Manga Mavericks Books, the newly launched publishing division of the popular Manga Mavericks website and podcast, announced the acquisition of two new manga titles during its panel at New York Comic Con on Sunday: Sen’s Horon of the Closed Country and Atsuji Yamamoto’s Sinbad manga. Both series are slated for digital and print releases in 2026.
Manga Mavericks Expands Its Growing Catalog
Manga Mavericks LLC, which originated as a manga news podcast in 2016, has diversified into a multimedia company and recently established its publishing arm, Manga Mavericks Books, in April 2025. The company aims to highlight diverse storytelling and artistry from Japanese creators and comics to a global audience. These new acquisitions further expand their commitment to bringing unique manga titles to North American readers.
Sen’s Horon of the Closed Country: A Dark Fantasy Journey
Horon of the Closed Country, created by Sen, promises a compelling dark fantasy narrative. The story centers on an ancient land protected by a forest deity, where sacrifices are necessary to ward off foreign enemies. However, the deity has begun to encroach upon humankind, requiring “diviners” with special powers to repel it.
The manga follows an unlikely trio, each having lost something dear, as they embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the forest deity. Their personal losses, the deity’s increasing appearances, and the need for sacrifices are all intertwined. Sen expressed excitement for the English release, stating a desire to share the kind of fantasy story they would have loved as a child with a worldwide audience. The completed indie manga series spans four volumes. The digital release is planned for early winter 2026, followed by a print release in summer 2026.
Atsuji Yamamoto’s Sinbad: A Classic Adventure Reimagined
Atsuji Yamamoto’s Sinbad manga, originally published in Japan in 1989, is described as a legendary, time-spanning adventure that melds classic shonen artwork and storytelling with a timeless tale. The series, which has four volumes in Japan, will be released at A5 size by Manga Mavericks.
The story follows Sinbad, a brave, agile, and just young man who feels different due to his unique appearance. His quest for self-discovery begins after he helps a girl retrieve a lost crystal ball, offering him a glimpse into his past. This revelation propels him on a life-changing journey filled with danger as he seeks to understand his origins. Yamamoto, who was one of the first students to join Rumiko Takahashi’s art technique school in 1977, shared his honor in having an English version of Sinbad announced at New York Comic Con. He noted that the manga takes place within the familiar Arabian Nights storyline. The summary from the publisher highlights themes of identity, destiny, and heroic adventure.
