Scholastic announced today that it will be publishing Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on April 7, 2026 under its Graphix imprint.
The new manga will be written and adapted by original creator and author Dav Pilkey and will include full-color illustrations by Japanese manga artist Motojiro (Time Warp, Battle Brave).
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga is described as being “reenvisioned as an engaging graphic novel that will read in the traditional English language tradition (left to right).” It will also include new Flip-o-Rama pages.
Dav Pilkey provided the following statement of the release of the new work:
It is a huge honor to see Motojiro’s rendering of the Captain Underpants illustrations into manga. His vibrant art inspired me to dig deeper, write new dialogue, and flesh out the story even further. Fans of the series will be thrilled about the new look and new content, and fans of manga will be impressed with Motojiro’s dynamic style. I am grateful to Motojiro for his help in taking Captain Underpants to a whole new level and exciting format that I hope will create a new generation of readers.
Motojiro also provided the following comments:
When I was chosen to draw Captain Underpants, words couldn’t express how thrilled I was. I had the chance to meet Dav Pilkey in Japan and read his amazing reimagined text. It was a wonderful experience to hear about his deep love and care for the series. I hope even more kids and families will enjoy the Captain Underpants manga that I had so much fun drawing. I am truly thankful for this wonderful opportunity.
Scholastic describes Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga as:
Combining humor and action with empowerment and empathy, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga features the amazing adventures of best friends George Beard and Harold Hutchins and their waistband warrior superhero creation, Captain Underpants.
Scholastic’s Graphix imprint has released several colored manga titles for middle grade readers this year, starting with the publication of a new Unico graphic novel series, as well as Hikaru in the Light, Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms, and Shadow Warrior: A Spider-Man Manga.
Source: press release
