San Diego Comic-Con is known for Hollywood movies and Western comics. But it also brings important news about anime and manga each year. SDCC 2024 took place July 25-28 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Here’s a full summary of the major anime and manga announcements from SDCC 2024, covering new anime adaptations, English manga licenses, and key publisher news.
Rooster Fighter Gets an Anime Adaptation
The biggest anime news from SDCC 2024 was the confirmation that Rooster Fighter will get a full TV anime adaptation.
Announced at Viz Media’s panel, Rooster Fighter, based on the action-comedy manga by Shū Sakuratani, will be animated by Studio Sanzigen. It is renowned for its energetic 3DCG action. The series will air in partnership with Adult Swim, a strong sign of its appeal to Western anime fans.
At the panel, Viz showed an early teaser image and confirmed that the anime is aiming for a Spring 2026 release. Details about streaming and distribution are still to come.
Kodansha Announces New Manga Licenses
Tune In to the Midnight Heart
One of the most talked-about titles was Tune In to the Midnight Heart, a romantic drama manga set for English release starting Spring 2025. The series is already gaining popularity in Japan, making it a strong addition to Kodansha’s lineup.
GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis
Kodansha picked up GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis: a sci-fi action series of big battles and mythological themes. The English print releases in Spring 2025.
Additional Digital Releases
Kodansha announced new digital titles, including That Beauty Is a Tramp, which launches on August 13, 2024.
Viz Media’s Manga Reveals
The publisher also introduced new manga projects and major crossover releases.
Marvel Manga Projects
Viz and Marvel Comics shared new details and cover art for several Marvel-themed manga titles, including:
- Spider-Man: Octo-Girl
- X-Men: The Manga (Remastered Edition)
These releases are part of Marvel’s ongoing effort to mix Western superhero stories with Japanese manga style.
Anime Programming Reveals Shared During SDCC Weekend
Not all of these series were announced only at SDCC panels, but several Toonami and Adult Swim anime air dates were confirmed during Comic-Con weekend, linking them directly to SDCC news and press events.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc
Premieres on Toonami: August 10, 2024 - Rick and Morty: The Anime
Premieres on Toonami: August 17, 2024 - Uzumaki
Premieres on Toonami: September 28, 2024 - Lazarus
Confirmed for 2025, with more details expected later
While these weren’t brand-new series announcements, SDCC was a key venue where release dates and broadcast plans were confirmed.
Why SDCC Matters for Anime and Manga
San Diego Comic-Con might not have as many announcements as Anime Expo, but its real strength is visibility. News from SDCC reaches a wider pop-culture audience and helps connect Western comics, TV, and Japanese media.
The announcement of Rooster Fighter’s anime adaptation at SDCC 2024 shows how anime is becoming even more popular in mainstream fandom. It’s a strong indication of why SDCC remains an important event for anime and manga fans.
