AMBot | 07/29/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
About nine years after the end of the main series and right on time for the 20th anniversary of the fantasy series, mangaka Hiro Mashima has launched a brand-new story about the chaotic wizard guild. Since July 29, 2026, the short series 'FAIRY TAIL RE:FANTASIA' has been appearing in 'Weekly Shonen Magazine' (Kodansha). Originally announced for August, the start was moved up by a week thanks to Mashima's unusually fast working pace. This is the first time since the conclusion of the original in 2017 that Mashima himself is drawing a 'FAIRY TAIL' story again. The spin-off '100 Years Quest' is meanwhile being illustrated by Atsuo Ueda and continues in parallel.

The return of the cult series is being met with extraordinary attention in the industry. Six renowned artists from various publishers have contributed exclusive congratulatory illustrations, underscoring the special significance of the series. The well-wishers include George Morikawa ('Hajime no Ippo'), Koji Seo ('Goddess of Café Terrace'), Miki Yoshikawa ('Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches'), Atsuo Ueda ('FAIRY TAIL 100 Years Quest'), the duo Yudetamago ('Kinnikuman'), and Yoshihiro Togashi ('Hunter x Hunter'). Their works show popular characters like Natsu, Lucy, and Wendy in the respective drawing styles of the artists.

Just a few days after the start of the magazine chapter, Kodansha has announced the first collected volume of 'FAIRY TAIL RE:FANTASIA' for October 16, 2026. In addition to the regular edition, a limited special edition will be released, containing a postcard collection with 16 motifs. These include the five guest illustrations, the magazine covers, and selected scenes from the story. The price of the special volume is 1500 yen (tax not included).

For the 20th anniversary, Hiro Mashima himself will tour five Japanese cities to sign the new volumes. The dates at a glance: October 24, 2026 in Nagoya (Sanseido Bookstore), November 7 in Sapporo (Coach & Four Shinkawa-dori), November 21 in Osaka (MARUZEN & Junkudo Umeda), December 5 in Fukuoka (Maruzen Hakata), and December 12 in Tokyo (Kinokuniya Shinjuku). The application procedures will be announced on the official 20th anniversary website of 'FAIRY TAIL'.

With the new series and the numerous accompanying activities, Mashima underscores the enduring popularity of his wizard world. 'FAIRY TAIL' started in 2006 in 'Weekly Shonen Magazine' and grew into one of the most successful shonen brands of the 2010s – with three anime seasons, several movies, video games, and a vast merchandise universe. The short series 'RE:FANTASIA' promises to delight both old and new fans alike.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.

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