Crunchyroll Manga App Launches on October 9, 2025

Anime and manga fans have more reason than ever to celebrate! Crunchyroll, already a global leader in anime streaming, is taking a bold step into the manga industry with the launch of its brand-new Crunchyroll Manga app, set to debut on October 9, 2025. This exciting move is set to reshape how fans read, discover, and enjoy manga — with a library that includes titles from giants like Viz Media, Shueisha (Shonen Jump), Square Enix, and Yen Press.

Although the app will initially be available only in the U.S. and Canada, Crunchyroll has confirmed that the rollout to worldwide regions will take more time. Still, the announcement has already sparked massive buzz in the anime and manga community.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Crunchyroll Manga app, from launch details and partnerships to its potential impact on the global manga scene.

📅 Official Launch Date

Release Date: October 9, 2025
Regions Available: U.S. and Canada (initially)
Worldwide Availability: Gradual expansion, timeline not yet announced

The date itself is symbolic — coming just ahead of the fall anime season, when Crunchyroll traditionally gains major traction with simulcasts. By tying in a manga platform, Crunchyroll is creating a one-stop ecosystem for both anime and manga fans.

📖 What is Crunchyroll Manga?

Crunchyroll Manga is a dedicated manga reading app designed to complement the anime experience already offered by Crunchyroll. It’s not Crunchyroll’s first foray into manga — the platform had previously experimented with manga simulpubs years ago. But this new app marks a much more ambitious relaunch with bigger publishers, wider selections, and modernized features.

Think of it as the anime world’s equivalent of Netflix expanding into video games — a natural next step that strengthens Crunchyroll’s dominance in otaku culture.

🤝 Publishing Partnerships – The Power Behind the Library

One of the most impressive aspects of the new Crunchyroll Manga app is the scope of its publishing partnerships:

Viz Media / Shueisha (Shonen Jump)
Iconic titles like Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Dragon Ball, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and My Hero Academia are expected to be part of the catalog.
Square Enix
Famous for hit manga like My Dress-Up Darling, Soul Eater, Black Butler, and Fullmetal Alchemist. Their involvement adds diversity and unique genres.
Yen Press
Known for publishing Delicious in Dungeon, Overlord, Sword Art Online, Konosuba, and other light novel–adapted manga.
Others in the Future
Crunchyroll hinted that more publishers will join later, meaning the library will continue to grow.

By bringing together such heavyweights, the app isn’t just another manga reader — it’s a potential game-changer in the digital manga space.

📱 Features of the App

Although not every detail has been confirmed yet, based on early previews and Crunchyroll’s statements, here’s what fans can expect:

Simulpub Access: Read new chapters the same day they’re released in Japan (for select titles).
Offline Reading: Download chapters and read without internet.
Multi-language Support: While English is confirmed at launch, future updates may include Spanish, French, Portuguese, Hindi, and more.
Curated Recommendations: Personalized manga suggestions based on your anime watchlist.
Cross-Platform Integration: Potential syncing between Crunchyroll Anime and Manga accounts.

🌎 Why Only U.S. and Canada at Launch?

This has been the most debated part of the announcement. While fans worldwide are excited, Crunchyroll confirmed that the app will initially roll out only in the U.S. and Canada.

The reasons include:

Licensing Complexities: Manga licensing differs by region, with overlapping contracts and exclusivity deals.
Testing Phase: Launching in limited markets allows Crunchyroll to refine app performance, servers, and user feedback.
Gradual Expansion: Crunchyroll has promised that worldwide regions will be added — just not immediately.

For international fans, patience will be key.

📊 The Competition – How Crunchyroll Manga Stands Out

The digital manga market already has big names like Manga Plus, Shonen Jump app, ComiXology (Amazon), Azuki, and BookWalker. So how does Crunchyroll plan to compete?

Anime + Manga in One Ecosystem: Fans can watch an anime on Crunchyroll and instantly dive into its manga source material within the same platform.
Bigger Partnerships: By combining Viz, Square Enix, and Yen Press, Crunchyroll is covering genres from shonen to seinen to isekai.
Global Reach Potential: With Crunchyroll already having 13+ million subscribers worldwide, the app has a ready-made audience.
Event Tie-ins: Expect special releases tied to anime premieres, Crunchyroll Expo, and collaborations with studios.

💡 Why This Matters for Fans

Legal Access: More fans can enjoy manga officially, reducing piracy and supporting creators.
Regional Dubs & Subs Trend: Just like anime dubs expanded worldwide, manga translations may become more inclusive.
Boost to Manga Industry: A new competitor pushes innovation, pricing adjustments, and more options for readers.

🗣️ Fan Reactions

The anime community has already reacted with a mix of excitement and impatience:

“Finally, a legal app where I can read Square Enix titles along with Shonen Jump!”
“Why only U.S. and Canada? Crunchyroll, please don’t forget about India and Europe.”
“If they bundle it with Crunchyroll Anime, I’m subscribing day one.”

The anticipation is massive, and Crunchyroll Manga could become a daily essential for manga readers.

🔮 What’s Next for Crunchyroll Manga?

Potential Subscription Bundles: One subscription covering both anime and manga.
Expansion Beyond North America: Asia, Europe, and India are top targets.
Exclusive Titles: Original manga created just for Crunchyroll readers could arrive in the future.

Crunchyroll Manga isn’t just about launching an app — it’s about building the future of digital manga consumption.

⚔️ Final Thoughts

The launch of the Crunchyroll Manga app on October 9, 2025 is one of the biggest shakeups in the manga industry in years. With powerful publishing partnerships, a feature-rich reading experience, and the potential for global expansion, this app could redefine how millions of fans read manga.

While the limitation to U.S. and Canada at launch is disappointing for many, the promise of worldwide release means it’s only a matter of time before fans everywhere gain access.

For now, all eyes are on October 9, 2025 — the day Crunchyroll takes its next giant step, proving that anime and manga truly belong together under one roof.

The future of manga reading is closer than ever, and it starts here.