Kodansha has announced the U.S. launch of a special edition of Young Magazine, the long-running Japanese manga publication known for serializing influential works such as AKIRA, Ghost in the Shell, and Initial D. The American edition will feature 19 new manga titles, including works from established creators and new artists. One of the works is Subaru and Subaru, the latest work from the Initial D creator and successor to MF Ghost.
The concept behind it is [UN-filtered MANGA], described as “featuring sci-fi, dark horror, and
cyberpunk stories for adults that portray the raw, unfiltered realities of ordinary human beings in
extraordinary situations.”
The U.S. edition is released to mark the 45th anniversary of Young Magazine in Japan. Unlike traditional shonen manga aimed at teenagers, Young Magazine has historically catered to adult readers with its seinen content, often featuring science fiction, horror, and psychological themes.
This special issue includes contributions from already acclaimed creators such as:
- Shuzo Oshimi (The Flowers of Evil, Blood on the Tracks)
- Masaaki Nakayama (Fuan no Tane, PTSD Radio)
- Shuichi Shigeno (Initial D)
- Kengo Hanazawa (Under Ninja)
Of the 19 titles, 16 will be eligible for a fan vote. Readers can select their favorite series via the magazine’s official website and X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the press release, “The most popular titles will be chosen by fan votes and continue to be serialized in future editions of Young Magazine.” The winning manga will also be serialized on Kodansha’s official manga app, K MANGA.
Voting will run from August 21 to November 10, with results announced on December 15.
The magazine will be distributed free of charge at Anime NYC (August 21–24) and through 17 Kinokuniya bookstores across the U.S. (August 21–November 10), while supplies last. Select Kinokuniya locations will also feature exhibitions, exclusive giveaways, and themed displays starting on August 18.
Panel events and autograph sessions featuring Young Magazine contributors, including Minetaro Mochizuki (Dragon Head) and Kengo Hanazawa, are scheduled for August 24 at Anime NYC.
The full list of titles includes:
Eligible for Voting:
- BOYS RUN THE RIOT – IN TRANSITION by Keito Gaku
- Fasciation by OUGA
- Godmother by Rin Shimokawa
- GOUMA: The Blade that Slaughters Gods by Hiroki Ishizawa
- Into the Dark by Anri Morikuma
- Is My Love Strange? by Hikari Azuma
- KIKIKAIKAI by Kyuri Yamada
- Pregnant by Denchi Matsumoto (story), Keita Nishijima (art)
- PROJECT METALLIA by Yukito Iwai
- Protocol Ryugu by Daisaku Tsuru
- Still You by Kami Nishio
- The Graveyard Shift by Yoshimi Sato
- The Journey of a Dark Elf with Fading Powers by Daisuke Itabashi
- The Knight of Blasphemy by Ray Kindo
- THE LAST TERRAN by Hiroshi Takashige (story), Tatsumi Hitomoji (art)
- To Dusk and Twilight by Robico
Featured Additional Titles:
- ME AND BOB DYLAN (AND MY FATHER) by Shuzo Oshimi
- The Silent Forest by Masaaki Nakayama
- Subaru and Subaru by Shuichi Shigeno
- UNDER NINJA by Kengo Hanazawa
The official website and social media channels will host additional content including promotional videos, summaries, and interactive campaigns. More information is available at:
Source: Press Release
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