Kodansha's Young Magazine Opens Applications for 2nd Young Magazine USA Issue
Young Magazine is seeking Japanese manga creators for a second U.S.-focused special issue, with storyboards and sample pages due December 13.
Kodansha's Young Magazine announced on October 5, 2026 that it is launching a second issue of Young Magazine USA, its U.S.-focused special edition, and is opening applications from Japanese manga creators who want their stories published for overseas readers. The application window closes on December 13.
Applicants must submit a storyboard for a chapter along with 3 sample manuscript pages. According to animenewsnetwork.com, the staff is looking for stories themed around an outcast overlooked by society who has trouble fitting in.
The first Young Magazine USA issue was distributed for free to attendees at Anime NYC in August 2025, and also at specific Kinokuniya locations from August to November 2025. The magazine's official website launched that same August, and GlobalComix released the special issue for free, as did Azuki, now Omoi, until last December.
Kodansha had teased in November 2025 that it was preparing a second issue. The top 5 winners of the magazine's reader poll campaign are guaranteed serialization on Kodansha's K MANGA app.
Quick answers
When is the deadline to apply for Young Magazine USA's second issue?
Applications close on December 13. Applicants must submit a storyboard for a chapter and 3 sample manuscript pages.
What kind of stories is Young Magazine USA looking for?
The staff is looking for stories themed around an outcast overlooked by society who has trouble fitting in.
What do winners of the reader poll campaign receive?
The top 5 winners of the magazine's reader poll campaign are guaranteed serialization on Kodansha's K MANGA app.