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2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for manga collectors and readers alike. We’re finally seeing long-requested series like The Climber and Kingdom get official English releases, Mushishi is making a return, and Steel Ball Run is here at last. On top of that, there’s a wave of standout new editions, box sets, and reprints hitting shelves—many of which have been on our wishlists for years.

More are sure to be announced as the year goes on, but based on what we know so far, these are the standout releases and editions making 2025 one of the best years for manga yet.

Most Anticipated New Manga Editions 2025

Before we get into all the new licenses, let’s kick things off with some of the biggest new editions and long-overdue reprints finally dropping in 2025. There’s a lot to be excited about this year.

Vagabond Definitive Edition Review: Worth the Upgrade?
Image Credit: Anime Collective

Vagabond Definitive Editions

The first major new edition of 2025 is out now—the Vagabond Definitive Edition. If you haven’t read Vagabond yet, it’s one of the greatest manga of all time, following Miyamoto Musashi on a brutal but introspective path toward becoming the ultimate swordsman. The art is stunning, the storytelling is on another level, and this new edition finally does it justice.

It’s a larger hardcover, about the same size as the Berserk Deluxe Editions, with sewn binding, sharper print quality, full-color pages, and way less gutter loss compared to the Vizbigs. If you’re a longtime fan, it’s worth upgrading. If you’re new to Vagabond, this is hands-down the best way to read it. We broke everything down in our full review of the Vagabond Definitive Editions if you want to learn more.

Planetes Deluxe Editions

If you’re looking for another high-quality deluxe edition to add to your collection, the next one on the way from Dark Horse is the Planetes Deluxe Edition, and there will be a total of 2 of them with the first releasing on July 29th.

This series is written by Makoto Yukimura, the creator of Vinland Saga. But instead of Viking warfare, Planetes explores the realistic side of space travel and it’s one of my favorite hard sci-fi series. Set in the 2070s, it follows a crew tasked with cleaning up dangerous space debris, but beneath that premise is an introspective, deeply human story about ambition, loss, and isolation in the vastness of space.

Dark Horse is giving Planetes the premium treatment—a 7×10 hardcover with metallic gilded page edges, debossed textures, and 44 pages of full-color art printed on high-quality gloss stock. The design even takes inspiration from the International Space Station, making this an absolute must-own for sci-fi fans.

Mushishi Collector’s Editions

Another highlight we can’t believe is finally happening—Mushishi is coming back in print with Collector’s Editions from Kodansha. No more staring at those $1,200+ listings for the out-of-print Del Rey copies—this series used to be one of the most expensive manga to collect, and now, we’re finally getting an accessible and beautiful new release.

Retailing at $29.99, these 2-in-1 hardcover editions will include an all-new translation, new lettering, and color pages never seen in the U.S. before. There will be five volumes in total, collecting all 10 original volumes, with the first releasing on November 4.

Mushishi is one of our all-time favorite supernatural manga. It’s an absolute masterpiece—a series that blurs the line between the supernatural and reality, with a quiet, introspective tone that makes it feel both otherworldly and relatable.

For years, Mushishi felt like one of those lost classics that might never return, so seeing it back in print in this kind of edition is incredible.

More Must-Read Editions & Box Sets Coming in 2025

Alongside Vagabond, Mushishi, and Planetes, 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for new editions. From long-overdue reprints to deluxe and box set releases, here’s everything you should have on your radar.

Gunsmith Cats Manga Omnibuses – March 4, 2025
The original right-to-left reading format is finally preserved in a collected edition. These 3-in-1 omnibuses use the 2000s unflipped version, which fans have been asking for.

Blood Blockade Battlefront Omnibus Vol. 1 – March 4, 2025
Collects Volumes 1–3 plus the bonus E-Den of Master Fighters chapter. If you’re a Trigun fan, this is a must-read—it’s from the same creator and packed with chaotic, over-the-top action. Great to see this one back in print.

Witch Hat Atelier Box Set 1 – August 5, 2025
This collector’s box set includes the first six volumes of Witch Hat Atelier, along with exclusive art cards. The story follows Coco, a curious young girl who dreams of becoming a witch in a world where magic is believed to be something you’re born with—not something you can learn. But everything changes when she crosses paths with the mysterious Qifrey, uncovering secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew.

Nana 25th Anniversary Editions – September 2, 2025
Starting with a 384-page volume, these new paperbacks celebrate one of the most unforgettable music manga ever made. No cover art yet, but keep an eye out for this one this Fall!

Gantz G Manga Omnibus – September 30, 2025
All three volumes of this Gantz spinoff in one omnibus. If you’re a Gantz fan like we are and missed the singles, now’s your chance. Fingers crossed for Gantz: E next.

Hell’s Paradise Complete Box Set – October 28, 2025
Collects all 13 volumes plus an exclusive 80-page epilogue book, Forest of Misfortune. One of the best dark fantasy manga in recent years—if you’ve been holding off, this box set is a great way to get into the series.

Mobile Suit Gundam: THE ORIGIN Deluxe Edition – Fall 2025
Kodansha is dropping a premium hardcover with a faux leather debossed cover, bigger trim size, and crisp printing on both color and black-and-white pages. We already love the current hardcovers, so we’re curious to see how this one compares.

Fruits Basket Complete Box Set – Late 2025
All volumes, new cover designs from the Perfect Editions, plus lenticular cards. A beautiful way to own the full series in one go.

Upcoming Must-Read Manga Licenses in 2025

That wraps up our most anticipated new editions of the year—some reprints, premium upgrades, and collector’s sets finally getting the treatment they deserve. Now let’s take a look at the new manga licenses coming in 2025.

Kindergarten Wars

When you open up a series and an assassin has a kindergartner lined up in their sights, you know you’re in for something… and that’s Kindergarten Wars. It’s endearing and wacky in the best way possible—chaotic, fast-paced, and way more heartfelt than you’d expect.

 The story follows Rita, aka Convict 999—a former assassin now working at a kindergarten for the kids of world leaders, elites, and even notorious criminals. These kids are constant targets, and Rita’s job is to keep them safe. She’s strong, unfiltered, and completely hopeless around attractive men, which adds to the humor.

 It gets heartwarming as you learn more about the characters, but honestly, oddball assassins taking on other oddball assassins while protecting a kindergarten is all I need. And both the kids and the ‘teachers’ make up a great supporting cast. If you like Sakamoto Days or Assassination Classroom, this is one to check out.

The Color of the End

The Color of the End is already shaping up to be one of 2025’s standout post-apocalyptic sci-fi manga—and it’s available now. The story follows Saya, a lone wanderer searching for life in a ruined world, told through haunting visuals and quiet, reflective storytelling.

If you’ve ever read Blame! and felt that deep sense of isolation, this hits in a similar way—but with a different kind of emotional resonance. It’s slower, more meditative, and leans heavily on atmosphere. If you’re into visual-heavy sci-fi with a mood that lingers, The Color of the End is absolutely worth checking out.

Super Ball Girls

Super Ball Girls is bonkers in the best way possible. It follows Eita Ichiyoshi, a down-on-his-luck guy whose life takes a bizarre turn when a super ball bounces into his hand—only to release a beautiful woman from inside it. Things only get more chaotic from there as the chapters continue. If you’ve read anything by the creators of Prison School and Blue Lock, you know you’re in for something wild—and this absolutely delivers.

The humor is there, but so too is the action. The art is incredible, the pacing is nonstop, and the characters are intense, unhinged, and oddly charming. We love that these two creators teamed up for this—it’s one of the most entertaining new series you will pick up this year.

GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis

We’re always down for a unique take on the kaiju genre—and GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis really delivers on that front. KENT, the creator of Colorless, brings his stylish art and great storytelling to a series that mixes post-disaster reflection with some intense kaiju action.

Miyako, who survived the original attack, now sells kaiju merch in her rebuilt tourist town—but when GAEA-TIMA shows up again, things take a turn, and it becomes clear there’s more going on than just another rampage. It’s intense, smart, and way more layered than you’d expect—and we’re hooked to see where it goes.

Phantom Busters

Phantom Busters has a cool style and some great character designs, with a premise that stands out right away—why fight ghosts when you can just eat them? It follows Eugene, a top student who doesn’t even believe in ghosts, and Mogari, an unorthodox exorcist who swallows spirits whole.

Together with their classmates, they form a school exorcist club, kicking off a high school life that’s anything but normal. It has a similar vibe to something like SKET Dance with its school club dynamic, offbeat humor and quirky cast, and there’s a bit of that Dandadan energy too—though Dandadan is definitely the more chaotic one. Still, if you’re into these kind of series, this one’s worth checking out.

Moan (Junji Ito Story Collection)

If you’ve seen our Junji Ito guide, you know we love his short story collections—Smashed, Shiver, Fragments of Horror, Alley, and Tombs are some of our favorites. Moan brings six brand-new stories that dive into obsession, dread, and warped reality in classic Ito fashion. From eerie pipes groaning in the walls to flowers shaped like eyeballs and unsettling memories in remote villages, it’s the kind of strange, spine-tingling horror Ito fans like us live for—and we’re excited to see how it stacks up.

Dur-an-ki

Kentaro Miura is the GOAT and always will be, so we can’t wait to pick this up in September. Dur-an-ki was discontinued after his passing, but it’s one we recommend nonetheless. It explores ancient myth through the eyes of Usumgal, a divine child born between worlds. It’s a gentler, more mystical side of Miura’s work—brought to life by Studio Gaga—and this edition includes original story outlines, concept art, and more from Miura’s creative process. If you’re a fan, this one’s a must-have.

Viral Hit

Viral Hit is a martial arts manhwa that starts out serious but brings in the comedy later on—and it works. It follows Hobin, a scrawny kid who starts a NewTube channel where he learns how to fight and takes down bullies to help pay for his mom’s hospital bills. It gives that same underdog energy you get from Holyland or The Breaker, and you really root for him. If you like stories with heart, grit, and satisfying fights, this one’s a must-read.

Ichi the Killer

Ichi the Killer is a brutal deep dive into the darkest parts of the human psyche—ultra-violent, unhinged, and unforgettable. From the creator of Homunculus, it follows Ichi, a broken man who turns into a deadly weapon when pushed too far, and Kakihara, a sadistic yakuza boss who’s chasing pain. When these two collide, it’s pure chaos. This is the manga that inspired Takashi Miike’s cult film, and it’s finally getting omnibus releases from Seven Seas starting July 29th.

Tower Dungeon

We are also getting a new series from one of our favorite creators, Tsutomu Nihei, titled Tower Dungeon. We love Nihei’s entire body of work, but Blame! has always been a favorite—and the way this one is shaping up, it could end up being a close second.

Tower Dungeon follows a farmboy named Yuva as he journeys with a group of knights through the treacherous levels of a towering dungeon to rescue a princess, facing undead horrors and dark sorcerers along the way. Nihei’s signature atmosphere, surreal architecture, and immense sense of scale are all here, paired with great worldbuilding and expressive characters—it’s dark, immersive, and exactly what I hoped for.

The Bugle Call: Song of War

The Bugle Call: Song of War is one of the best new shonen we’ve read in years. It’s a fantasy series with military themes, and right from the first chapter, it had us hooked. The battles are intense, the strategy is exciting, and the power system is genuinely unique.

Set in Arboral Year 1294, the world is dominated by nine ancient towers known as the Spires—relics of a long-lost civilization, each filled with secrets and dangerous knowledge. Nations are locked in conflict over them, and in the middle of it all is Luca, a bugler in a mercenary company who just wants to leave the battlefield behind and become a musician.

But Luca is marked as one of the Branch-hexed—individuals with strange abilities. In his case, he can literally see the sound of his instrument, and that rare power pulls him deeper into the conflict. After being left for dead in battle, he’s saved by a mysterious figure known as the Pontiff, who’s assembling a team of Branch-hexed to help him take on rival empires. All of this, so he can learn music and become a  musician. It’s got fantastic character development and has an emotional and enticing start that introduces you not only to this world, but its main character.

If you’ve enjoyed series like Record of Highserk War or Centuria, which we hope get printed in English soon one day by the way, this one is in that same lane—but for us, The Bugle Call stands out the most. It’s a bold and more mature new shonen that blends fantasy, war, and character-driven storytelling.

Issak

Issak is finally coming to print in 2-in-1 omnibuses from Vertical on June 10th, and we couldn’t be more excited. Set during the Thirty Years’ War, it follows a Japanese warrior with a matchlock rifle on a quest for vengeance, hunting the man who killed his master.

The historical setting is gritty and well-realized, with stunning art by DOUBLE-S (also known for Until Death Do Us Part). If you’re into series like Vinland Saga or Berserk, with protagonists in search of revenge, great character work, and strong worldbuilding—Issak is one you shouldn’t miss.

Brain Damage

Brain Damage is a new short story collection by Shintaro Kago, the creator of Dementia 21. Kago is truly one of a kind, and this collection is no exception.
 
You get everything you’d expect from his work—strange, surreal, and beautifully horrific storytelling that’s totally unlike anything else out there. There’s a story about four identical girls trapped in a bizarre building, another where a caretaker has to pamper zombies or risk chaos, one involving a wildly inappropriate old man tied to a string of disappearances, and another with bodies found in spotless cars that turns into something way darker.
 
There’s body horror, dark humor, psychological tension, and raw absurdity, all filtered through Kago’s completely unhinged but brilliant lens. It also comes in a beautiful hardcover edition from Fantagraphics.

Bastard

One of our most anticipated manhwa releases of 2025 is Bastard, and it’s finally out now in English from Seven Seas. This psychological thriller follows a boy forced to live with the horrifying secret that his kind, well-respected father is actually a serial killer.

What makes Bastard so intense is how real and terrifying that premise feels—no monsters, no fantasy, just constant tension as Jin tries to survive under his father’s roof. It’s a fast-paced, chilling story with interesting twists and great character development. If you’re into dark, psychological thrillers that keep you on edge from start to finish, this is one to keep on your radar.

Mujina Into the Deep

We always look forward to a new Inio Asano manga, and this year we got one with Mujina Into the Deep. It’s set in a near future where human rights are literally bought and sold. If you don’t have rights, you’re a ‘mujina’—living outside the law with no protection. The story follows a young assassin with a katana, slicing her way through the city of Tsukumo and the dangerous people she meets along the way.

Asano really steps into new territory with this one—it’s much heavier on action, mixing brutal, bloody combat with deeper themes of survival, belonging, and chosen family. His art keeps reaching new heights too; the panels are incredibly dynamic and detailed, some of his best yet. This is his most action-forward series to date, and we’re so excited to finally have it in hand.

Dragon Head

Now we’re into our top three most anticipated releases of the year—and first up is Dragon Head.

We included this one in our Best Horror Manga post, and we’re beyond excited that it’s finally getting the re-release it deserves. Originally published by Tokyopop and out of print for years, Dragon Head is coming back thanks to Vertical, with an updated translation and a proper edition that does this story justice.

It starts with a train crash that leaves three students trapped in a pitch-black tunnel—but the real horror isn’t just the danger around them. It’s the silence. The isolation. The slow, creeping unraveling of the human psyche.

This is psychological horror at its best: claustrophobic, gritty, and emotionally brutal. The art pulls you into the darkness, and the descent into fear and paranoia feels almost too real. It also has one of my favorite horror manga endings of all time.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn, psychologically intense horror, Dragon Head is a must-read—and finally, it’s one we can actually add to our shelves again.

The Climber

Shin-ichi Sakamoto is a creator who never ceases to amaze us—whether it’s Innocent, Innocent Rouge, or The Climber, his work is on another level.

The Climber follows Mori, a quiet, introverted student who discovers his passion for climbing after a dare leads him to scale his school building with no harness, no hesitation. But that reckless moment sparks something deeper, pushing him toward greatness.

It’s not just about the sport—it’s deeply psychological. Mori’s real battle is internal, and that’s where the series shines. It’s introspective, emotional, and the later chapters rely almost entirely on Sakamoto’s breathtaking art—some of the best paneling we’ve ever seen.

If you’ve ever connected with manga like Holyland, Real, or Vagabond, The Climber is absolutely one you need to check out.

Kingdom

Just like we’ve been waiting for The Climber to finally get an English release, we’ve been waiting a long time for this one too—Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara. It’s one of the most requested manga out there, and after years of waiting and hoping, it’s finally coming to English in 2025.

This series is huge—74 volumes and still going. Set during China’s Warring States period, it follows a war orphan who dreams of becoming the greatest general under the heavens and fighting to unify the country.

Kingdom delivers everything you’d want in a historical war epic—massive battles, well-thought-out strategy, and high-stakes political drama. The pacing is excellent, the arcs build naturally, and the momentum rarely lets up. The art is detailed and expressive, especially during large-scale clashes and emotional or pivotal moments. If you’re into Vinland Saga or Berserk, Kingdom definitely belongs on your list.

To close things out, I have to give a quick shoutout to Steel Ball Run—it’s finally getting an official English release. If you’re a JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure fan, you already know this is a huge deal. It’s one of the most beloved parts of the series and has been requested for years, so it’s great to see it happening at last.

And to round things out, here are a few ongoing 2024 debut series that are absolutely worth keeping an eye on in 2025. Whether they’re flying under the radar or steadily gaining steam, each one has the potential to be the next breakout hit: Hirayasumi, The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All, Gokurakugai, Gachiakuta, Tougen Anki, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, Medalist, After God, and Fool Night. We also recommend checking out the Vinland Saga Deluxe Editions if you have yet to do so.

We’ve already got some huge wins this year—Mushishi is coming back, long-awaited licenses like The Climber and Kingdom are finally arriving, and Steel Ball Run is getting its official release. So here’s hoping 2025 keeps the momentum going.

If you enjoyed this breakdown and want more manga recs, deep dives, or collector edition rundowns, be sure to check out the rest of the site—or join us over on the YouTube channel!