Kodansha revealed in November 2025 that a second edition of its Young Magazine USA special is on the way. The follow‑up celebrates the magazine’s ongoing commitment to bring fresh Japanese talent to North American readers, building on the success of the first 45th‑anniversary issue.
The inaugural Young Magazine USA issue, released in August 2025, was a massive 1,044‑page compilation that bundled 18 brand‑new series from Japanese creators. Highlights included the debut chapter of Kengo Hanazawa’s Under Ninja, and Shūichi Shigeno (known for Initial D and MF Ghost) launching his new manga Subaru and Subaru. The cover illustration was supplied by Masamune Shirow, the creator of Ghost in the Shell.
Distribution for the first issue was generous: attendees at Anime NYC received copies for free, and the magazine was stocked at select Kinokuniya stores from August through November 2025. All titles could also be accessed via the official magazine website launched that same month (young-magazine-usa.com).
Digital readers weren’t left out. The platform GlobalComix added the special issue to its free catalogue, while the streaming‑manga service formerly known as Azuki—now rebranded as Omoi—also offered the issue at no cost until December 2025.
Reader Poll Winners Secure Simultaneous English Serialization
Beyond the free giveaway, Kodansha used the special issue to launch a reader poll campaign. The top five titles from the poll are slated for simultaneous English serialization on Kodansha’s K MANGA app, with concurrent publication in Japan’s Monthly Young Magazine and/or YanMaga Web. The winners—announced in a November 20, 2025 news post—are Still You, Godmother, The Knight of Blasphemy, The Journey of a Dark Elf with Fading Powers, and Fascination.
Additional titles that earned serialization include To Dusk and Twilight, Boys Run the Riot –In Transition–, Protocol Ryugu, and The Last Terran. These series will appear on K MANGA while being released in Japan, offering readers a truly global launch.
What’s New in This Second Issue?
While the exact lineup for the second issue has yet to be fully disclosed, the July 15, 2025 announcement (source) confirmed that the magazine will continue to showcase a blend of established creators and fresh voices. Expect more debut chapters from acclaimed mangaka, plus further collaborations with artists like Shirow and other industry veterans.
Fans can anticipate additional cover art from high‑profile creators, expanded editorial features, and perhaps exclusive interviews that delve into the creative process behind the highlighted series. Kodansha’s strategy appears focused on using the special issue as a launchpad for titles that will transition into long‑term serializations, both domestically and internationally.
How to Access the Second Issue
As with the first edition, the upcoming issue will likely be distributed for free at major conventions—potentially returning to Anime NYC—and at select Kinokuniya locations across the United States. Digital access will remain a priority: the official website will host the full issue, GlobalComix will list it among its free titles, and Omoi (formerly Azuki) will again provide a limited‑time free window for all users.
Readers interested in the upcoming poll winners can keep an eye on the Kodansha news feeds and the K MANGA app for release dates and subscription details. The simultaneous English‑Japanese rollout promises a seamless experience for fans eager to follow their favorite new series from day one.
Overall, the second Young Magazine USA special underscores Kodansha’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and expanding the reach of its flagship seinen publications beyond Japan. By pairing free physical distribution with robust digital platforms, the publisher is setting a strong precedent for how manga can be introduced to Western audiences in the digital age.
Featured image: ©︎ 2025 KODANSHA LTD.
Source: Anime News Network