North American publisher Manga Mavericks announced at Otakon 2025 two new manga licenses set for release in early 2026: Chlona’s action-packed “FISHGOD” and Takafumi Adachi’s unique “BALLET HERO FANTASY: DAN’S ADVENTURE FEAT. STEVEN MCRAE”. These new titles expand Manga Mavericks’ growing catalog, following their initial releases in July 2025.
Diving into “FISHGOD”
“FISHGOD,” created by indie manga artist Chlona, is an action-revenge series. The digital release for “FISHGOD” is slated for January 2026, with the print edition to follow in May 2026.
The story of “FISHGOD” plunges readers into a world overrun by “Kaigyo”—fish that have evolved to walk on land, consume concrete, and demolish buildings. Ten years prior to the main narrative, protagonist Jaytle Nish witnessed his parents brutally murdered and devoured by these creatures, commanded by a mysterious figure in black. Jaytle now works as a Kaigyo exterminator, relentlessly searching for clues to his parents’ fate. His quest takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a peculiar woman who consumes poisonous Kaigyo flesh. Together, this unlikely duo confronts deadly fish and enigmatic cultists in a pop art-inspired narrative.
Chlona, a single mother, described “FISHGOD” as an “exhilarating buddy action manga” featuring a mismatched male and female protagonist pair. She expressed her dedication to the long-form manga, stating she “put her soul into this work”. “FISHGOD” originally launched on LINE Manga in July 2022 and has three compiled digital volumes released by No. 9 in Japan. Chlona also self-publishes print editions at Comitia events and on her website.
“BALLET HERO FANTASY”: A Unique Blend
“BALLET HERO FANTASY: DAN’S ADVENTURE FEAT. STEVEN MCRAE,” from Takafumi Adachi, best known for “Beyblade: Metal Fusion,” is scheduled for simultaneous print and digital release in February 2026. This manga uniquely combines elements of ballet, tokusatsu, and action-adventure.
The manga centers on Dan, a dancer with immense passion but lacking in innate ability, who idolizes his upperclassman, Steven McRae. Steven, a real-world Royal Ballet Principal dancer who collaborated on the manga, travels to a fantastical world via a magic mirror, where he transforms into a Ballet Hero. When Dan inadvertently follows him, Steven realizes Dan’s presence is no accident.
Adachi’s inspiration for “Ballet Hero Fantasy” stemmed from his desire for new creative stimuli after the success of “Beyblade,” leading him to explore ballets and operas. He saw ballet as “pure entertainment” that harmonized well with fantasy manga, aiming to tell a boys’ adventure story rooted in ballet. Steven McRae contributes visual inspiration through photographs and videos to help Adachi replicate ballet moves within the stories. The manga was initially an insert in the Japanese Dancin’ Magazine and was previously available as an English Kindle download.
Manga Mavericks: A New Player in North American Publishing
Manga Mavericks LLC launched its publishing division, Manga Mavericks Books, in April 2025, aiming to license, localize, and distribute works from indie creators in Japan to a North American audience. Their initial lineup, which debuted in July 2025, included “Bonds” by Zenzo, “Alternative [Self Liner Note]” by Chiaki Yagura, and “Zigoku’s Foreman” by 9banta. The company also partnered with localization company Red String for some releases. The addition of “FISHGOD” and “BALLET HERO FANTASY” further solidifies Manga Mavericks’ commitment to bringing diverse and compelling indie manga to English-speaking readers.
