Mahjong Pros Publishing announced two new manga licenses at San Diego Comic-Con, expanding its roster of gambling-focused stories with releases scheduled for November 2026.

The first title, Bird: Mahjong's Deadliest vs The Master Illusionist, follows Kazuya, a hidden genius recruited to play in a high-stakes mahjong match that will decide control of underground casino territory. His opponent is Snake, an undefeated gambler who manipulates a fully automated mahjong table designed to prevent cheating. The story becomes a game of wits as Kazuya must expose Snake's trick while concealing his own methods. Written by Hiromi Aoyama with art by Kazutoshi Yamane, the manga explores the intersection of illusion, strategy, and deception at the gambling table.

The second license, Akayoroshi: Hanafuda Shadow Games, takes a historical approach to gambling storytelling. Set in 1876 Yokohama, the series centers on a boy with perfect memory forced into an underground gambling ring where Japanese flower cards (hanafuda) determine winners and losers—with the stakes involving debt and physical payment. Written by Yume Yamaguchi and illustrated by Yadokugaeru, it's framed as a historical thriller examining debt, deception, and addiction to risk.

Both titles will be available in physical and digital formats starting November 2026.

Mahjong Pros Publishing, the company's localization and distribution imprint launched in June 2025, specifically focuses on bringing mahjong-themed manga and educational textbooks to English-speaking audiences. The move reflects growing interest in gambling narratives within manga and anime, particularly stories that combine strategic gameplay with character drama.

These licenses add to a broader trend of niche gaming and card-game stories gaining traction in Western markets. Both manga offer different angles on the gambling genre—one contemporary and psychological, the other historical and culturally grounded—suggesting Mahjong Pros Publishing is building a diverse catalog rather than retreading similar ground.