Crunchyroll Embraces Webtoons: Highlights from NYCC Announcements

New York Comic Con 2026 was buzzing with thrilling updates from the entertainment realm. While many fans flocked to the Marvel panel for the latest on the ever-evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe, anime also made a significant impact. The premiere of the first episode of *Dragon Ball Super: Beerus* drew thousands, and Crunchyroll unveiled an exciting lineup of projects, including a new initiative focused on adapting popular webtoons.

During the Crunchyroll Showcase panel, the company showcased a diverse array of content, including anime, theatrical projects, and manga. A standout moment was the announcement of a collaboration with Hayate, a Japanese anime production company formed by Aniplex and Line Digital Frontier Corporation, a subsidiary of Webtoon Entertainment. Together, they plan to create anime adaptations of around 15 popular webtoons available through Line Digital Frontier’s mobile app. The panel revealed the first three titles, complete with thrilling trailers.

Webtoons have surged in popularity over recent years, with series on platforms like Line, Webtoon, and KakaoPage racking up millions of views and fostering global fandoms eager for animated adaptations. The success of the *Solo Leveling* anime, adapted from a web novel and webcomic on KakaoPage, highlighted the potential of these intellectual properties.

With this new partnership, Crunchyroll and its parent company Sony are poised to take the lead. A news release stated, “Hayate will spearhead development and production in collaboration with Crunchyroll and Line Digital Frontier, with Crunchyroll exclusively streaming the resulting anime in select territories.” The first three titles announced include *The Remarried Empress*, *Teenage Mercenary*, and *The Boxer*.

The Crunchyroll Showcase kicked off with a world premiere sneak peek of *Sekiro: No Defeat*, the anime adaptation of the video game by FromSoftware. Produced by Kadowaka, Qzil.la, and Arch, this fully hand-drawn series will stream its eight episodes exclusively on Crunchyroll starting in January 2027.

Additionally, *Ghost of Tsushima* is set to receive an anime based on its online multiplayer mode. Attendees at NYCC got a first look at *Ghost of Tsushima Legends*, produced in collaboration with Hayate and PlayStation Productions, slated for release in 2028.

Beyond the partnership news, Crunchyroll had a wealth of additional announcements regarding new anime and first looks at highly anticipated series. Here are the highlights:

The feature film *Witch on the Holy Night*, based on the visual novel by Type-Moon, is set to hit theaters exclusively on January 29, 2027. Produced by ufotable (known for *Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba*) and distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film will be available in both English dub and Japanese with English subtitles.

Moreover, the beloved anime *Yuri!!! on Ice* will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special one-day screening event as part of Crunchyroll’s monthly Anime Nights program. On October 19, selected theaters across the U.S. and Canada will screen the first five episodes of the series.

Lastly, a significant announcement outside the Crunchyroll Showcase panel revealed that the popular historical mystery series *The Apothecary Diaries* is also making its way to theaters with its first feature film, *The Apothecary Diaries: The Late Lady’s Treasure*. Based on an original story by series creator Hyuganatsu, the film will be directed by Norihiro Naganuma and distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment, with exact release dates yet to be confirmed.