Nakama Press Unveils Exciting New Manga and Comic Releases
Nakama Press, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios, has just dropped a wave of thrilling announcements, revealing new manga licenses and updated release dates for eagerly anticipated titles. Anime and manga fans have much to look forward to, with significant additions to their publishing catalog that promise captivating stories and beloved characters. Get ready to mark your calendars, because Nakama Press is bringing some serious heat to the publishing world.
Dive Into the World of 100 Meters
One of the standout announcements is the licensing of Uoto's acclaimed manga, 100 Meters. This gripping sports drama is set to make its English debut, with Nakama Press planning a structured release for its initial volumes. The first volume of 100 Meters is slated for release on February 17, 2027, followed by the second volume on April 27, 2027. This staggered release allows readers to immerse themselves in the unfolding narrative of a competitive rivalry that transcends the track.
The story of 100 Meters introduces Togashi, a naturally gifted sprinter who has always found himself ahead of the pack. His world shifts dramatically when he encounters a formidable rival. This challenge pushes Togashi beyond mere speed, forcing him to redefine his understanding of victory itself. As their lives intertwine from childhood into adolescence, what begins as a straightforward footrace escalates into an intense, psychological battle. Fueled by raw talent, unwavering obsession, and a profound desire to prove their worth, both athletes are driven to their absolute limits, both on and off the running track. Uoto originally launched 100 Meters in Kodansha's Magazine Pocket app in November 2018, marking it as the author's debut series. The manga concluded with its fifth and final compiled digital volume in October 2019, making its upcoming English print release a highly anticipated event for fans who have followed its journey or are discovering it for the first time.
Adding to the manga's prestige, 100 Meters has already made waves in the anime world. An anime film adaptation premiered in Japan in September 2025, achieving a respectable ranking of eighth in its opening weekend and grossing over 102 million yen in its first three days. The film later captivated international audiences, with GKIDS screening it in October 2025, offering both Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub. Its Los Angeles screening in the same month further cemented its reach. The film's critical acclaim was highlighted by its runner-up award for Best Animated Film at the Florida Film Critics Circle Awards in 2025. Subsequently, Netflix made the film accessible to a global audience, beginning its streaming with Japanese audio and English subtitles in December 2025. This rich background sets a high bar for the manga's printed release, promising a deep and engaging narrative.
Goku - Midnight Eye: A Classic Reimagined for New Readers
Nakama Press is also delving into a cult classic, announcing the licensing of Buichi Terasawa's Goku - Midnight Eye manga. Fans of cyberpunk and gritty detective stories can look forward to the first volume hitting shelves on March 2. This move brings a seminal work by a celebrated creator to a new generation of readers, as well as offering a chance for long-time fans to own a fresh edition.
The premise of Goku - Midnight Eye is immediately captivating. It plunges readers into a near-future Tokyo, a metropolis where crime, corruption, and cutting-edge technology intertwine seamlessly. The story centers on Goku, a hard-boiled private investigator whose life is irrevocably altered after a brutal attack. The incident leaves him with a unique cybernetic eye, granting him the extraordinary ability to hack into virtually any system with a mere glance. This new power gives Goku an unparalleled edge in a world where information is the ultimate weapon. As he takes on increasingly dangerous cases, blurring the lines between humanity and machine, Goku finds himself drawn deeper into a complex conspiracy that threatens to reshape the very fabric of the city. Every answer he uncovers comes at a steep price, and the deeper he digs, the more perilous the truth becomes.
Terasawa's original three-volume manga launched in 1987, quickly establishing itself as a significant work in the science fiction genre. Its impact extended beyond the pages, leading to an anime adaptation. Yoshiaki Kawajiri directed the manga's anime adaptation at Madhouse, with Terasawa himself collaborating with Ryūzō Nakanishi on the script. The original video animation (OVA) was released in 1989, followed by a direct sequel in the same year, solidifying its place in anime history. Discotek Media has been instrumental in keeping the Goku - Midnight Eye legacy alive, releasing both OVAs on DVD in 2017. More recently, Discotek elevated the viewing experience by releasing Goku - Midnight Eye on Blu-ray Disc under the title Midnight Eye Goku in 2023. This release was a milestone, marking the first Blu-ray Disc availability of the OVA anywhere in the world and thoughtfully including two distinct English dubs, one from Urban Vision and another from Manga UK, offering options for fans. The manga release from Nakama Press is perfectly timed to reintroduce this iconic character and his world to a modern audience.
Samurai Pizza Cats Ride Again with New Release Date
In other exciting news, Nakama Press has also confirmed a new release date for the highly anticipated Samurai Pizza Cats comic. Fans eager to see Speedy, Polly, and Guido back in action will now need to wait until December 8. This 200-page middle-grade comic is inspired by the classic Samurai Pizza Cats anime, promising a fresh adventure for the iconic feline heroes. The comic was initially announced for release on April 7 of this year, making this updated date a key detail for those planning their purchases. The shift in release date simply builds more anticipation for what promises to be a nostalgic yet fresh take on a beloved animated series.
Nakama Press is clearly gearing up for a strong run of releases, bringing a diverse array of stories to the forefront. From intense sports rivalries and cyberpunk mysteries to beloved comedic action, their upcoming slate offers something for every type of reader. Keep an eye out for more updates from this dynamic publisher as these exciting titles approach their release windows.
