Fairy Tail Turns 20! A New Manga Announcement from Hiro Mashima
Buckle up, wizards, because the guild is getting back together! Hiro Mashima, the creator of the legendary manga series Fairy Tail, has announced that he will be launching a brand-new mini-manga series to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise. Set to premiere in the combined 36th and 37th issue of Weekly Shonen Magazine, releasing on August 5, 2026, this series is set to bring a wave of nostalgia for fans. In a statement on social media, Mashima managed to excite fans by describing the series as a "short and intense" story.
Although details of the new story are still being kept under wraps, Hiro Mashima did not neglect to provide some hints. While Natsu Dragneel and his loyal friends will be at the heart of the story, it is said that the events will revolve around an "unexpected character." Sharing his feelings, Mashima said, "The fact that we can still celebrate like this even though it has been a long time since the manga ended is entirely due to the unwavering support of the readers." We will see together whether this new adventure will offer a glimpse into the guild's past or be an entirely new side story.
The Fairy Tail universe has actually never truly gone silent. The main series, which began in 2006 and concluded in 2017 with 63 volumes, became a phenomenon by selling over 72 million copies worldwide. Even though the main story has ended, the sequel series Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, illustrated by Atsuo Ueda and written by Mashima, continues to maintain its popularity with both its manga and the anime adaptation that began in 2024. However, this new mini-series holds special significance as a project that Mashima himself will both write and illustrate.
The 20th-anniversary celebrations are not limited to just this manga series. Kodansha has released a special promotional video accompanied by the series' first opening theme, "Snow Fairy" by FUNKIST. Additionally, an autograph tour covering five major cities in Japan, special exhibitions, and new figures of beloved characters like Erza Scarlet are on the way. While Hiro Mashima proves once again that he is one of the most prolific names in the industry with projects like Rave Master, Edens Zero, and Dead Rock, it seems he is set to provide Fairy Tail fans with an unforgettable year.
