Kodansha USA Publishing today announced the acquisition of three new manga titles: AIDOL, NakiNagi, and Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! These diverse series are slated for print and digital release in Fall 2026, further expanding the publisher’s extensive catalog across various genres and target demographics.
Expanding the Fall 2026 Manga Lineup
The announcement highlights Kodansha USA’s continued commitment to bringing a wide array of compelling stories to English-speaking audiences. These new licenses, spanning dark thrillers, wholesome romance, and unique slice-of-life comedy, are set to enrich the publisher’s offerings for Fall 2026.
“AIDOL”: A Dark Showbiz Thriller Explores Obsession
One of the newly licensed titles, AIDOL (originally Denjin N), plunges readers into a dark showbiz thriller. The series is a collaborative effort, with art by Kazu Inabe, story by Yu Kuraishi, and original concept by Ku Tanaka.
The Creative Team Behind “AIDOL”
Kazu Inabe, Yu Kuraishi, and Ku Tanaka are known for their work on intense and often psychological narratives. Their previous collaborations include manga such as Fort of Apocalypse and Starving Anonymous, suggesting a similar tone for AIDOL.
Synopsis and Thematic Elements of “AIDOL”
AIDOL follows the unsettling story of a sick fan obsessed with a mediocre idol singer. This fan gains monstrous powers, allowing him to possess the electrical grid. He then ruthlessly manipulates events to propel his idol to success, regardless of her own desires. Kodansha USA describes AIDOL as a blend of Death Note and Perfect Blue, featuring “Final Destination–style kills” against a backdrop of toxic celebrity culture. The series promises a tense and horrific mystery, presented in omnibus volumes, each containing nearly 400 pages of manga. It is marketed as a complete story in three books, catering to fans of titles like Dragon Head, PTSD Radio, and Homunculus. This 18+ rated manga will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological depth and suspenseful narratives.
“NakiNagi”: A Wholesome Supernatural Romance
From acclaimed creator Keigo Maki, known for Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie, comes NakiNagi, a “1000% wholesome story” that blends romance with supernatural elements.
Keigo Maki’s Latest Work
Keigo Maki’s distinct art style and storytelling approach have garnered a dedicated fanbase. NakiNagi marks another exciting addition to their bibliography, promising the charm and character-driven narrative that readers have come to expect. The manga debuted on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket manga service and has been simulpublished on K Manga.
The Heart of “NakiNagi”‘s Story
The manga centers on Nakika, a former feared witch of the deep sea who has chosen to live on the surface to understand human emotions. She befriends Nagisa, a naive romantic. As Nakika uses her magical abilities to aid Nagisa in her pursuit of love, her comprehension of the human world deepens, as does her bond with Nagisa herself. This 13+ rated manga offers a heartwarming narrative about friendship, discovery, and the complexities of emotions, making it suitable for a broad audience seeking a gentle yet engaging story.
“Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby!”: An All-Ages Australian Adventure
Marume Goshika introduces a unique and charming tale with Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! (original title: Kyō mo Ashita mo Wallaby-sensei), an all-ages manga.
Marume Goshika’s Unique Tale
Marume Goshika’s work ventures into lighthearted and imaginative territories, promising a story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Synopsis of “Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby!”
The premise of Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! is delightfully whimsical: a Japanese professor on a field expedition in Australia encounters a talking wallaby who unceremoniously falls on him from a tree. The wallaby, slightly annoyed, explains he was distracted while reading a book. This sets the stage for an engaging and humorous adventure that is sure to capture the imagination of younger readers and those looking for a lighthearted escape.
Anticipating the Fall 2026 Releases
All three newly licensed manga — AIDOL, NakiNagi, and Say Hello to Mr. Wallaby! — are scheduled for print and digital release in Fall 2026. Readers will be able to find these titles through various physical and online book vendors, including major retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon. Digital editions will also be accessible across multiple platforms, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, and Kodansha’s official website, kodansha.us. This multi-format release strategy ensures broad accessibility for manga enthusiasts eager to dive into these new stories.
