Kodansha USA Publishing delivered exciting news for manga enthusiasts during their panel at Anime NYC. The publisher unveiled a diverse slate of upcoming releases for its Kodansha Print Club, a captivating new horror license, and a highly anticipated omnibus edition for a legendary sports series.
Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! Gets Omnibus Print Release
Fans of the iconic boxing saga, Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit!, have reason to rejoice. Previously available digitally via Kodansha's K MANGA service, the beloved series is now receiving its first-ever English print release. The Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! Omnibus is set to debut in Fall 2027.
Created by Joji Morikawa, this epic sports manga introduces readers to Ippo Makunouchi, a bullied high school student who discovers his latent boxing talent after an encounter with pro boxer Mamoru Takamura. His journey at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym is a quest for strength, both inside and outside the ring. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide and multiple anime adaptations, this series is a generational definer. Each premium paperback omnibus will collect three Japanese volumes, offering a comprehensive dive into Ippo's beginnings.
Unsettling New Horror License: Trapped on Tape!
For those who crave a chilling read, Kodansha has acquired the license for TNSK's Trapped on Tape! (Torimatorimasu), also scheduled for a Fall 2027 release. This unique horror series follows Jun Makino, a spirited city girl whose quest for hidden treasure in a rural area leads her to unearth old VHS tapes and a sentient camcorder.
Armed with this "ancient" technology, Jun embarks on a mission to dispel the ghosts haunting the countryside, accompanied by her new pal and trusty dog. The story promises a blend of sweetness, humor, terror, and discovery, with TNSK's gorgeous depiction of rural life and distinctive character designs. Evoking the cute art/dark content dynamic of series like Made in Abyss, and the terrifying associations of video cassettes from films such as The Ring and V/H/S, Trapped on Tape! offers an eerie yet adorable new horror experience with a dash of Spirited Away magic.
Kodansha Print Club Expands with Diverse Titles
Kodansha Print Club is bolstering its lineup with several new titles, primarily focusing on romance, set to debut from late 2026 into early 2027.
How to Grill Our Love (September 2026)
From Shiori Hanatsuka, How to Grill Our Love introduces Kenta, a passionate pitmaster, and Chihiro, a seemingly aloof business professional. Facing rejection fears, they find connection through food and each other. A sudden transfer prompts Chihiro to propose marriage, leading to a long-distance relationship built on sizzling passion for grilling and the awkwardness of a newlywed couple who barely know each other.
Abe-kun's Got Me Now! (December 2026)
Aki Iwai's Abe-kun's Got Me Now! is a sporty high school romcom. Akari, an upbeat student, initially disregards the school's karate champion, Abe-kun, seeing him as uncouth compared to her childhood friend. However, after Abe-kun injures his arm protecting her, Akari discovers his secret. This story promises a spicy and protective romance between a sharp-tongued girl and a loyal karate champ.
I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die (December 2026)
Umi Shiina brings a unique blend of horror and passionate romance with I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die. Yuri-chan, an airheaded high school girl, navigates an all-consuming, matter-defying relationship with her late ghost boyfriend, Aono-kun. Their obsessive quest to truly be together, by any means necessary, pulls those around them into their life-or-death romance, offering a mix of horror, absurdity, and deep affection.
Matcha Made in Heaven (January 2027)
Umebachi Yamanaka's Matcha Made in Heaven is a fake-marriage, found-family love story. Chako Hananoki returns to her family's tea farm to escape a stalker and rebuild her life. She finds her widowed brother reclusive, and a gruff farmer named Isshin running the struggling operation. Initially at odds, their forced pretense as husband and wife, coupled with the return of Chako's past, slowly transforms their bitter first impressions into something sweeter. This series is by the illustrator of the Ossan's "LOVe" manga adaptation.
Changes of Heart (January 2027)
KUJIRA's Changes of Heart explores the complexities of a friends-to-lovers romance. After a breakup, Koyori finds solace and unexpected intimacy with her longtime friend Hijiri, who confesses his love. Navigating the high stakes of potentially losing a cherished friendship and dealing with an ex who seeks reconciliation, Koyori must confront her true desires before it's too late.
This robust lineup from Kodansha promises a wealth of new stories for manga fans, ranging from classic sports action to unsettling horror and heartwarming romances, ensuring there's something exciting for every reader in the coming years.
