The free monthly series begins September 17 on Azuki.com alongside a cinematic launch trailer.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Azuki Labs today announced the launch of an all-new original manga AZUKI, created by acclaimed artist Arnold Tsang, former Character Art Director for Overwatch. The series premieres September 17 at 9:00 AM PDT and will be available to read free exclusively on Azuki.com, with new chapters releasing on the third Thursday of every month.
Launching alongside the first chapter is a cinematic trailer introducing readers to the world of AZUKI – a story of two sisters, ancient Gates, and a bond tested across worlds.
When Shao’s sister Rei disappears beyond the mysterious Gates, her search pulls her into a conflict that threatens both worlds. As long-buried secrets emerge, Shao must confront impossible choices that will test family bonds, trust, and destiny.
“Azuki was always meant to grow beyond any one format,” said Alex Q. Xu, CEO of Azuki Labs. “The manga is where the characters and world come together as a story. Arnold has spent years building toward this, and making it free means anyone can start with Chapter 1.”
Known for his work helping define the visual identity of Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch, Tsang brings his signature character-driven storytelling and dynamic artwork to his first original serialized manga.
“I’m incredibly excited to finally share this world with readers everywhere,” said Arnold Tsang. “AZUKI is a story I’ve wanted to tell for years, and as a life-long manga fan, manga was the medium I envisioned to bring these characters and this universe to life.”
The series marks another step in Azuki’s expansion into original entertainment, following the successful launch of its trading card game earlier this year. The company continues to build an interconnected universe across manga, games, collectibles, and future storytelling experiences.
The series made its world premiere at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, where attendees had the exclusive opportunity to read the first chapter ahead of its public launch on Azuki.com in September 2026. Tsang also appeared throughout the event for live drawing sessions and opportunities to meet fans.
Readers can begin the journey on September 17 at 9:00 AM PST by visiting Azuki.com, where every chapter will be available to read for free.
Read Chapter One: https://azuki.com (live September 17)
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Arnold Tsang is a celebrated figure in the world of visual storytelling and AZUKI is his first return to the comic medium since working on Udon’s Street Fighter series. As former Character Art Director at Blizzard Entertainment, Tsang was a foundational creative force behind Overwatch, shaping the design of its iconic hero roster and helping craft the rich world and lore surrounding them. With AZUKI, Tsang brings his signature mastery of character and world-building to manga for the first time, crafting an original universe of extraordinary depth and visual ambition.
ABOUT AZUKI
Azuki is an original anime-inspired storytelling universe built around an interconnected tapestry of characters, factions, and mysteries. Through manga, the Azuki TCG, collectibles, and future entertainment experiences, the world of Azuki unfolds across multiple mediums, each connecting new audiences to the stories within its expanding universe.
Designed for a global digital-first generation of fans, Azuki is building an enduring franchise defined by rich mythology, memorable characters, and expansive world-building.
For more information, visit https://www.azuki.com and follow on social media at:
Instagram: @azuki
Twitter: @azukimanga
YouTube: @azukientertainment
Press Contact:
Lee Meltzer
lee@leemeltzerconsulting.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-overwatch-character-art-director-arnold-tsang-launches-original-manga-azuki-302870994.html
SOURCE Azuki
