Fairy Tail Celebrates 20th Anniversary with New Short Serialization

Before isekai took the spotlight in manga and anime, Hiro Mashima’s *Fairy Tail* shattered records and secured its place as one of the best-selling manga series ever. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, this beloved series is making a comeback in *Weekly Shonen Magazine*, the flagship publication from Kodansha, with a new short serialization.

Originally running from 2006 to 2017, *Fairy Tail* is set in a vibrant world where powerful mages gather in guilds. The story follows Natsu, who wields a unique magic known as Dragon Slayer, a skill passed down from his adoptive father, Igneel, a formidable fire dragon who vanished alongside his kind. Alongside his Fairy Tail guildmates, Natsu faces off against formidable foes like the dark wizard Zeref and the all-consuming dragon Acnologia. The series also features subtle ties to Mashima’s earlier work, *Rave Master*, and has inspired a prequel, *Fairy Tail Zero*, as well as a sequel, *Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest*.

As revealed on the official 20th anniversary website, *Fairy Tail* will resume serialization in *Weekly Shonen Magazine*, starting with issue 36/37, set to hit shelves on August 5. While specific details remain under wraps, the announcement promises a “new story” featuring Natsu and his friends. Additional anniversary celebrations include limited edition prints and a tour by Mashima across five Japanese cities for autograph sessions. Plus, fans can look forward to the final volume of *Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest*, which is scheduled for release on April 9.

*Fairy Tail* gained immense popularity due to its dynamic shonen battles, classic fantasy elements, and a surprisingly intricate plot that incorporates themes often found in Mashima’s works, such as time travel. The anime adaptation was a lengthy affair, boasting 328 episodes, nine OVAs, and two movies. Fans outside Japan can anticipate reading the new chapters of *Fairy Tail* on Kodansha’s K-Manga app.