Big news for manga fans everywhere! Rin Shimokawa's captivating one-shot, "Godmother," originally featured in the groundbreaking Young Magazine US English issue, is officially launching as a full-fledged series! This highly anticipated debut is set to grace the pages of Kodansha's Monthly Young Magazine, bringing its unique blend of college drama and supernatural mystery to a wider audience. Mark your calendars for November 18, as "Godmother" kicks off an exciting new chapter, promising an enthralling journey from its very first serialization.
Godmother: From One-Shot to Series
The journey of "Godmother" began in the special Young Magazine US English issue, where it quickly captured attention with its intriguing premise. The story introduces us to Kinryu, a college student whose life takes an unexpected and drastic turn. Suddenly forced to abandon her studies, Kinryu finds herself on a plane heading overseas to Japan. Her mission: to care for a 114-year-old grandmother she never even knew existed. This sudden disruption to her life leaves Kinryu understandably disgruntled and angry, questioning the bizarre circumstances she's been thrust into.
Upon arriving in Yokohama, a city known for its vibrant culture and historical significance, Kinryu locates her mysterious centenarian grandmother. To her surprise, the elderly woman lives behind a mahjong parlor, an unconventional setting that only deepens the enigma surrounding her new guardian. It's within this unusual environment that Kinryu is confronted with a profound secret – a supernatural legacy that has been passed down through the female lineage of her family. This discovery promises to unravel mysteries, challenge Kinryu's understanding of her own heritage, and potentially transform her life in ways she could never have imagined.
Rin Shimokawa's storytelling in the original one-shot clearly resonated with readers and editors alike, leading to this well-deserved serialization. The expansion into a full series means fans can look forward to delving deeper into Kinryu's supernatural awakening, exploring the rich tapestry of her family's secrets, and witnessing her reluctant acceptance of a destiny far grander than college life ever offered. The November 18 launch in Monthly Young Magazine is a significant moment for this fresh new voice in manga.
The K MANGA Serialization Initiative
The serialization of "Godmother" is part of a larger, innovative initiative by Kodansha. The special Young Magazine US English issue, where "Godmother" first appeared, was a unique platform designed to discover and promote new talent. Launched in August 2025, this initiative guaranteed serialization for its top five winners on Kodansha's K MANGA app. This groundbreaking approach ensures that promising new manga artists receive a direct pathway to a global audience.
Crucially, the winning titles are not only serialized on the K MANGA app but also simultaneously in Japan. This means they will appear in prominent publications like Monthly Young Magazine and/or YanMaga Web, offering creators unparalleled exposure across both Eastern and Western markets. This simultaneous release strategy is a testament to Kodansha's commitment to bridging the gap between international manga readership and Japanese publication powerhouses, providing fresh content to fans worldwide without delay.
Other Exciting Winning Titles
Beyond "Godmother," the Young Magazine US English issue yielded several other compelling titles that have garnered significant attention and secured their own serialization paths. These include:
- Still You: A promising new story that captivated readers.
- To Dusk and Twilight: Already a serialized series, demonstrating its immediate appeal.
- Boys Run the Riot -In Transition-: An evolution of a beloved series, exploring new narrative avenues.
- Protocol Ryugu: Another title already in serialization, showcasing its strong concept.
- The Last Terran: This title has recently begun its serialization journey, launching in Monthly Young Magazine on August 20.
Additionally, two other notable winning manga have also commenced their serialization. Daisuke Itabashi's "The Journey of a Dark Elf with Fading Powers" began serialization in Japan in the January 2026 issue of Kodansha's Monthly Young Magazine, with its initial release in December 2025. Furthermore, Ray Kindō's "The Knight of Blasphemy" manga launched in the August issue on July 16. The global reach of these titles is further cemented by licensing agreements. Seven Seas Entertainment, a well-known publisher, has already licensed "The Journey of a Dark Elf with Fading Powers," with its first print volume set to release in March 2027. This level of international interest underscores the quality and potential of the manga discovered through Kodansha's innovative US English issue.
The transformation of "Godmother" from a celebrated one-shot to an ongoing series is thrilling news for manga enthusiasts everywhere. Coupled with the success of other winning titles from the Young Magazine US English issue, this initiative continues to enrich the global manga landscape with fresh, diverse stories. Don't miss out on Kinryu's supernatural adventure – make sure to check out "Godmother" when it launches on November 18 in Monthly Young Magazine and keep an eye on the K MANGA app for all these exciting new series!
