Q3 2026 Anime and Manga Licenses Revealed
The third quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting period for anime and manga enthusiasts. With new titles being licensed for home video, digital distribution, and print release, fans have a fresh wave of content to anticipate. This comprehensive overview covers all the major announcements for anime and manga licenses in North America during the July to September 2026 window, including some Summer 2026 anime carried over from earlier announcements for your convenience. Keep an eye out for these upcoming releases from your favorite publishers.
New Anime Home Video Releases
Anime licensing for Q3 2026 brings compelling series to home video collections. North American distributor GKIDS made a significant announcement on June 16, adding "Cocoon: Aru Natsu no Shoujo-tachi yori" also known as "cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood" to their lineup. Known for their curated selection of acclaimed films, GKIDS continues to bring unique stories to the market.
Sentai Filmworks, another key player in the North American anime landscape, unveiled a trio of exciting acquisitions. On June 8, they announced "World Is Dancing" also known as "The World Is Dancing", promising an engaging series for fans. Mid-quarter, on June 16, Sentai bolstered their roster with two more highly anticipated titles. "Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki no Gamer wa Hai Settei no Isekai de Musou suru 2nd Season" or "Hell Mode: The Hardcore Gamer Dominates in Another World with Garbage Balancing Season 2" is set to continue its popular narrative. Alongside this, "Suterare Seijo no Isekai Gohan Tabi: Kakure Skill de Camping Car wo Shoukan shimashita" or "The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World" offers a fresh take on the isekai genre with a culinary twist. These home video licenses ensure that fans can own and rewatch these series at their leisure.
Exciting Manga Acquisitions
The manga scene is equally vibrant, with a diverse array of new licenses spanning multiple genres and publishers. Digital releases are specifically marked with an asterisk, indicating instant access for many readers.
Bubbles (North America) On June 22, Bubbles added "Shin National Kid" or "New National Kid" to their publishing slate. This acquisition signals their commitment to bringing fresh and potentially nostalgic series to North American readers.
Crossed Hearts Crossed Hearts made several notable announcements towards the end of June. On June 25, they revealed "Rouchou" or "The Bird in the Cage Dreams". The following day, June 26, saw the announcement of "Bokutachi ga Koi ni Naru Made" or "Until We Fall in Love". June 27 brought "Fukurou no Ou to Nayameru Juusha" or "The King of Owls and His Troubled Attendant" into their catalog. Finally, on June 28, "Manazashi wa Senkou" or "A Gaze Like Lightning" rounded out their impressive list of new acquisitions. Crossed Hearts is clearly expanding its diverse offerings for manga enthusiasts.
emaqi (North America) emaqi unveiled a substantial number of digital-first licenses on June 18. This includes "Asagiri no Miko" or "Shrine of the Morning Mist*", "Aru Hi, Damin wo Musabotteitara Ichizoku kara Tsuihousarete Mori ni Suteraremashita: Sonomama Netetara Mawari ga Katte ni Mamono no Kuni wo Tsukutteta Kedo, Watashi wa Kinisezu Kyou mo Nemurimasu" or "I Was Banished from My Clan for Sleeping Too Much and Dumped in a Forest, but While I Was Napping the Monsters Around Me Built a Kingdom but I Don't Care, I'm Going Back to Sleep*", "Elf to Bike to Teikoku Chiri Chousain to" or "An Elf, a Motorcycle, and an Imperial Geographic Surveyor and...", "Itai Oneesan wa Suki desu ka?" or "Do You Like Painfully Awkward Women?", and "Sayonara Black Kigyou: Hataraku Hito no Saigo no Toride “Taishoku Daikou”" or "Resignation Agency: The Worker's Last Resort*". emaqi's focus on digital releases makes these titles readily accessible.
K Manga K Manga, a platform dedicated to digital manga, also added new series. On June 17, they announced "Protocol Ryugu*". Later in the month, on June 29, "Yata Miran to Seishun ni Joutou!!" or "Give 'Em Hell, Miran Yata!!*" joined their digital library. These digital exclusives continue to grow K Manga's extensive collection.
Kana (North America) Kana, another publisher making strides in the North American market, announced "Hotel Astrology" on June 20. This title suggests an intriguing narrative that will soon be available to readers.
Kodama Tales (North America) Kodama Tales revealed a string of new licenses over several days. On June 23, "Beautiful Place" was announced, followed by "Horizon" on June 24. June 25 saw the addition of "Casino-gui" or "Casino Gui". On June 26, "Crows" joined their lineup, and on June 27, "Cyber Blue" completed their latest set of acquisitions. Kodama Tales is clearly expanding its portfolio with a variety of genres.
Viz Media (North America) Viz Media, a powerhouse in the North American anime and manga industry, announced a new digital license on June 20: "Kimi no Kao de Boku ni Kiss shite" or "Kiss Me with Your Face*". This addition strengthens their digital offerings and provides fans with another romance title to enjoy.
Get Ready for New Adventures
The third quarter of 2026 is packed with fresh content for fans of both anime and manga. From epic adventures and intriguing mysteries to heartwarming romances and unique genre blends, there is something for everyone. Make sure to mark your calendars for these exciting home video releases and dive into the world of digital manga. These licenses highlight the continued growth and diversity of the anime and manga market in North America. Stay tuned for more updates as the year progresses. Your next favorite series could be just around the corner.
