Kodama Tales, an imprint run by parent company Kyodo Printing Co., announced on Monday that it has licensed three manga series for English publication in summer 2027. The upcoming lineup includes Keisuke Itagaki’s martial arts story Baki Hanma, Chie Shimomoto’s period drama A Mandala in Flames, and Aoka’s feline comedy Neo Cat. Anita Tai reported the acquisition of these titles for Anime News Network following announcements on Kodama Tales’ official X feed and in an official press release [2].
Summer 2027 Manga Publishing Slate
Parent company Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd operates Kodama Tales to bring translated Japanese manga to readers in international book markets. Anime News Network published the licensing story on 2026-11-09 at 20:56 EST by Anita Tai, reporting that three Japanese manga series will join the catalog in summer 2027 [2]. William Moo also reported the acquisitions for Anime Trending, confirming that Kodama Tales shared promotional images across its official social feeds [1]. The update adds to its schedule for next year so readers have verified release plans after earlier online hints.
William Moo reported for Anime Trending that both Baki Hanma and A Mandala in Flames will debut in July 2027 [1]. Anita Tai reported on Anime News Network that the Aoka release for Neo Cat is scheduled for June 2027 [2]. That schedule creates a staggered rollout over two summer months.
The three announced books cover very different ground, blending hand-to-hand martial arts combat, Kyoto painter biography, and lighthearted comedy about walking cats. Kodama Tales posted license visuals for each project to go with the press notice. That announcement confirms that translated print volumes will arrive in English bookstores next year [1]. Readers now have firm dates.
The Baki Hanma Martial Arts Arc
Manga creator Keisuke Itagaki wrote and drew the third major storyline in his long-running combat series under the title Baki Hanma. The plot follows young martial artist Baki as he trains to defeat his father, Yujiro Hanma, who holds the reputation of being the “strongest creature on Earth” in the manga’s fictional universe [1]. Baki spends his life pushing his body beyond normal human limits so he can challenge his father in an ultimate family contest. The series focuses on grueling conditioning, underground bouts, and the mental drive needed to survive against world-class martial artists.
To prepare for that fight, Baki seeks out opponents who defy ordinary human capabilities, including prison powerhouse Biscuit Oliva and prehistoric warrior Pickle [1]. Each battle tests the young fighter with punishing punches, shattered bones, and near-impossible bouts. In her coverage for Anime News Network, Anita Tai explained that “the fight Baki has spent his entire life preparing for is finally within reach” as every previous confrontation leads to this family clash [2].
How does this printed release connect with the animated version that found fans on streaming platforms? The manga inspired a two-season anime adaptation that streamed on Netflix from September 2021 to August 2023, drawing global viewers to Itagaki’s fight sequences. Kodama Tales previously handled the English translation for the opening story arc under the name Baki the Grappler, and it also secured rights to publish the second storyline, titled New Grappler Baki. Because Kodama Tales already published those earlier sagas, its new Baki Hanma license lets readers follow the full chronology of Itagaki’s fighting manga under one editorial roof without missing any chapters [1]. Fans can now read every fight in sequence as the story builds toward its biggest battle.
Sixteenth-Century Drama in A Mandala in Flames
Manga artist Chie Shimomoto created A Mandala in Flames as a complete, single-volume drama about art and personal sacrifice [1]. Anime News Network spelled the author’s family name as Chie Shinomoto in its news coverage, noting that the story centers on the real sixteenth-century painter Hasegawa Tohaku [2]. The plot begins in Kyoto, where painter Kano Eitoku rejects Tohaku as a studio apprentice. The aspiring artist must then find his own path in an unfamiliar city. Tohaku faces poverty and artistic doubt while trying to make a living through his brush in an era ruled by competing warlords.
Tohaku’s ambition catches fire again when he risks his life by slipping inside a burning castle to view Eitoku’s masterpieces with his own eyes [1]. The summary from Anime News Network explains that “in an age of warlords, one man sets out to conquer Japan with a paintbrush” [2]. That encounter helps shape his creative direction.
Under the Chie Shinomoto release details reported by Anita Tai, Kodama Tales plans to issue A Mandala in Flames in July 2027 [2]. Unlike serialized stories that take dozens of books over many years, this work delivers a complete biographical tale between two covers [1]. English readers get a self-contained story about Japanese art history without committing to an ongoing publishing run.
Feline Society in Neo Cat
Creator Aoka takes a humorous approach to everyday society in Neo Cat, a manga built around the idea that cats took an evolutionary leap. In this fictional world, cats walk on two hind legs, hold down regular day jobs, and even welcome human guests as staff inside host clubs. Aoka opens the premise with a simple observation: “Cats evolved. We still can’t resist them.” [1]
The book brings together eight short chapters that show people and cats working together, getting into arguments, and building surprising friendships [1]. Even though the feline characters put on business clothes and speak with human customers, they keep their natural cat mannerisms, funny habits, and sudden moods. The book collects eight stories. It makes for an entertaining comedy.
Anita Tai reported for Anime News Network that the Aoka release for Neo Cat will hit retail shelves in June 2027. That date marks the earliest arrival. General promotional materials from Kodama Tales grouped all three releases under a broad summer 2027 window, but Anime News Network confirmed that Aoka’s title will arrive a month before the July books [2]. Readers can start with this light comedy in June before heavier books arrive in July.
Print Releases Beyond Baki Hanma
Anime Trending reporter William Moo confirmed that Kodama Tales is preparing several other manga series for English publication during 2027. Its upcoming schedule includes titles such as HORIZON, Beautiful Place, Crows, Cyberblue, and Casino Gui. Those planned additions show that the company is building a larger English catalog by licensing multiple Japanese manga series for release in the same publishing year. Kodama Tales plans to continue rolling out announcements as each production step finishes, so readers receive a steady stream of licensed manga during the coming seasons [1].
Kodama Tales shared official license graphics through its official X account. Followers received a first look at promotional art for HORIZON and the other summer licenses. Backed by Kyodo Printing Co., Kodama Tales relies on its parent group’s printing capacity to bring Japanese print media to readers overseas. It communicates with manga fans through social media posts and press releases [1].
With Baki Hanma scheduled for July 2027 together with A Mandala in Flames and Neo Cat, Kodama Tales has set a clear slate of summer titles for English readers [1]. Kodama Tales said it will provide further release updates, retail details, and cover previews as the scheduled 2027 debut dates approach. Volume preorders will open next year.
- ONLINE NEWS Moo, W. (2026, November 10). Kodama Tales licenses Baki Hanma, A Mandala in Flames & more manga for summer 2027 release. Anime Trending. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Tai, A. (2026, November 9). Kodama Tales licenses A Mandala in Flames, Baki Hanma, Neo Cat manga. Anime News Network. [Article Link]
