February is shaping up to be a robust month for manga fans, with J-Pop set to release a diverse selection of titles, ranging from highly anticipated new series to continuing favorites. The publisher’s schedule, detailed on its website, highlights a mix of physical and digital releases catering to a wide range of tastes.
New Series and Long-Awaited Biographies
Among the most notable releases is Now that we draw 1, a new romantic comedy that promises a behind-the-scenes look at the world of aspiring manga artists. The story centers on Uehara and Miyamoto, two individuals with contrasting personalities who form an unlikely partnership to pursue their shared dream. J-Pop is positioning this title as a key release for the month, suggesting it could become a significant player in the rom-com genre.
Beyond new fiction, J-Pop is also offering a unique non-fiction offering: Satoshi Tajiri. Il mio mondo, i miei Pokèmon (Satoshi Tajiri. My World, My Pokémon). This biography delves into the origins of the global phenomenon that is Pokémon, offering insights into the vision of its creator, Satoshi Tajiri. This release caters to the dedicated fanbase and provides a deeper understanding of the cultural impact of the franchise.
Continuing Series and Digital Availability
For fans of ongoing series, February will bring new installments of several popular titles. Final Fantasy. Lost stranger 13, Initial D 19, La divisa scolastica di Akebi 14, Medalist 13, Mononogatari 16 and Rent a girlfriend 31 are all slated for release. These continuing series demonstrate J-Pop’s commitment to providing consistent content for its established readership.
J-Pop is also expanding its digital offerings, making several titles available for immediate access. Alongside Now that we draw 1, Initial D 19, and Medalist 13, digital releases will include Mission: Yozakura family 1-2, Rent a girlfriend 31, and The War of Greedy Witches 5-6. This digital strategy caters to readers who prefer the convenience of online access and instant gratification.
Ristampe and Backlist Availability
In addition to new releases, J-Pop is also addressing demand for older titles with a series of ristampe (reprints). This includes volumes of Blue Period, Bloom Into You, Brivido e Altre Storie, DanDaDan, Final Fantasy – Lost Stranger, Frieren, Girl From The Other Side, Hirayasumi, HoriMiya, Lei &. il suo cane da guardia, Medalist, and Overlord. These reprints demonstrate J-Pop’s responsiveness to reader requests and its commitment to maintaining a robust backlist.
Broader 2026 Manga Landscape
J-Pop’s February releases are part of a larger trend in the manga industry, as highlighted by recent reports. , industry analysis indicates a pivotal year for manga, marked by the conclusion of several long-running series and the introduction of new titles. Publishers like Kodansha are focusing on both digital-first releases and high-quality anniversary editions of classic works. This suggests a dynamic market adapting to changing reader preferences and consumption habits.
Other publishers are also contributing to the busy release schedule. Yen Press is set to release titles like Beware the Villainess!, Vol. 6, Revenge of the Baskerville Bloodhound, Vol. 1, and The World After the Fall, Vol. 12 in 2026. CDJapan is listing Fate / Strange Fake [Special Edition] 2 as an early February release. These releases, alongside J-Pop’s offerings, paint a picture of a vibrant and diverse manga market.
The rise of platforms like Manga Plus, offering simultaneous English releases, is also impacting the industry. This increased accessibility is attracting new readers and fostering a global community of manga fans. The trend towards digital-first publishing is further accelerating this growth, providing publishers with new avenues for reaching audiences and experimenting with different business models.
As the manga industry continues to evolve, publishers like J-Pop are adapting to meet the demands of a changing market. The February 2026 release schedule demonstrates a commitment to both established series and exciting new titles, ensuring a steady stream of content for manga enthusiasts worldwide.
