Mahjong Pros, a new North American manga publisher based in Sheridan, Wyoming, has officially announced its entry into the market with its first lineup of titles scheduled for Spring 2026. The company’s debut marks a notable addition to the rapidly growing manga sector, as demand for Japanese comics continues to rise across Western audiences.
The publisher confirmed that its initial releases will be available in both print and digital formats, with plans to expand its catalog through future licensing deals and original projects.
Four New Titles
Mahjong Pros’ first slate consists of four manga titles, each focusing on themes of pressure, identity, and perseverance. The lineup reflects a character-driven approach, with stories grounded in personal struggles and high-stakes environments.
Crybaby Mermaid
The first release, ‘Crybaby Mermaid: Illustrated Memoir of Yuumi Uotani’, arrives on April 28. Written by Yoshiki Suda and illustrated by Mio Junta, the story follows a professional mahjong player navigating self-doubt and the challenges of sustaining a public career.
Rather than focusing on sudden success, the narrative emphasizes gradual progress, capturing the emotional weight of competition and the effort required to continue despite uncertainty.
Reform with No Wasted Draws: The Legend of Koizumi
Launching on May 5, ‘Reform with No Wasted Draws: The Legend of Koizumi’ by Hideki Ohwada presents a satirical take on global politics. The manga reimagines international conflicts as high-stakes mahjong matches, with former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the center of escalating confrontations.
The story combines exaggerated scenarios with serious undertones, using mahjong as a framework to explore leadership, pride, and decision-making under pressure.
Getter Robo High
Scheduled for release on May 30, ‘Getter Robo High’ offers a darker interpretation of the classic *Getter Robo* series originally created by Go Nagai. Written by Bingo Morihashi and illustrated by Drill Jill, the manga focuses on three pilots operating an experimental machine against an unpredictable enemy.
The narrative emphasizes psychological tension, rapid decision-making, and the consequences of mistakes in high-risk situations.
Vermilion Stella
The final title in the lineup, ‘Vermilion Stella: Illustrated Memoir of Arisa Date’, will be released on June 30. Created by Ayato Sasakura, the story follows a professional mahjong player dealing with public scrutiny and expectations.
It explores the challenges of maintaining confidence while facing criticism, highlighting the slow and often difficult process of earning recognition and respect.
Wide Distribution and Future Plans
Mahjong Pros titles will be available through major retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Walmart, and Amazon, with pre-orders open via the publisher’s official website.
The company’s launch comes at a time when the North American manga market is experiencing sustained growth, driven by increased accessibility and mainstream popularity. With its initial lineup, Mahjong Pros appears focused on establishing a niche through emotionally grounded, competition-driven storytelling.
As the publisher prepares for its first releases, further announcements are expected as it continues to build its presence in the industry.
