After nearly two decades since its debut in Japan, the hugely popular manga series Kingdom is finally poised to receive an official English release. This news comes as a major surprise to fans who had long given up hope of ever seeing the historical epic in English, making it one of the most anticipated manga releases in recent memory.
A Surprise Leak Reveals the News
The announcement of Kingdom’s English release was not made through a formal press release but rather through an accidental leak. A listing on Barnes & Noble’s website briefly appeared, revealing that VIZ Media had licensed the series, with the first volume slated for release on December 16, 2025. Interestingly, the listing indicated that the first release would be Volume 2, with Volume 1 not appearing. While the listing has since been removed, the details are considered credible, and VIZ Media is expected to make a formal announcement on January 31st.
A Long-Awaited Release
Kingdom’s journey to an English release has been a long and arduous one. The manga first appeared in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine in 2006 and has since become one of the longest-running manga series of all time, with 74 volumes and over 800 chapters. Its immense popularity, with over 100 million copies in circulation, has always given it a chance for an English release, but its sheer size presented a significant hurdle for potential publishers. The series is among the 23 manga series with over 100 million copies in circulation.
The Kingdom Phenomenon
Kingdom is a historical epic set in ancient China during the Warring States period, chronicling the story of Xin, an orphaned boy who dreams of becoming the greatest general in the land. The manga is known for its complex characters, large-scale battles, and intricate political intrigue. While lauded for its quality, the anime adaptation initially struggled, especially with its heavy use of 3DCG animation in earlier seasons before adopting more traditional 2D animation.
A Huge Undertaking for Publishers
The sheer scale of the Kingdom manga has been a major factor in the delay of its English release. Translating and publishing a series of this size is a massive undertaking that requires considerable resources and careful planning. The fact that VIZ Media has now taken on this challenge is a testament to the manga’s enduring popularity and its potential appeal to a global audience.
The Unexpected Starting Point
The leaked listing has also raised questions due to the fact that the first volume being released is Volume 2, not Volume 1. It is speculated that this might be an error or could be a strategic decision from the publisher. Fans are eagerly waiting for VIZ Media’s formal announcement for clarification on the release strategy.
The Growing Popularity of Manga
The news of Kingdom’s English release comes at a time when manga is enjoying unprecedented popularity worldwide. Several English publishers are now dedicated to bringing diverse titles to international readers. While Shonen Jump is often seen as the face of the manga industry, publishers like Yen Press, Kodansha and ABLAZE Publishing are also playing significant roles in making manga accessible to a wider audience.
Original English-Language Manga
Besides translated manga from Japan, there is also a growing trend of original English-language manga (OEL manga). These are comics created in the style of manga but are originally published in English. Publishers like Antarctic Press and eigoMANGA are some of the key players in this space, creating original content for international readers.
Challenges in English Manga Publishing
Despite the increasing popularity of manga, English publishers face various challenges. One of the main hurdles is the time it takes to translate and publish a series. While some titles have a quick turnaround, others may take several months or even a year to release a single volume. This is due to various factors, including translation, editing, and production schedules. Also, some publishers choose to pace out releases to avoid overwhelming the market and competing with their own titles.
Censorship and Delays
Another challenge publishers face is potential censorship issues with printers, as seen in the case of Susumu Higa’s Okinawa manga, whose English release was delayed due to a Chinese printer’s request to remove references to Taiwan and China’s actions in World War II. These cases highlight the complex landscape of international publishing and the difficulties in navigating cultural and political sensitivities.
Kodansha’s “English-First” Initiative
In a bid to gain market dominance, Kodansha USA has launched an innovative “English-first” series, which features manga that are originally drafted in English. This initiative is aimed at catering specifically to the English-speaking market and offers perks such as free chapters and discounts to its readers. Kodansha USA is using it’s Reader Portal service to offer these original English-language titles.
What’s Next For Kingdom?
With the English release of Kingdom on the horizon, the excitement among manga fans is palpable. The official announcement from VIZ Media on January 31st is highly anticipated, with fans hoping for further details about the release schedule, the format, and whether the series will be available digitally or in print. There have been reports that Viz Media’s X account was hacked which may cause further delays.
The Impact of English Release
The official English release is expected to significantly boost the popularity of Kingdom, potentially leading to a surge in sales and greater global recognition. With over 110 million copies already sold, the series is likely to cement its position among the best-selling manga of all time. This also means that the number of manga titles with over 100 million copies will increase from 23.
A New Era for Manga Fans
The impending English release of Kingdom marks a new era for manga fans who have long waited for the chance to experience this epic series in their native language. It serves as a reminder of the growing global appeal of manga and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. As more manga publishers embrace international releases, fans can look forward to more titles finally becoming accessible in English.
The release of Kingdom will be a major event in the manga world, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
