Kodama Tales Ignites Manga Market with 'Sun-Ken Rock' Perfect Edition and 'MAGICA' Licenses

Manga enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement following Kodama Tales' monumental announcement at New York Comic Con 2025. The renowned subsidiary of Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd. has officially secured the highly anticipated English publication rights for two powerhouse manga series: Boichi’s critically acclaimed action saga, Sun-Ken Rock, and Yuzuko Hoshimi’s captivating supernatural fantasy, MAGICA. This strategic move underscores Kodama Tales’ unwavering commitment to enriching the Western manga landscape with premium content and revitalized classics.

Sun-Ken Rock Returns in Perfect Edition

The legendary Sun-Ken Rock, a series that commanded attention during its serialization in Young King magazine from 2006 to 2016, is set to make a triumphant return in an exquisite Perfect Edition omnibus format, slated for release in 2026. This definitive collection promises an unparalleled reading experience, with each omnibus volume meticulously combining approximately two original Japanese tankobon releases. Fans can look forward to stunning, newly designed exclusive covers that reimagine the series' iconic aesthetic. Furthermore, the dialogue has been thoughtfully revised, drawing inspiration from both the Japanese original and the more recent, Boichi-contributed Korean Perfect Edition, ensuring a fresh yet faithful interpretation.

The narrative plunges readers into the tumultuous world of Ken Kitano, a Japanese youth whose pursuit of love leads him to Seoul, South Korea. There, his formidable fighting prowess thrusts him into the heart of the city's dangerous gang conflicts, promising a gripping tale of ambition and survival. This new physical release marks a significant milestone, reintroducing Sun-Ken Rock to English audiences after its prior digital availability across platforms like JManga, Crunchyroll, BookWalker, and Manga Planet.

Introducing Yuzuko Hoshimi's MAGICA

Complementing this thrilling revival, Kodama Tales will also unleash Yuzuko Hoshimi’s intriguing MAGICA in March 2026. This series, a fresh license poised to captivate the Western market, masterfully weaves together elements of supernatural thriller and profound fantasy. While specific publication formats and intricate details surrounding MAGICA are still being fine-tuned for official disclosure, its acquisition powerfully signals Kodama Tales' ambitious expansion into diverse genres, particularly embracing darker fantasy and enchanting magical themes.

Together, these landmark acquisitions cement Kodama Tales' position as a pivotal force in delivering influential Japanese and Korean-inspired manga to English-speaking readers. By prioritizing premium editions, enhanced visuals, and compelling storytelling, Kodama Tales is not merely reviving beloved classics but actively shaping the future of manga accessibility and artistic innovation within the global market.