YOU WON’T BELIEVE Which Toys Are Getting MANGA Adaptations in 2026!

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Summary

  • Mattel and TOKYOPOP are collaborating to create manga based on Hot Wheels and Barbie.
  • Manga and anime are becoming more mainstream in Western media, making collaboration opportunities rise.
  • The first sets of Hot Wheels and Barbie manga are set to be published in 2026.

In the realm of children’s toys and English manga publishing, there aren’t many names as iconic as Mattel and TOKYOPOP respectively. Yet, you might not have thought about these industry titans joining forces. However, in 2025, that is exactly what will happen! Mattel and TOKYOPOP are partnering up to breathe new life into some of Mattel’s popular toys through manga adaptations.

Last week, a press release from AnimeNewsNetwork revealed an unexpected partnership between Mattel and TOKYOPOP. According to this announcement, they will join forces to produce “graphic novels with manga-style aesthetics” based on two of Mattel’s most popular brands. The brands transitioning into the manga genre are Hot Wheels and Barbie. The initial releases of these manga series are scheduled for 2026.

Mattel Becomes Manga

Barbie and Hot Wheels as They Have Never Been Seen

The partnership between Mattel and TOKYOPOP is a step forward in Mattel’s mission to delve deeper into storytelling with their toys. In 2024, Mattel launched its own publishing division, and this move seems to be an extension of that brand expansion. Mattel’s Global Head of Publishing, Ryan Ferguson, and TOKYOPOP COO and Publisher, Marc Visnick, have both expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming collaboration.

According to the press release, Ferguson stated that Hot Wheels and Barbie have been synonymous with storytelling, creativity, and inspiration for years, appealing to audiences of various ages. He is excited about the collaboration with TOKYOPOP, which will allow these iconic brands to grow through engaging narratives, offering fresh adventures to followers. Visnick elaborated on this by saying…

We’re thrilled to collaborate with Mattel in creating fresh, manga-style graphic novels for the iconic toy brands, Hot Wheels and Barbie. TOKYOPOP, a well-known publisher of popular titles loved by readers worldwide, will be our partner in this venture. The addition of these beloved brands to our catalog promises an enticing expansion. We can’t wait to unveil these legendary characters and their exciting new stories to our global readership.

Though specifics about the plots or characters in the upcoming manga haven’t been shared yet, TOKYOPOP and Mattel have disclosed that they plan to publish the first installment of the manga sometime in the year 2026.

Manga Becoming Mainstream

From Niche to Normal

Over the past ten years or so, anime and manga have been making their way into mainstream culture. Whereas twenty years ago, these were very specific interests that only a few people had, they are becoming more and more commonplace nowadays. A large part of this change can be traced back to accessibility. It’s simpler than ever before to watch anime and read manga legally, in your native language. Furthermore, merchandise related to these is readily available for purchase at local stores and shopping centers.

In recent times, being a fan of manga or anime has never been more accessible. With blockbuster Japanese series like “Demon Slayer” and “Attack on Titan” gracing international cinemas, and Studio Ghibli winning its first Academy Award last year, anime and manga are increasingly integrated into mainstream Western media. As a result, not only teenagers and adults are getting into it, but also children, thanks to increased exposure via television or shopping trips.

It seems that the alliance between Mattel and TOKYOPOP was probably sparked by this development. Recognizing a fresh market segment, these prominent firms have found common ground – young readers aged 8 to 12 who are drawn to manga depicting subjects they find engaging. As a result, Mattel has proposed its most popular brands, Hot Wheels and Barbie, as the initial themes for this exciting new venture, marking a creative departure for both companies.

Even though we won’t get our hands on Hot Wheels or Barbie manga until 2026, this period is undeniably thrilling! The growing collaboration between Western and Japanese companies, exchanging concepts and properties, certainly adds a fresh twist. Although the final product might not match the triumph of Star Wars: Visions, which united Star Wars and Japanese anime studios to produce something spectacular, there’s no questioning that the joint efforts of Mattel and TOKYOPOP will be captivating at the very least.

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2025-01-16 08:25