the Fairy Tail franchise have never been available in English—until now.

Recently, Kodansha announced plans to release an English-language edition of Magnolia: FAIRY TAIL Complete Illustrations, a comprehensive hardcover art book by Hiro Mashima. Originally published in Japan, the collection features over 300 pages of full-color artwork from the FAIRY TAIL manga, including character designs, promotional illustrations, magazine covers, and previously unreleased pieces.

The book spans the entirety of the series, showcasing the visual evolution of Mashima’s Fairy Tail world and its characters. It also includes commentary from Mashima himself, offering insight into his creative process. Set to release in Fall 2025, this edition will mark the first time international fans can officially access this title in English.

Hiro Mashima’s Early Career and Breakthrough

A Global Hit and Expanding Universe

Hiro Mashima began his career in 1998 when he received recognition in the Weekly Shonen Magazine’s Newcomer Award for his work MAGICIAN, and made his official debut that same year with BAD BOYS SONG in Magazine FRESH. He gained early success with the fantasy adventure series RAVE MASTER, which launched in 1999 and was later adapted into an anime. In 2006, Mashima began serialization of FAIRY TAIL in Weekly Shonen Magazine, a series that would go on to win the 33rd Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shonen Manga in 2009.

FAIRY TAIL ran for nearly eleven years, from 2006 to 2017, and concluded with a total of 63 collected volumes. The story follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia, and their guildmates in the magical world of Fairy Tail. With its energetic characters and fast-paced storytelling, the series attracted a broad international audience. It was adapted into a long-running anime beginning in 2009 and expanded into multiple films, spin-offs, and games, making it one of Mashima’s most enduring and recognizable works.

A New Fairy Tail Chapter On Screen

Art That Shaped A Shonen Classic

Recently, FAIRY TAIL returned to television with FAIRY TAIL: 100 Years Quest, the anime adaptation of the official sequel manga by Hiro Mashima and Atsuo Ueda. Premiering in July 2024, the series follows Natsu and his guild as they take on a legendary mission no one has completed in over a century.

With the anime back and the story continuing, Magnolia: FAIRY TAIL Complete Illustrations arrives at a fitting time to look back. Through its pages, you can see how Mashima’s art has grown over the years, along with the imagination and energy he’s brought to the series from the very beginning.

Source: Kodansha USA