoshima, Fan/Girl x Call/Boy (original Japanese title: Deriwo no Oshigoto) offers a charming and relatable romantic comedy for fans of otaku culture. The story introduces Sakurako, a reclusive and fervent fan of ero-ge (erotic fantasy games), who decides to hire a call-boy named Fuji. Her intention is to experience the emotions of her beloved game characters. However, a clumsy accident reveals her hidden otaku collection and an erotic game paused on her TV, exposing her true motives. Surprisingly, Fuji turns out to be a fellow fan of the same game, leading to an unexpected night of gaming and the beginning of a unique connection. This series is slated for a Fall 2026 release and promises a fun, funny love story perfect for readers who enjoy titles like Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku and Sweat and Soap.
Additional Noteworthy Acquisitions
Beyond these highlighted titles, Kodansha USA has broadened its Fall 2026 catalog with several other intriguing series, catering to diverse tastes:
- AIDOL (Denjin N): This dark showbiz thriller manga, with an original concept by Ku Tanaka, story by Yu Kuraishi, and art by Kazu Inabe, promises a tense, horrific mystery. It follows a sick fan who gains monstrous powers and uses them to make his mediocre idol a success, whether she likes it or not. Described as a blend of Death Note and Perfect Blue, each omnibus volume will be approximately 400 pages.
- NakiNagi: A wholesome fantasy romance by Keigo Maki. It tells the story of Nakika, a quiet witch who left her life in the deep sea to understand human emotions, and her best friend Nagisa, a naive romantic. Nakika uses her magic to aid Nagisa’s quest for love, deepening her own understanding of the human world and strengthening her bond with Nagisa.
- Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby!: Written and illustrated by Marume Goshika, this title begins with a Japanese professor in Australia encountering a surprising wallaby.
- Rainy Day Serenade (Namidaame to Serenade): A 2-in-1 omnibus by Haruka Kawachi.
- Mr. Vamp Is a Vampire.
These new print licenses are expected to be available at physical and online bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon. Digital editions will also be released concurrently across major platforms, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, and MyAnimeList. Fans can also purchase and read digital manga directly from Kodansha USA’s website.
