WEBTOON Powerhouses Inklore and Ink Pop Announce Historic Print Deal for 14 Top Series, Kicking Off with ELECEED in 2026

A monumental announcement from Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles is set to revolutionize the comic publishing industry. Inklore and Ink Pop, two distinguished graphic novel imprints operating under the expansive Penguin Random House umbrella, have officially unveiled a groundbreaking, multi-year strategic alliance with WEBTOON Entertainment. This ambitious collaboration is poised to bring 14 of WEBTOON’s most cherished digital series into tangible, physical print editions over the next five years. This initiative will significantly broaden their accessibility and reach, making these captivating stories available to a vast readership not only across the United States but also on a global scale.

The partnership promises an incredibly rich and diverse tapestry of content, meticulously curated to appeal to both adult and younger audiences who have passionately embraced WEBTOON’s innovative digital storytelling. The selection will encompass a wide array of formats, including manga, manhwa, manhua, and other digital-first comics, ensuring a broad appeal to various tastes and preferences within the comic community.

Leading the Charge: ELECEED's Highly Anticipated Print Debut

Spearheading this exciting print rollout is the globally acclaimed manhwa, ELECEED, a collaborative masterpiece co-created by the immensely talented duo Jeho Son and ZHENA. Fans worldwide can mark their calendars for its much-awaited physical print debut, slated for 2026. ELECEED has garnered immense popularity for its exhilarating fusion of high-octane action, sharp wit, and captivating urban fantasy elements. The series intricately follows the extraordinary journey of Jiwoo, a compassionate young man endowed with peculiar cat-like superpowers, and Kayden, a formidable secret agent mysteriously trapped within the fluffy confines of a large feline body. Its unique premise and engaging narrative have resonated deeply with readers, propelling it to remarkable success.

The sheer scale of ELECEED's success is undeniable, having already amassed an astounding 1.42 billion views worldwide. This impressive figure solidifies its status as a consistent chart-topper within NAVER WEBTOON’s battle-action categories across major regions including North America, Asia, and Europe. Its transition to print is expected to further amplify its reach and introduce its compelling story to an even wider audience who prefer the tactile experience of physical books.

Expanding the Print Catalog: More Fan Favorites to Come

Beyond ELECEED, the print catalog will continue to expand with other immensely popular titles. The year 2027 will witness the release of physical editions for two other highly anticipated series: I Love Yoo by Quimchee and Midnight Poppy Land by Lilydusk. Both of these series have cultivated massive fan bases, celebrated for their intricately woven narratives and unique explorations of romance, often delving into complex character dynamics and emotional depth. While Inklore is already celebrated for its existing successes, including the Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, it is important to note that this iconic series is not part of this new 14-title slate. This highlights the extensive fresh and established talent that this new venture aims to showcase, bringing new stories to the forefront while also recognizing the enduring appeal of existing digital hits.

Simultaneously, Ink Pop, Random House Children’s Books’ dedicated imprint for comics targeting kids and young adults, is set to introduce a new generation of readers to a selection of highly anticipated titles. These include the intriguing and suspenseful School Bus Graveyard by Red, which is slated for a summer 2026 release. Following this, the harmoniously themed Brass & Sass by antlerella is expected to arrive in fall 2026, promising a delightful narrative. Finally, the enchanting Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid by YONGCHAN is anticipated to charm readers in 2027. These titles are carefully chosen to resonate with younger demographics, fostering a love for comics and storytelling from an early age.

A Pivotal Moment for Digital and Print Publishing

This landmark partnership represents a truly pivotal moment in bridging the divide between digital-first content and traditional print publishing. It offers devoted fans novel and exciting avenues to engage with their cherished stories, allowing them to collect and display their favorite series in a new format. Concurrently, it serves as a powerful magnet, drawing in a new wave of readers who appreciate the unique, tactile experience of physical books, potentially introducing them to the vibrant world of WEBTOON for the first time through print. With additional captivating titles set to be unveiled in the coming years, this collaboration is poised to fundamentally transform the comic publishing landscape, making WEBTOON’s most-read digital series more accessible and celebrated than ever before. This strategic move underscores the growing synergy between digital platforms and traditional publishing, promising a bright future for creators and readers alike.