Hiro Mashima Returns to Weekly Shonen Magazine
On July 29, the official Hiro Mashima Works X (formerly Twitter) account announced that Mashima Hiro is back in Weekly Shonen Magazine with a brand-new short-term serialization titled FAIRY TAIL RE:FANTASIA. The series begins in the 35th issue of the magazine, released on the same day. The announcement read: “FAIRY TAIL 20th Anniversary !!!!!!! Mashima Hiro, returns!!!!!!! Starting from the July 29 issue of Weekly Shonen Magazine, a completely new work by Mashima Hiro, ‘FAIRY TAIL RE:FANTASIA’ short-term serialization begins!!”
Fan Reactions Overflow with Joy
Fans were deeply moved by the return of the creator to the magazine after about two years. Comments on X included: “Welcome back, I’m crying,” “I’m crying, this is too much,” “I’m seriously crying. I feel honored to have followed this in real time. Thank you, sensei, for the excitement,” “The best, I’m moved,” “In this era… hearing ‘Snow fairy’ play is genuinely tear-jerking… I can’t wait…,” “I can’t stop crying… this was the first shonen manga I fell in love with. Welcome back,” “I almost cried this morning,” “Gyaaa—!! I’m so happy!!” and “I will always love FAIRY TAIL.”
About the New Series
FAIRY TAIL is a battle fantasy manga by Mashima Hiro that began serialization in 2006. It has expanded beyond the original manga into TV anime, theatrical films, stage plays, games, and merchandise, beloved worldwide. The original manga concluded in 2017, and the TV anime ended in 2019. From July 2024 to January 2025, the official sequel FAIRY TAIL 100 Years Quest, with story by Mashima and art by Ueda Atsuo, was also adapted into a TV anime. Now, Mashima himself returns to draw a completely new story for the 20th anniversary.
Tankobon Release and Special Edition
The collected volume of FAIRY TAIL RE:FANTASIA is already scheduled for release. Two editions will be available from October 16 (Friday): a regular edition and a special edition. The special edition includes a set of 16 postcards featuring illustrations from various artists.
Special Edition Postcard Set Contents:
- Celebration Illustration Postcards: Morikawa George-sensei, Segawa Kouji-sensei, Yoshikawa Miki-sensei, Ueda Atsuo-sensei, Togashi Yoshihiro-sensei
- Color Postcards: Weekly Shonen Magazine cover, tankobon cover, opening color page, center color page
- Monochrome Postcards: Selected memorable scenes from the main story
Regular Edition Details:
ISBN: 9784065453261
Series: Kodansha Comics
Price (tax excluded): 570 yen
Pages: 208
Special Edition Details:
ISBN: 9784065453247
Series: Kodansha Characters A
Price (tax excluded): 1,500 yen
Pages: 208
Note: Release date is subject to change.
Nationwide Signing Events
Mashima Hiro-sensei will also hold signing events across Japan. The venues and dates have been announced as follows:
- Sapporo: Coach & Four Shinkawa-dori Store – November 7 (Saturday)
- Tokyo: Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Store – December 12 (Saturday)
- Nagoya: Sanseido Bookstore Nagoya Main Store – October 24 (Saturday)
- Osaka: MARUZEN & Junkudo Bookstore Umeda Store – November 21 (Saturday)
- Hakata: Maruzen Hakata Store – December 5 (Saturday)
Details on how to apply will be updated sequentially on the 20th anniversary special website. Stay tuned for further announcements.
