With the new year, a lot of new series and stories are releasing, or even coming back after a long wait. There’s a lot of anticipation for so many new Marvel and DC works. The amount of new creative independent series releasing as well has been my main interest, and I know there’s so many I haven’t even heard or seen yet. From what I have looked into so far, these are some of the works I am very excited for and would recommend to anyone looking for a different story or series to read this year.
Junji Ito’s latest story collection, Statues, is coming out late March of 2026. Ito’s horror works are beautifully detailed, and delve into a large multitude of terrifying ideas. Ito’s penwork is intricate, and it truly shines in his large page-turning panels. I’ve been an avid collector of his works for a long while now, and Uzumaki was the start of it all. Uzumaki is a full horror story, solely based around spirals. Along with a lot of his other works, it focuses on the experiences of the situation, rather than the psychological results of what the protagonist goes through. Ito also creates a lot of short stories, as they are released in many different collections like Shiver, Smashed, and Tombs. I’m very ecstatic to see what new short stories Ito will have in Statues this year.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring will also be continuing, and ending, this year. Beneath the Trees was such an amazing story, and Patrick Hovath’s sequel where our beloved serial killer bear, Samantha, is working with the sister of her first shown victim makes it so much more exciting. The original story was also the first comic I really read, so it has an extra special place in my heart. The cutesy, cozy art style paired with the murderous and more graphic aspects is such a stark contrast, but I think it really flows and adds to the story itself. I loved the way the first story was written from beginning to end, and I can’t wait to see how this sequel wraps up!
Another old series that is releasing a new volume in English this year is Yotsuba&! in May 2026. Yotsuba has been around since 2003, and is a wholesome slice-of-life about a young girl’s adventures with her neighbors, her dad, and her dad’s friends. I’ve always had a strong fondness for Kiyohiko’s works, and Yotsuba has been another one of my favorite stories to collect. The last volume was released in late 2021, so a new volume coming out this year is super exciting! I can’t wait to watch Yotsuba’s adventures continue, especially with her being closer to starting school. It may be a little early to enjoy reading about her winter adventures, but any of Yotsuba’s escapades are worth it.
All of the new releases and continuations of current stories this year are going to be exciting. Junji Ito’s newest works will be an assortment of original horror pieces. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring will be finishing as well, and I can’t wait for the conclusion. The next installation of Yotsuba&! is the most anticipated on my list, since I’ve been waiting what feels like forever for it! There are so many incredible comics and manga coming out soon. I hope you guys all have a great list building up for your most anticipated works!