A big chapter in Japan’s light novel and manga history has come to a close. Kadokawa’s legendary Dragon Magazine, which has been publishing popular series for nearly four decades, is officially ending. Launched in 1988, this monthly magazine gave us iconic titles like Slayers, Full Metal Panic!, and Patlabor.
Kadokawa, one of Japan’s biggest publishers, confirmed that Dragon Magazine has now stopped publishing and will be replaced by a new digital platform called Mekurimekuru. While this shift is expected in today’s digital world, fans are still emotional about losing such an iconic piece of anime and light novel history.
What Was Dragon Magazine All About?
Dragon Magazine was not just a regular magazine—it was a hub of creativity. Over the years, it introduced fans to many beloved series that would later become successful anime. Kadokawa used Dragon Magazine to share both light novels and manga, giving creators a powerful space to reach audiences.
Some of the biggest series that started here include:
Slayers by Hajime Kanzaka
Full Metal Panic! by Shoji Gato
Patlabor, a classic mecha series
Many of today’s popular light novels and anime wouldn’t exist without the platform Dragon Magazine provided. So, its end marks a major turning point in the industry.
Printed Media Faces New Challenges in the Digital Age
The closure of Dragon Magazine also shows the tough reality for printed publications. Even though Kadokawa is doing well as a company—especially after joining hands with Sony, which also owns Crunchyroll—the magazine couldn’t survive the changing reading habits of modern audiences.
In their official statement, the Dragon Magazine editorial team said:
“Due to recent changes in the reading environment, we realize that the role of Dragon Magazine can no longer be fulfilled through paper.”
This clearly shows how readers today are shifting more toward digital platforms, where content is quick, easy to access, and often cheaper. Dragon Magazine’s closure might even be a sign of what’s coming for other big-name magazines, like Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, which is also facing lower sales.
Interestingly, Shonen Jump’s digital version, Shonen Jump+, is doing really well with hit series like Chainsaw Man and Dandadan, which are backed by successful anime.
Kadokawa Moves to a Digital Future With Mekurimekuru
To keep up with the changing times, Kadokawa is now focusing on a web platform called Mekurimekuru, which will replace Dragon Magazine. This digital platform is expected to offer new content, easy access for fans, and hopefully, the same level of excitement that the magazine once brought.
Going forward, this move could open doors for new authors and series who can now reach global fans more easily through digital formats.
Fans & Authors Share Emotional Farewells
After the announcement, many well-known authors expressed their sadness and gratitude for the magazine. This includes:
Ryo Mizuno, author of Record of Lodoss War
Shoji Gato, author of Full Metal Panic!
Fans, too, shared their memories online, recalling how Dragon Magazine introduced them to amazing stories and characters.
Final Issue Features a Special Slayers Tribute
To end things on a high note, the last issue of Dragon Magazine includes a special Slayers short story collection—the first in 13 years. Slayers is one of the most iconic series to come from the magazine, and this final tribute gives longtime fans something to cherish forever.
End of Dragon Magazine, But Kadokawa Is Bigger Than Ever
Even though Dragon Magazine is ending, Kadokawa is stronger than ever. With powerful partnerships and a focus on digital content, it continues to lead the world of light novels, manga, and anime.
While it’s sad to see such a legendary magazine end, it’s also a reminder that the industry is always evolving. As fans, we can still look forward to exciting new stories, formats, and platforms in the years ahead.
More: News
Sources: Oricon News