Monthly Afternoon 40th Anniversary Exhibition: New Illustrations from 12 Legendary Artists and Parasyte Surprises!
Monthly Afternoon, one of Kodansha's most prestigious seinen manga magazines, is organizing its first large-scale exhibition to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The "Afternoon 40th Anniversary Exhibition," which will take place at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, from July 10 to July 26, 2026, has unveiled brand-new illustrations prepared by 12 of the most important artists in the magazine's history. This special collection celebrates the artistic depth and diversity the magazine has brought to the manga world since its founding in 1986.
The 12 new drawings featured in the exhibition bear the signatures of giants in the manga world. Artists such as Hitoshi Iwaaki (Parasyte), Makoto Yukimura (Vinland Saga), Tsubasa Yamaguchi (Blue Period), and Yuki Urushibara (Mushishi) have picked up their pens again for this event. Additionally, works by classic names such as Kosuke Fujishima (Ah! My Goddess) and Tsutomu Nihei (Knights of Sidonia) are among the most anticipated pieces of the exhibition. While each illustration offers a fresh perspective on the artists' own series, high-resolution prints of these works will also be available for purchase at the exhibition venue.
The exhibition is a true treasure trove, especially for Parasyte (Kiseijuu) fans. A life-sized replica of the character Migi will be on display, and highly creative merchandise such as "Migi Work Gloves" (990 yen) and a "Comic Style Notebook" (880 yen) will be available for fans. It doesn't stop there; a weapon shop-themed corner from Blade of the Immortal and replicas of school uniforms from the Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyo) series are among the surprises awaiting visitors. Furthermore, special products personally designed by Haruko Ichikawa will be on the shelves for Land of the Lustrous fans.
Monthly Afternoon, which began its publication life on December 25, 1986, is known for going beyond the mainstream shonen genre to focus on more mature and experimental stories. From the epic journey of Vinland Saga, which concluded in 2025, to the artistic struggle of Blue Period, the magazine continues to push the boundaries of the seinen genre. This exhibition is not just a celebration, but also a comprehensive archive of the evolution of manga art over the last 40 years. If you happen to be in Tokyo during these dates, don't miss the chance to witness this significant milestone in manga history!
