Anime & Manga Weekly — 2026-10-13
The anime industry is buzzing following the massive "Project Rasengan" reveal at New York Comic Con, which includes a new original Naruto manga by Masashi Kishimoto and a global card game launch. Crunchyroll has also expanded its international footprint, announcing new manga licensing deals and webtoon partnerships during its inaugural Anime Future Forum. Meanwhile, fans are preparing for major upcoming releases, including a special Jujutsu Kaisen collectible set and the highly anticipated Dr. Stone sequel.
Anime & Manga Weekly — 2026-10-13
This Week's Top Headlines
Naruto: Shadow Rising Manga and Project Rasengan Announced
- What happened: Masashi Kishimoto officially announced Naruto: Shadow Rising, a new original manga focusing on the "blank period" of the series. This was part of the broader "Project Rasengan" roadmap revealed at New York Comic Con, which includes a new anime crossover and a worldwide card game launch in 2027.
- Why it matters: This marks one of the most significant returns for a legacy franchise in recent years, signaling Shueisha's continued push to monetize and expand its biggest IPs beyond the original run.
- Key facts: New manga by Masashi Kishimoto; Naruto Card Game launches June 2027; Mobile game confirmed for worldwide release; More details at Jump Festa '27 (Dec 19-20).

Crunchyroll Expands International Manga Licensing
- What happened: During the NYCC 2026 "Anime Future Forum" panel, Crunchyroll announced an expansion of its manga publishing arm, including new international licensing deals and a partnership with Ecomix Media to boost webtoon and manhwa offerings.
- Why it matters: This move solidifies Crunchyroll’s transition from a pure streaming service to a holistic anime/manga publisher, aiming to capture more value from the source material pipeline globally.
- Key facts: Panel recap released Oct 11; Includes new titles from Kadokawa and REDICE Studio; Focus on webtoon/manhwa integration.

Jujutsu Kaisen Final Exhibition and Collectible Release
- What happened: Creator Gege Akutami confirmed he will return for a final exhibition on December 25, coinciding with the release of a major new manga collectible item on October 27.
- Why it matters: With the main story concluded, this exhibition serves as a definitive closing chapter for the franchise, driving high engagement and merchandise sales in the holiday season.
- Key facts: Final exhibition date: Dec 25; Collectible release: Oct 27; Series concluded earlier this year.
Anime — New Announcements & Premieres
Dr. Stone Terraforming — Sequel Greenlit
- Details: Production has been officially greenlit for Dr. Stone Terraforming, a sequel adapting the story from the 27th manga volume. The project was announced at the "Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!! 2026" event.
- Source material: Dr. Stone manga by Riichirou Inagaki and Boichi.
- Where to watch: TBA (likely Crunchyroll given previous seasons).
Naruto x Ninkū — Crossover Anime
- Details: A four-episode crossover anime involving Naruto and Ninkū (the ninja-themed mobile game character) was announced as part of Project Rasengan.
- Source material: Original concept tied to the Naruto franchise.
- Where to watch: TBA, likely part of the global streaming rollout.
Streaming & Licensing Updates
- Crunchyroll Fall 2026 Lineup Update — Crunchyroll released a recap of their NYCC panel, confirming new key visuals and casting for upcoming shows like Magic Knight Rayearth and Overgeared.
- Ecomix Media Partnership — Crunchyroll is expanding its webtoon and manhwa catalog through a new deal with Ecomix Media Company, aiming to bring more Korean digital comics to its platform.
Manga — Chapter Highlights & Serialization News
Ichi the Witch — Hits 100 Chapter Milestone
- What's happening: The shonen series Ichi the Witch, which debuted in 2024, reached its 100th chapter, cementing its status as one of Shueisha's hottest new leading series.
- Publisher / magazine: Shueisha / Weekly Shonen Jump.
- Fan reaction: Positive reception for maintaining momentum in a crowded market, with fans praising its unique magical girl/shonen hybrid tone.

Naruto: Shadow Rising — New Serialization Details
- What's happening: While not yet launched, Naruto: Shadow Rising has been officially detailed as a new serialization by Masashi Kishimoto, filling in lore gaps from the original series.
- Publisher / magazine: Shueisha.
- Fan reaction: High anticipation mixed with curiosity about how Kishimoto will handle the "blank period" without undermining the original ending.
Industry Moves
- Shueisha Editorial Leadership Interview — Forbes published an interview with Shuhei Hosono, editor-in-chief of Manga Plus, discussing the global impact of Weekly Shonen Jump and the strategy behind digital manga distribution.
- Dark Horse Comics Expansion — Dark Horse announced new graphic novel releases, including Martial War by co-creators Hiroyuki Takei, Will Carter, and Aidan White, during their NYCC panel.
Trends to Watch
- Legacy IP Revival: The massive push for Naruto content suggests publishers are increasingly relying on established, multi-generational IPs to drive immediate revenue and fan engagement.
- Digital First Publishing: Crunchyroll's expansion into webtoons and manhwa via Ecomix highlights a shift toward hybrid content models that blend Japanese manga with Korean and global digital comics.
What to Watch & Read Next
- Manga pick: Ichi the Witch — Catch up on the first 100 chapters to see why it's becoming a new pillar of Shonen Jump.
- Anime pick: The Apothecary Diaries — Season 3 is currently airing, and the recent North American release of the light novel spin-off Xiaolan's Story provides deeper context for side characters.
Quick Takes
- Devil Survivor 2: The Animation has shipped in North America.
- Blue Lock Full Color Selection manga volumes are now available in NA.
- One Piece remains on hiatus as scheduled, with no new chapters this week.
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