Japan Has Already Officially Crowned Its New Best Manga Series of 2026

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Japan has revealed its picks for the most promising media of 2026, based on what readers believe will be the year’s biggest successes.

Comic C’moa, a digital manga platform run by NTT Solmare Corporation, recently revealed the winners of its “Everyone’s Choice!! Digital Comic Awards 2026.” Readers chose their favorite manga from 100 titles suggested by different publishers. More than three million votes were submitted between September 22nd and November 30th, 2025, and the winning manga are expected to be the most popular releases of the year.

The Grand Prize winner was Stepmother’s Guide (originally titled Tsugumama no Kokoroe in Japan). The story follows Misaki Yamazaki, who dies and is reborn as the cruel stepmother in a manga. Aware of the tragic events to come, she tries to be kind to her stepson, hoping to change the story and create a happier ending in this unique ‘redemption isekai’ tale.

Isekai Hit ‘Stepmother’s Guide’ Crowned the Best New Manga for 2026

Following the announcement of their award, the team behind A Stepmother’s Guide expressed their thanks to readers and publisher AlphaPolis. Artist Sora Hoonoki was grateful for the “prestigious award,” and character designer Mamenosuke Fujimaru admitted they were so surprised by the news they could hardly believe it. Original author Tohru credited the win to the readers, as well as the hard work of the AlphaPolis editorial team and the manga contributions of Hoonoki and Fujimaru.

The success of Stepmother’s Guide reflects the growing appeal of stories where villainous characters find redemption. The original light novel that inspired the manga was previously a #1 bestseller in its category. Although an official English version isn’t available yet, the manga is very popular in Japan, which could lead to it being licensed for release in Western countries. Currently, two volumes are available in Japan, published by Alphapolis’s Regina Comics, with a third volume coming out on February 27th.

Besides the main prize, Comic C’moa also announced winners in different categories, which are listed below.

Shonen Manga Category Winners:

  • Spacewalking With You
  • Host and Corporate Slave

Shojo Manga Category Winners:

  • Since I’m Used to Being Alone, I’m Ignoring my Fiancé
  • The Princess Groom

Isekai Category Winners:

  • The Dwarf in Your Castle: Give Me Food, I’ll Work
  • Duke, Please Leave Me Alone, I’m a Bad Wife

Light Novel Category Winners:

  • I Don’t Need Your Love
  • The Library Genius Girl

Boys’ Love (BL) Category Winners:

  • Tell me the Temperature of Love
  • Dawn is the Darkest

Teen Love (TL) Category Winners:

  • Let’s End Our Friendship Now
  • The Substitute Princess is Doted On by the Brave King

You can find special artwork and messages from the creators of the winning comics on the website. Past Grand Prize winners of the “Everyone’s Choice!! Digital Comic Awards” include Dear Stranger Husband, I Need a Divorce and Firefly Wedding.

Comic C’moa, a leading Japanese e-book platform, recently surpassed US$500 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2024, according to its parent company, NTT Solmare. The milestone was announced as the platform celebrated its 20th anniversary. However, Comic C’moa has also faced recent controversy due to revelations about one of its…

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2026-02-09 19:14