Marvel and KADOKAWA have revealed new concept art and story details for their upcoming original manga projects featuring Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen. The two companies' new MARVEL｜KADOKAWA project will bring five original manga titles to readers, with the first two centered on Marvel's popular web-slinging heroes.
Both manga are scheduled to begin serialization on KADOKAWA's Kadocomi manga website sometime in 2026, followed by collected-volume releases.
A New Spider-Man Swings Through Shibuya
The upcoming Spider-Man manga, which currently has no final title, is being drawn by tokitokoro, who has previously worked on Marvel's Jeff the Land Shark.
The story follows Haruto Hachidori, a high school student living in Tokyo's Shibuya district. One day, Haruto suddenly gains mysterious spider abilities.
After becoming Spider-Man, Haruto swings through the streets of Shibuya while protecting the city. However, his appearance as a new hero also causes a mysterious "shadow" hidden within the city to begin moving.
The new setting gives the familiar Spider-Man concept a distinctly Japanese backdrop, with Shibuya serving as the center of the story.
Spider-Gwen Gets Her Own Manga Story
The second announced project focuses on Spider-Gwen and is being illustrated by manga creator Ryuusei Yamada.
The story follows Gwen Stacy, an ordinary high school student who also plays drums for a band called The Mary Janes. Her life changes when she is bitten by a radioactive spider in a laboratory and gains superhuman abilities.
Gwen chooses to use her new powers to protect her city as Spider-Woman, but her new role comes with difficult choices and personal struggles.
The newly released artwork gives fans a closer look at the manga's visual direction and the Japanese-inspired interpretation of Marvel's characters.
Daredevil and Punisher Also Receive New Designs
The MARVEL｜KADOKAWA project will also feature Japanese reinterpretations of other Marvel characters.
Previously revealed designs include a Daredevil based in Shinjuku, featuring an oni-inspired mask, while The Punisher receives a yakuza-inspired makeover and uses a katana instead of his traditional firearms.
The project will ultimately include five manga titles, with additional projects expected to be announced later.
Marvel and KADOKAWA's New Manga Partnership
The collaboration was first announced during the Marvel Fanfare panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Former Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski, who is now overseeing Marvel's Asian publishing initiatives, appeared alongside KADOKAWA representatives to introduce the new project.
Marvel and KADOKAWA aim to combine Marvel's iconic characters with Japanese manga storytelling and creative styles. The Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen manga are scheduled to launch on Kadocomi during 2026.
With three additional titles still to be announced, fans can expect more information about the MARVEL｜KADOKAWA lineup in the coming months.
Comments