Shueisha and Walt Disney Japan have terminated their publishing contract for Marvel-themed manga, leading to the removal of several titles from digital and physical storefronts. The agreement officially ends on September 30, with Shueisha beginning the removal process for its Marvel material between September 28 and 30. While the contract termination was decided months ago, this marks the first official confirmation of how the separation will affect the availability of these manga.
Manga affected by this change include Deadpool: Samurai (four volumes), Spider-Man: Kizuna (four volumes), Spider-Man: Octo Girl (four volumes), Secret Reverse, and Marvel x Shonen Jump Plus Super Collaboration. These titles will remain accessible to those who have already purchased them, but will no longer be available for new purchases. Physical copies will also be removed from sale, with remaining stock available until supplies are depleted.
All of the affected series have concluded their runs. Deadpool: Samurai, the most recently completed, followed the titular character on a mission for Tony Stark in Tokyo, where he teamed up with Sakura Spider and Neiro Aratabi. The series was noted for its extensive references to other Shueisha properties such as Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Other titles explored unique concepts, like Spider-Man: Kizuna, which featured a boy fused with Spider-Man, and Spider-Man: Octo Girl, where Doctor Octopus wakes up in the body of a middle school girl.
In the U.S., Viz Media had been distributing most of these series, with many available on their digital subscription service. However, these titles will be discontinued from availability. The collaboration between Marvel and the manga sphere is not unprecedented; artist Tsutomu Nihei previously created Wolverine: Snikt! in 2003, published directly by Marvel Comics. Additionally, artists like Kamome Shirahama have contributed illustrations and concept work for Marvel.
Shueisha has not provided a specific reason for the contract's termination. Fans interested in acquiring these Marvel manga have a limited window before they are removed from all platforms.