During their industry panel at Anime NYC 2026, Kodansha USA made several exciting announcements. They revealed the upcoming license for the horror manga Trapped on Tape!, an omnibus print edition of Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit!, and a wave of new titles joining the Kodansha Print Club lineup.
While a select few of these releases will debut later this year, the majority are scheduled to hit shelves in fall 2027.
Here is a closer look at the new manga heading to print from Kodansha USA:
Trapped on Tape!
Story and Art: TNSK
Release Date: Fall 2027
Jun Makino is a high-spirited city girl with a boundless craving for adventure. When her father accepts a doctor’s position in the countryside, she immediately sets out to hunt for hidden treasure. Instead, she uncovers a stash of weathered VHS tapes—and a talking camcorder!
This vintage gadget drags Jun into a mission to banish the spirits haunting the rural town. But can a young girl pull this off, even with her loyal dog and newfound technological companion by her side? And what really prompted her dad to move them out here? A unique blend of nostalgic technology, dark secrets, and supernatural chills creates an unforgettable summer horror experience.
Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! Omnibus
Story and Art: Joji Morikawa
Release Date: Fall 2027
Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! is finally receiving an official English print release. Each deluxe omnibus paperback will bundle three original Japanese volumes into one.
Synopsis:
Ippo Makunouchi is a timid, frequently bullied high schooler who constantly wonders what true strength feels like. Everything changes when a chance encounter with professional boxer Mamoru Takamura unlocks the hidden powerhouse within his punches. Inspired to enter the professional circuit, Ippo steps foot inside the Kamogawa Boxing Gym, setting off a relentless journey to discover real power both inside and outside the ring.
New Kodansha Print Club Licenses
How to Grill Our Love
Story and Art: Shiori Hanatsuka
Release Date: September 2026
Synopsis:
Romance can be tricky when your biggest passion is barbecue. Kenta, a dedicated pitmaster, falls for Chihiro, an apparently flawless and composed career woman—or is she? Fearing rejection for their true selves, the two bond over delicious food and each other. Their relationship hits a snag when Kenta faces a job transfer, prompting Chihiro to impulsively propose marriage. Navigating a long-distance marriage is difficult enough, but they barely know one another! It’s a wonderfully unusual romance where dating jitters meet a sizzling culinary obsession.
Abe-kun’s Got Me Now
Story and Art: Aki Iwai
Debut Date: December 2026
Synopsis:
The cheerful Akari couldn’t care less about Abe-kun, the school’s star karate athlete. He’s massive, rough around the edges, and the absolute polar opposite of her sweet childhood friend, Takuto. However, when Abe-kun injures his arm shielding Akari from harm, she rushes to help and discovers a whole new side to him. Now, Akari finds herself matched with an energetic jock who is eager to win her over!
I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die
Story and Art: Umi Shiina
Release Date: December 2026
Synopsis:
Yuri-chan is a somewhat airheaded high school student whose late boyfriend, Aono-kun, exists only as a lingering spirit. How can a physical connection thrive when touch is impossible? Bridging the gap between obsession and possession, the pair navigates a reality where they must be together at all costs—even if it means dragging the people around them into their boundary-pushing romance.
Matcha Made in Heaven
Story and Art: Umebachi Yamanaka
Release Date: January 2027
Synopsis:
Seeking refuge from a stalker ex-fiancé, Chako Hananoki returns to her family’s tea farm to start fresh. But much has changed while she was away: she has a young niece she’s never met, her widowed brother has turned into a recluse, and a gruff farmer named Isshin has taken over daily operations. Eager to help, Chako instantly clashes with the skeptical Isshin, who expects her to run away again soon. When her past catches up to her, a desperate white lie forces the two to pretend to be a married couple, slowly turning their rocky start into something much sweeter.
Changes of Heart
Story and Art: KUJIRA
Release Date: January 2027
Synopsis:
After getting dumped by her boyfriend, Koyori seeks comfort at the home of her longtime childhood friend, Hijiri. One thing leads to another, and she ends up spending the night—followed by a confession that he has always loved her. Juggling this romantic shift with someone she has known forever is terrifying, especially since a failed relationship could cost her their friendship entirely. To make matters even more complicated, her ex suddenly wants her back. Koyori needs to figure out what she truly wants before she loses everything.
Sources: Kodansha USA Official X/Twitter, press release