Kodama Tales Adds Baki Hanma and Two More Manga to Its 2027 Lineup

Kodama Tales announced three manga licenses on Monday through its X account. The releases span historical drama, martial arts and stories about cats living alongside humans.

The publisher set the following release schedule:

• Neo Cat by Aoka: June 2027.
• A Mandala in Flames by Chie Shinomoto: July 2027.
• Baki Hanma by Keisuke Itagaki: July 2027.

A Mandala in Flames is a complete, one-volume historical drama imagining the turbulent life of Hasegawa Tohaku, one of Japan's great painters. Set amid the upheaval of sixteenth-century Japan, it follows a man seeking to conquer the country with a paintbrush.

After celebrated painter Kano Eitoku rejects him as an apprentice, Tohaku struggles to establish himself in Kyoto. He risks his life to view Eitoku's masterpieces inside a burning castle, rekindling his ambition. His pursuit of recognition brings him face-to-face with losses that shape his art.

Baki Hanma follows Baki as the fight he has spent his life preparing for draws closer. His father, Yujiro Hanma, is the strongest creature on Earth, and Baki intends to claim that title.

The manga forms the third arc of Itagaki's martial arts saga. Baki challenges opponents whose strength exceeds human limits, including prison powerhouse Biscuit Oliva and prehistoric warrior Pickle. Every confrontation, punch, broken bone and seemingly impossible victory brings him closer to the long-awaited battle with his father.

Neo Cat presents evolved cats who walk on two legs, hold jobs and even work in host clubs. They take part in human society but retain their feline nature—and humans still find them irresistible.

Across eight offbeat stories, humans and cats work together, clash and form unexpected connections. Aoka pairs expressive feline characters with stylishly drawn human settings, finding humor in people's fascination with cats.