Kodansha has confirmed that a second issue of Young Magazine USA is officially in development. Following the success of the inaugural special edition, which debuted in 2025 to commemorate the magazine's 45th anniversary, the publisher is once again opening its doors to Japanese manga creators looking to reach an international audience.
To participate, applicants must submit a storyboard for a full chapter along with three sample manuscript pages by the December 13 deadline. The editorial team has specified that they are actively seeking narratives centered on characters who exist on the fringes of society, specifically those struggling to find their place in the world.
This initiative serves as a significant pipeline for new talent, as the top five titles selected via reader polling are guaranteed serialization on Kodansha’s K MANGA platform. Winners will also see their work serialized simultaneously in Japan through Monthly Young Magazine or YanMaga Web.
Why it matters: The program provides a clear bridge for emerging creators to secure professional serialization in both the U.S. and Japan. While the first issue saw wide distribution through physical events like Anime NYC and digital platforms such as GlobalComix and Omoi, it remains to be seen if the second issue will follow a similar distribution model or if Kodansha plans to expand its digital-first strategy.
