Kana to Unleash Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki's 'Billy Bat' Manga in Landmark English Release

The long-awaited English debut of Billy Bat, one of the most ambitious works from manga legends Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, is finally here. Kana, the dedicated manga imprint of Abrams ComicArts, is spearheading this monumental release. Fans should mark their calendars: the inaugural volume is scheduled to hit shelves on June 2, 2026. This launch kicks off an ambitious publishing schedule that promises to deliver all 20 volumes at an impressive rate of four per year.

A Tapestry of Intrigue and Prophecy

Originally captivating readers in Kodansha's Morning magazine from October 2008 to August 2016, Billy Bat masterfully weaves a tapestry of historical intrigue, profound mystery, and speculative science fiction. The narrative plunges into the life of Kevin Yamagata, a talented Japanese-American comic book artist based in 1949 Los Angeles. His popular detective creation, Billy Bat, becomes the unlikely catalyst for an earth-shattering discovery.

Kevin stumbles upon the unsettling realization that his iconic character might have been unintentionally conceived from an image he encountered during his military service in occupied Japan. Driven by a quest for truth and the desire to secure permission from the original creator, Kevin embarks on a journey back to Japan. What awaits him, however, is far more sinister than a simple intellectual property dispute.

He finds himself ensnared in a labyrinthine conspiracy rife with murder, elaborate cover-ups, and prophetic secrets that transcend mere generations, echoing through millennia. Central to this sprawling saga is the enigmatic bat symbol, a motif that appears repeatedly, hinting at a hidden history and a destiny far greater than Kevin could have ever imagined.

Critical Acclaim and Enduring Legacy

Billy Bat has garnered significant critical acclaim throughout its run, celebrated for its intricate storytelling, multi-layered plot, and Urasawa’s distinctive, compelling artwork. Its accolades include the prestigious 2012 Lucca Comics Award for Best Series and the 2014 Max & Moritz Prize for Best International Comic. Readers familiar with Urasawa’s other masterpieces, such as the critically lauded Pluto and 20th Century Boys, will undoubtedly find this historical conspiracy thriller equally enthralling and intellectually stimulating.

This forthcoming English publication represents a pivotal moment, finally bringing one of the most complex and thought-provoking collaborations from Urasawa and Nagasaki to a vastly expanded international audience. A new generation of readers will now have the opportunity to delve into its profound depths and experience its unique narrative firsthand.