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Udon Entertainment
Udon Entertainment
Udon Entertainment
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Udon Entertainment Corp. is a Canadian art studio and publisher.[2] The company publishes original and translated comic books, graphic novels, manga and art books related to anime and video games. It was founded in 2000 and is named after udon, a kind of Japanese noodle.

Key Information

Overview

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It was affiliated with Studio XD; in March 2004, Udon announced a partnership to release comics under Devil's Due Publishing.[3] Udon's first offering was the Street Fighter comic book series, launching in September 2003. They would add a Darkstalkers comic series to their line in November 2004. In October 2005, Udon reorganized its operations and became a full-fledged publisher.[citation needed] Erik Ko revealed that the lengthy break in the Summer of 2005 was to recover from a licensing deal with Capcom, which saw Udon doing artwork for Capcom Fighting Evolution.[4] Although Udon appreciated the opportunity to work on the game and to strengthen their ties with the video game maker, it taxed their resources and left them behind schedule on their comics.[citation needed] In October 2005, Udon released Street Fighter II #0, the sequel to their Street Fighter comic;[5] it was followed in early 2006 with the long-awaited launch of Rival Schools. Erik Ko discussed this in an interview with Newsarama that can be read here.[6]

The Udon panel at the 2012 New York Comic Con. From left to right are Udon Director of Marketing Chris Butcher (emceeing at the podium), Managing Editor Matt Moylan, Project Manager Jim Zubkavich and artist Omar Dogan.

In December 2007 at the New York Anime Festival, Udon announced that it would be publishing three new Street Fighter comic book series in 2008. These include Street Fighter II Turbo (12-issue series), Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li (4-issue mini), and Street Fighter III (6-issue series).[7]

In November 2008, Udon announced it would publish a 4-issue mini-series of the upcoming Street Fighter IV game. "With the most anticipated Street Fighter game in years arriving 2009, we will be launching the "Street Fighter IV" comic series as a big crossover event with the game. That would mean the originally planned Street Fighter III series will have to make way and be released after this "Street Fighter IV" story arc is done," said Ko. "We are working very closely with Capcom and the SFIV producer in Japan to make this comic series as exciting as possible. The stories from our comic are linked directly to the game, and it is a genuine extension that fans will definitely love. Also expect plenty of cross promotion and marketing between our comics and the game."[8]

In January 2009, Udon announced it had acquired the rights to produce Final Fight comic books.[9] In November 2009, Udon announced it will continue the Darkstalkers comic series with a new 3-issue mini-series called Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors.[10] In December 2009, Udon announced it would publish a four-issue Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki miniseries.[11]

From 2012 to 2014, Udon partnered with Bandai Namco to produce several webcomics and webseries based on their various video game IP as part of their ShiftyLook initiative.

In July 2024, during San Diego Comic-Con, Udon and Capcom announced to gain the license to produce new Mega Man comics for 2025. Those comics will include the original series, alongside the X, Zero, ZX and Legends series with the exception of the Battle Network and Star Force series,[12] though the possibility of future comics set in the latter continuity has not yet been ruled out.[13]

Publishing

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This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.

Comic books

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Capcom Universe

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The Capcom Universe is a comic book franchise developed by Udon, which is based on various Capcom franchises set inside a shared universe.

  • Street Fighter #0−14 (2003–2005, originally through Image Comics, then Devil's Due Publishing)
  • Street Fighter: Deep Scars (2003)
  • Darkstalkers #1−6 (2004−2005, originally through Devil's Due Publishing)
  • Capcom Summer Special 2004 (2004)
  • Street Fighter II #0−6 (2005–2006)
  • Street Fighter Legends: Sakura #1−4 (2006)
  • Rival Schools #1−4 (2006, issues #3−4 published online only)
  • Street Fighter Remix #0 (2008)
  • Street Fighter II Turbo #1−12 (2008–2010)
  • Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li #1−4 (2009)
  • Street Fighter IV: Limited Edition Comic (2009)
  • Street Fighter IV (2009)
  • Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki #1−4 (2010)
  • Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors #1−3 (2010)
  • Super Street Fighter (2013, 2015)
  • Street Fighter Origins: Akuma (2013)
  • Street Fighter: Free Comic Book Day 2014 Special #0 (2014)
  • Street Fighter V: The Life and Death(s) of Charlie Nash (2015)
  • Street Fighter: Free Comic Book Day 2015 Super Combo Special (2015)
  • Street Fighter Unlimited (2015−2016)
  • Street Fighter Legends: Cammy (2016)
  • Street Fighter V: Free Comic Book Day 2016 Special #1 (2016)
  • Street Fighter Swimsuit Special 2016 (2016)
  • Street Fighter Unlimited Annual #1 (2016)
  • Street Fighter & Friends: Swimsuit Special 2017 (2017)
  • Street Fighter: Shadaloo Special (2017)
  • Street Fighter V: Free Comic Book Day 2017 Wrestling Special #1 (2017)
  • Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers (2017−2018)
  • Ultra Street Fighter II: Free Comic Book Day 2018 Special (2018)
  • Street Fighter Summer Sports Special 2018 (2018)
  • Street Fighter: Menat (2019)
  • Street Fighter: Wrestlepalooza (2019)
  • Street Fighter: Sakura vs. Karin - Free Comic Book Day (2019)
  • Street Fighter: Akuma vs. Hell (2019)
  • Street Fighter: Necro & Effie (2019)
  • Street Fighter: Pin-up Special (2019)
  • Street Fighter #100: Ryu vs. Chun-Li - Free Comic Book Day (2020)
  • Street Fighter Swimsuit Special Collection (2020)
  • Street Fighter: Swimsuit Special 2020 (2020)
  • Street Fighter: Back to School - Free Comic Book Day (2021)[14]
  • Street Fighter 2021 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Special (2021)
  • Street Fighter V 1: Champions Rising (2021)
  • Street Fighter Masters: Blanka - Free Comic Book Day (2022)
  • Street Fighter Masters: Chun-Li (2022)
  • Street Fighter: Swimsuit Special 2022 (2022)
  • Darkstalkers: Morrigan (2022)
  • Street Fighter II #1+0 (2022)
  • 2022 Street Fighter Swimsuit Special (2022)
  • Street Fighter Masters: Chun-Li (2023)
  • Street Fighter Masters: Cammy (2023)
  • Street Fighter Origins: Sagat (2023)
  • Street Fighter Omega (2023)
  • Darkstalkers: Hsien-Ko (2023)
  • Street Fighter Masters: Akuma vs. Ryu (2024)
  • Darkstalkers: Jedah (2024)
  • Street Fighter vs. Final Fight (2024)[citation needed]
  • Final Fight #1−4 (2024)
  • Team Darkstalkers #1−4 (2024)
  • Street Fighter Prime #0 (2025)[15]
  • Street Fighter vs. Rival Schools (2025)

Other comic books

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Imported titles

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Art books

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Anime & character art

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  • Daisuke Moriyama Art Works: Chronicle
  • Duel Art: Kazuki Takahashi Yu-Gi-Oh Illustrations
  • Evangelion Chronicle: Illustrations
  • Gurren Lagann Art Works
  • Haruhi Suzumiya Illustrations: Spring & Summer
  • Haruhi-ism: Noizi Ito Artworks
  • Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Collection CV01 – Hatsune Miku Edition
  • Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Collection CV02 – Kagamine Rin & Len Edition
  • Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Collection CV03 – Megurine Luka Edition
  • Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comic & Art Vol. 1
  • Hatsune Miku Graphics: Vocaloid Comic & Art Vol. 2
  • Mikucolor: KEI's Hatsune Miku Illustration Works
  • Ni0 Art Works: Nishi's Alluring Figures
  • Osamu Tezuka: Anime & Manga Character Sketchbook
  • Osamu Tezuka: Anime Character Illustrations
  • Sonicomi Artbook: Super Sonico Picture Album
  • Read or Die: R.O.D Official Archive
  • Summer Wars: Material Book
  • The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side A
  • The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side B
  • Robotech Visual Archive: The Macross Saga
  • Robotech Visual Archive: The Southern Cross
  • Robotech Visual Archive: Genesis Climber MOSPEADA

Video games

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Notes

^a Out of print.

Work for other companies

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Video games

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Comics

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Misc

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Udon Entertainment

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Udon Entertainment is a and publishing company founded in 2000 by Erik Ko, specializing in the creation and publication of Asian-influenced , graphic novels, , art books, and English translations of Japanese and Korean , with a focus on adaptations and tie-ins to popular franchises. Initially formed as a creative services provider for the entertainment industry, offering high-quality artwork and design for clients including , , , and , the company transitioned into a full-fledged publisher in October 2005 following licensing agreements with . Udon's most notable works include its comic series, launched in September 2003 in partnership with , and the subsequent Darkstalkers series starting in November 2004, both of which expanded into collected editions and art books like UDON's Art of Capcom. The company has since broadened its portfolio to encompass other video game tie-ins, including comics for and art books for , , and , alongside original projects like the Manga Classics line, which adapts classic literature into format, and biographical series such as Manga Biographies: Charles , released in 2024. In 2024, Udon announced new Mega Man comics at San Diego Comic-Con, which launched in 2025 with titles like Mega Man Timelines, underscoring its ongoing commitment to video game-inspired storytelling and collectible art editions.

History

Founding and early years

Udon Entertainment was founded in 2000 by Erik Ko in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, initially operating as a comic book art studio. The company's name draws inspiration from udon, a type of Japanese noodle, reflecting the founder's interest in Asian cultural influences. As an art collective, it assembled a group of elite illustrators to provide creative services to the entertainment sector. In its early years, Udon focused on producing artwork for video games and , handling small-scale freelance projects for clients in and gaming industries. The studio grew through contributions to high-profile titles, including character designs and promotional for Capcom's Fighting Evolution series, a 2004 crossover that featured characters from , , and other franchises. These efforts helped establish Udon's reputation for high-quality, dynamic illustrations in the gaming sector, with artists working on and ending screens. A pivotal milestone came in 2004 when Udon secured its first major licensing agreement with for Street Fighter-related artwork, including contributions to and related promotional materials. This deal, while resource-intensive and leading to a production hiatus the following year to recover, significantly boosted the studio's visibility and led to expanded opportunities in licensed creative work. By 2005, these experiences prompted a reorganization into a full-fledged operation.

Expansion into publishing

In October 2005, Udon Entertainment reorganized its operations to transition from an art studio into a full-fledged publisher, a shift necessitated by the resource-intensive licensing deal with for artwork on and the subsequent need for dedicated publishing infrastructure to handle production. This reorganization enabled Udon to self-publish titles independently, moving beyond providing illustrations for external publishers and allowing greater control over their licensed content. The launch of Udon's first original comic series followed soon after, with Legends: Sakura debuting in 2006 as an ongoing serialization that exemplified their entry into sustained narrative publishing under the license. Growth milestones included the hiring of key staff such as , who joined as project manager in the late 2000s and advanced to Director of Publishing, bolstering the team's capacity for editorial and production demands. By 2010, the company had expanded its office to accommodate increasing operations, aligning with a 10th anniversary event that highlighted their evolving business model. Early challenges involved balancing the core art services business with burgeoning publishing responsibilities, as Udon continued freelance illustration work while scaling output, which strained workflows during the mid-2000s. Distribution initially relied on to reach North American comic shops and retailers, a that supported steady releases until 2025, when Diamond's financial issues led Udon to halt shipments and pivot to alternatives like Lunar Distribution and . By 2012, had garnered international recognition through the ShiftyLook webcomic initiative in collaboration with , where they developed and illustrated series such as Wonder Momo, expanding their portfolio into digital formats and revitalizing classic game IPs for a global audience. The ShiftyLook project concluded in 2014.

Company overview

Leadership and key personnel

Udon Entertainment's leadership is anchored by founder and chief of operations Erik Ko, who established the company in 2000 as a collective focused on creative services for the entertainment industry. Ko personally secured the initial licensing agreement with in the mid-2000s, enabling Udon's entry into video game adaptations and art books, and he continues to oversee licensing strategies and major partnerships. Under his direction, the company has expanded from freelance illustration and design work to a prominent publisher of and graphic novels. Matt Moylan serves as Director of Publishing, having joined Udon in 2002 after beginning his career in the comics industry that year. Moylan manages the production pipelines for comic series, art books, and titles, coordinating editorial, design, and printing processes to ensure timely releases. His role emphasizes maintaining high production standards for licensed and original content. Jim Zubkavich, known professionally as Jim Zub, acts as Project Manager and handles editorial responsibilities for Capcom-licensed titles, including oversight of story development and artist coordination. Zub joined Udon in 2003 and was instrumental in planning the revival of the comic series in 2011, which marked a significant expansion of the company's comic publishing efforts. Christopher Butcher, who served as Director of Marketing from around 2010 to 2015, brought expertise in convention programming and fan engagement, emceeing panels and promoting Udon's titles at major events like to build community ties. Udon operates with a small team of approximately 11 to 50 staff members, fostering a collaborative environment where artists and creators drive decision-making on projects. This structure, guided by Ko's vision, prioritizes creative input from core personnel while supporting freelance contributors for specialized tasks.

Operations and distribution

Udon Entertainment is headquartered in , (in the ), and operates as an art collective that combines in-house artistic production with contributions from freelance writers and artists to develop its publications. This hybrid model allows flexibility in talent acquisition and project scaling, while select titles are produced via print-on-demand services to meet niche demand without large upfront print runs. The company's distribution strategy has evolved significantly over its history. From 2005 to 2025, Udon relied primarily on for its comic book releases, ensuring availability in specialty stores. In early 2025, Udon announced a with Lunar Distribution to handle comic shipments starting with May 2025 titles, such as Prime #1, while initially retaining for select earlier releases; by late May, all shipments to ceased, redirecting pre-orders to Lunar. Concurrently, for the broader book trade market, Udon secured a worldwide distribution agreement with effective April 1, 2025, encompassing frontlist and backlist titles across graphic novels, art books, and manga where licensing permits—this deal ended its prior distribution arrangement with . Udon's production pipeline adheres to the comic industry's standard cycle, with monthly previews released roughly four to six months in advance; for instance, its January 2025 solicits featured titles like Street Fighter Prime #0 and Little Volume 1, enabling retailers to place orders for upcoming issues. To fund premium formats, Udon employs through platforms such as , as seen in the October 2025 campaign for the deluxe hardcover edition of Adventures Volume 1, which collected early comic issues with new content and exclusive perks. These processes are overseen by company leadership to align creative output with market demands. Sales occur through multiple channels to maximize accessibility. Udon maintains a direct retail presence via an online shop at store.udonentertainment.com, offering comics, art books, merchandise, and exclusives with global shipping. The company also engages directly with fans at major conventions, including —where it unveiled 2025 exclusives like pins and tees—and , using these events for product launches, signings, and announcements to build community and drive immediate sales.

Publishing

Original comic books

Udon Entertainment began producing original comic books in the mid-2000s, focusing on self-initiated stories that showcased the studio's blend of Western sequential art techniques and anime-inspired aesthetics. One of the earliest examples was , a 2005 miniseries created by artist , which followed a robot's adventurous quest across a fantastical world filled with high-stakes action and quirky characters. Published initially through in collaboration with Udon, the two-issue series established Udon's capability for crafting narrative-driven comics independent of major tie-ins, emphasizing dynamic panel layouts and vibrant character designs typical of the studio's house style. Udon's original comics often featured concise run lengths of 4–6 issues or equivalent graphic novel volumes, allowing for tight, self-contained arcs that balanced plot progression with artistic experimentation. The studio's creative process typically involved in-house teams collaborating on scripts and artwork, fostering a signature style that merged fluid action sequences reminiscent of manga with the panel pacing of American superhero comics. For instance, while Udon's originals like Cannon Busters explored sci-fi adventures without external IP constraints, they served as precursors to the studio's later licensed adaptations, demonstrating versatility in world-building and character development. Representative examples underscore Udon's commitment to innovative narratives, such as the humorous yet perilous escapades in RandomVeus (2011–2023), an ongoing graphic novel series by Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz featuring eccentric couriers navigating interdimensional chaos with octopus ninjas and robot primates. These works highlight Udon's role in nurturing creator-driven projects that prioritize conceptual depth and visual spectacle.

Art books

Udon Entertainment produces original art books that serve as showcases for the creative output of its in-house artists and collaborators, emphasizing the studio's expertise in , character design, and . These volumes typically feature high-quality printing on premium paper stock to enhance collectibility, with content centered on visual portfolios rather than elements. Formats often include editions spanning 200-300 pages, filled with full-color illustrations, sketches, and occasional artist interviews that provide insight into creative processes. A prominent example of an internal artist showcase is Midori Foo's Book of Pictures, published in 2013, which collects over 300 pages of the artist's original illustrations depicting elegant characters, lush environments, and detailed designs drawn from her personal portfolio. This softcover edition highlights Foo's style, influenced by her work at , and underscores the studio's commitment to promoting individual talents through dedicated collections. Another key release is Legendary Visions: The Art of Genzoman from , a 208-page full-color volume featuring the paintings of Gonzalo Ordóñez Arias (known as GENZOMAN), a frequent contributor. The book reimagines mythological figures, monsters, and epic scenes in a dynamic, modern aesthetic, with high-fidelity reproductions that capture the artist's digital and traditional techniques for collector appeal. Omar Dogan's Girl Seven, released in 2012, exemplifies Udon's focus on themed pin-up in a 128-page softcover format, presenting seven original female characters designed by the artist across motifs like , , and goth , complete with sketches and design notes. These collectively demonstrate Udon's role in curating accessible, high-production-value portfolios that tie directly to the studio's direction expertise. In collaborative efforts, Udon announced Shovel Knight: Ultimate Design Works in October 2025 for a May 2026 release, a edition expanding on the original with nearly 100 new pages of , character designs, sprite sheets, and developer interviews, incorporating Udon's contributions to the franchise's visual style. Priced at $59.99 and produced with enhanced printing for durability and vibrancy, this 300+ page volume targets collectors interested in the evolution of artistry. A more recent collaborative art book is Marvel vs. Capcom: Ultimate Complete Works (November 2025), a hardcover collecting over 140 new pages of artwork from the iconic series, including character designs, , and visual development materials.

Imported titles

Udon Entertainment began importing and localizing foreign and titles for English-language audiences in the mid-2000s, with their first major releases appearing around 2007. These efforts primarily focused on Asian titles, particularly Korean and select Japanese , involving a detailed localization process that includes from the original language, for English , and cultural adaptations to ensure for Western readers while preserving the source material's intent. The company collaborates with freelance translators and editors experienced in , such as Caleb D. Cook, to handle these adaptations, emphasizing high-quality production that meets industry standards for visual and narrative fidelity. One of the earliest and most notable imported series was Dorothy of Oz, a Korean adaptation of L. Frank Baum's created by Son Hee-joon. Released by Udon in four volumes between 2007 and 2008, the series follows protagonist Mara Shin as she enters a science-fantasy version of Oz in search of her lost dog Toto, blending familiar elements with manhwa-style action and drama. This title exemplified Udon's initial foray into importing , showcasing their ability to adapt non-Japanese works for broader appeal. Another key early import was the Hatsune Miku Graphics series, a hybrid of Vocaloid-themed stories and artwork collections originating from . Published in two volumes in 2013 and 2014, it featured tribute illustrations, comic strips, and full-color art of the virtual idol and her associates, drawing from fan-created content licensed for English release. In recent years, Udon has expanded its imported catalog with announcements of new Japanese manga licenses, highlighted at events like Anime Expo 2023. During the Manga Publishing Roundtable panel at the convention, the company revealed three upcoming series set for 2024 release: Ottoman: Henshin Hero Husband by Kohei Koikanazawa (licensed from Shueisha), My Stepmom's Daughter Is My Ex by Yaki Abakuchi (from Kadokawa), and More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers by Yūki Kanamaru (also from Kadokawa), alongside a Mofusand picture book. These titles reflect Udon's growing emphasis on romance and slice-of-life genres in their imports, broadening their portfolio beyond action-oriented manhwa. Prior to 2025, distribution of these imported titles was managed through book trade channels via Diamond Book Distributors, but effective April 1, 2025, Udon transitioned to worldwide book market distribution under Simon & Schuster for both frontlist and backlist releases, enhancing accessibility in retail and library markets.

Licensed properties

Capcom universe

Udon Entertainment's work within the universe primarily revolves around adapting and expanding the lore of 's fighting game franchises through series and art collections, creating a shared continuity that interconnects characters across titles like , , and others. This body of work has allowed Udon to explore narrative arcs that bridge events, emphasizing character backstories, rivalries, and global tournaments while maintaining fidelity to 's original designs and themes. The Street Fighter comic series represents Udon's flagship project, launching in 2003 in partnership with (issues #1-14, 2003-2005), followed by Udon's independent #0 in 2005 and dedicated miniseries such as , , and the Legends imprint featuring individual character spotlights like Sakura and . Since 2012, Udon has maintained an ongoing monthly series, including extended runs like and Unlimited, which have explored expansive storylines such as the World Warriors arc, where protagonist Ryu travels globally to challenge top fighters and uncover deeper threats to the world. These comics have integrated elements from 's broader ecosystem, portraying crossovers with other properties to depict a unified fighting universe. Udon's Darkstalkers adaptations began with a six-issue published from 2004 to 2005 that delved into the supernatural battles between demonic entities and human heroes in a gothic horror setting. This was later revived in the 2010 three-issue Night Warriors , focusing on key characters like Morrigan and Demitri as they vie for control of the night. In 2025, announced a crossover event titled x : Rogues #1, written by , which merges the monstrous roster with Street Fighter's martial artists in a rogue's gallery of antiheroes and villains. Beyond these core series, Udon has produced limited-run comics for other properties, including the 2006 Rival Schools miniseries, a four-issue story centered on schoolyard rivalries escalating into street brawls among teen fighters from competing academies. Similarly, the license was acquired in 2009, leading to an initial integration of characters into crossovers, with a dedicated four-issue miniseries launching in 2024 that follows Metro City's heroes—Cody, Guy, and Mike Haggar—as they dismantle the Mad Gear Gang following a high-profile . Most recently, at in July 2024, Udon secured the master license for , debuting with issue #0 on in May 2025, alongside the launch of Mega Man Timelines #1 and the ongoing Mega Man Adventures series, which reimagine the Blue Bomber's battles against Dr. Wily through episodic adventures and timeline-spanning tales; the series has continued with subsequent issues through 2025. Complementing these comics, Udon has published several art books showcasing visuals and character designs from interconnected franchises, including the three-volume Udon's Art of series (2007–2012) and a 2014 complete edition compiling over 600 pages of illustrations by more than 80 artists, featuring reinterpretations of fighters from , , Rival Schools, and beyond. These volumes highlight developmental artwork, pinups, and promotional pieces, contributing significantly to Udon's portfolio by bridging comic narratives with visual homages to 's legacy.

Other video game licenses

In addition to its flagship collaborations, Udon Entertainment has expanded into other intellectual properties, focusing on diverse formats such as adaptations, art books, and collected webcomics to deepen fan engagement with game lore. A notable acquisition in the franchise outside Capcom's direct oversight includes the English licensing of the series Mr. Mega Man and Little Mega Man, created by Yūshi Kawata and Yukito, announced in July 2024 at . These titles offer humorous, slice-of-life takes on the character's early adventures, with Little Mega Man reimagining his origins through chibi-style antics and classic robot encounters, while Mr. Mega Man explores adult-themed parodies of the series' battles. Udon's editions emphasize lore expansion by including creator notes and cultural context for Western audiences, marking the company's entry into Mega Man-adjacent publishing. Complementing this, Udon released Mega Man X DiVE: Official Complete Works in October 2025, a 256-page hardcover art book compiling character designs, concept art, key visuals, and developer interviews from the mobile game Mega Man X DiVE. The volume highlights the game's crossover elements with the broader X series, featuring rough sketches and commentary that illuminate unused ideas and narrative ties to the franchise's sci-fi themes. This publication underscores Udon's role in preserving digital-era game assets through high-quality print formats. Earlier partnerships with Bandai Namco through the ShiftyLook initiative (2012–2014) saw Udon produce webcomics for retro IPs, later collected into print volumes for ongoing lore development. Examples include Bravoman: Super-Unequaled Hero of Excellence, a one-shot series blending humor and action from the 1988 , and strips that expanded the quirky world-building of the rolling-object simulator. These digital-to-print transitions, such as the 2014 Katamari Volume 1 collection, focused on episodic stories that filled gaps in original game narratives. Udon also handled Hatsune Miku-related graphics through art books like Hatsune Miku Graphics: Character Collection (2013–2014), featuring over 150 illustrations tied to the software's appearances, including Project DIVA, with themes ranging from to pin-ups. These works prioritize visual to extend the virtual singer's multimedia universe. In 2025, Udon acquired rights to : Official Art Book Volume III in June, slated for an English release in Fall 2025 (later adjusted to January 2026), covering the of the Erdtree DLC with illustrations of new realms, bosses, and environmental concepts. This 368-page edition includes developer insights into the world's expansion, emphasizing intricate lore through boss designs and landscape sketches. Similarly, in October 2025, Udon announced : Ultimate Design Works, an updated art book for the 2014 indie , adding nearly 100 pages of new content like sprite evolutions and creator commentary to the original 2017 volume. Set for May 2026 release, it celebrates the game's decade-long legacy with sections on character arcs and level prototyping, enhancing understanding of its retro-inspired mechanics. Across these licenses, Udon's output blends comics, art books, and one-shots to explore untapped narrative depths, from parodic to expansive visual archives, fostering deeper immersion in non-Capcom worlds.

Anime and licenses

Udon Entertainment has licensed a range of art books centered on iconic properties, with a particular emphasis on . The company released the English editions of the multi-volume Evangelion Chronicle series in 2013, compiling detailed character designs, illustrations, and production artwork from the original television series and films. These volumes, including titles like Evangelion Chronicle: Illustrations and The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side A and Side B, highlight the series' psychological themes through high-quality visual breakdowns, appealing to fans interested in the 's aesthetic depth. Udon's Evangelion publications prioritize fan-service elements, such as alternate character poses and concept sketches, establishing the company's reputation for importing premium art collections during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Beyond Evangelion, Udon has expanded its anime art book lineup to include other prominent series, focusing on character-driven visuals and behind-the-scenes content. Notable examples from the 2010s include art books for , , and , which feature vibrant character designs, key animation frames, and promotional illustrations that capture the high-energy style of these . The Sonicomi Artbook: Picture Album, released in 2013, collects anime-style imagery from the adaptation, emphasizing pin-ups, crossover costumes, and merchandise art with a focus on the character's glamorous, fan-oriented portrayal. These imports underscore Udon's commitment to curating accessible, visually rich editions that highlight aesthetics without delving into narrative adaptations. In the realm of manga licenses, Udon has increasingly targeted series with strong anime ties, announcing several acquisitions in recent years to broaden its portfolio. At 2023, the company revealed three new series—My Stepmom's Daughter Is My Ex, More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, and Ottoman: Henshin Hero Husband—alongside the picture book Mofusand Zundamune's Noodles, all slated for 2024 release. These titles emphasize romantic comedies and action narratives with -inspired artwork, including character-focused volumes that align with Udon's visual media strengths. Earlier licenses, such as the 2015 edition of and the 2009 release of , further illustrate Udon's selective approach to importing that feature elaborate character designs and episodic storytelling rooted in traditions. Ongoing tie-ins, like Spy x Family apparel featuring key character illustrations, extend this focus to merchandise that complements the anime's visual appeal.

Work for other companies

Video game contributions

Udon Entertainment began its video game contributions in the early 2000s through collaborations with , focusing on visual assets rather than full game development. In 2004, Udon provided key artwork for (known as Capcom Fighting Jam in ), including character endings presented in comic-panel sequences, promotional advertising illustrations, and the game's box art. These contributions were handled as a demanding freelance project by Udon's artists, such as Arnold Tsang and Omar Dogan, who created high-detail illustrations to enhance the crossover fighting game's visual appeal. Building on this partnership, Udon continued providing artwork for Capcom's series, particularly in high-definition remakes where they redesigned core visual elements. For Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (2008), Udon artists completely redrew character sprites, backgrounds, intros, endings, and character select screens to support the game's updated high-resolution format, ensuring compatibility with modern displays while preserving the classic aesthetic. This work extended to Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (2017), where Udon again handled redrawn sprites and graphical updates, contributing to the game's dual pixel and HD art modes. These efforts involved iterative freelance processes, with Udon's team delivering assets credited in game manuals, ending sequences, and promotional materials, without participating in core programming or gameplay design. Although explored opportunities with other publishers, such as 's ShiftyLook initiative (2012–2014), their verifiable game-related work remained centered on . ShiftyLook primarily involved webcomics and multimedia concepts for reviving franchises, but no direct evidence confirms 's provision of in-game or sprites for resulting titles. These projects established as a reliable partner for high-profile visuals, fostering a long-term relationship with that paved the way for expanded licensing agreements in publishing. The demanding nature of the work, while nearly overwhelming the small studio, ultimately bolstered their reputation for detailed, game-integrated illustrations.

Comic collaborations

Udon Entertainment collaborated with Bandai Games on the ShiftyLook project from 2012 to 2014, a initiative to revive dormant Namco franchises through webcomics. ShiftyLook produced over a dozen digital-first titles, including , Wonder Momo, , , and Sky Kid, reimagining classic game characters in ongoing narrative series updated twice weekly. Udon contributed to the creation and subsequently published limited-run print editions of select series, releasing hardcover volumes that collected the first 100 strips for , , and Wonder Momo. Following ShiftyLook's closure in March 2014 due to shifting company priorities, continued supporting the project by pursuing additional print collections and potential continuations for popular titles, emphasizing the webcomics' potential for broader . These collaborations focused on short-run physical releases tied to the original , distinct from Udon's full ownership of licensed properties. Udon artists have also provided guest contributions to comic series from other publishers, including work for , DC Comics, and . For instance, Udon co-founder illustrated stories for Marvel and DC titles, while artist Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz contributed to IDW Publishing's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Boom! Studios' series in the 2010s. These individual artist collaborations highlight Udon's role in cross-publisher projects without Udon handling full production or licensing.

Miscellaneous projects

Udon Entertainment engages in various ancillary activities beyond its core efforts, including the production and sale of licensed merchandise. Through its official online store at store.udonentertainment.com, the company offers apparel such as Street Fighter-themed t-shirts, enamel pins featuring characters from and other franchises, and collectibles like limited-edition metal trading cards. The company maintains a prominent presence at major conventions to promote its properties and announce developments. At 2024, Udon hosted a booth with exclusive merchandise, including Hitoshi Ariga-illustrated robot master metal cards, and revealed its acquisition of the master comic license during a panel. Similarly, at 2023, Udon participated in the Manga Publishing Roundtable panel to announce new licenses, such as My Stepmom's Daughter Is My Ex and More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, while showcasing related apparel and promotional materials. For on May 3, 2025, Udon distributed #0, a promotional one-shot issue at participating comic shops to preview its upcoming series and boost fan interest. Udon also leverages platforms and digital channels to expand its reach. In October 2025, the company announced a campaign for the deluxe hardcover edition of Adventures Vol. 1, scheduled to launch on November 18, 2025, featuring exclusive foil covers, trading cards, and signed copies, which collects classic stories alongside new content. Additionally, Udon uses its blog on store.udonentertainment.com to share monthly solicits, such as the December 2025 lineup highlighting X : Rogues #1, providing previews and updates to engage online communities. These initiatives foster strong fan engagement, with convention appearances and efforts directly contributing to merchandise sales and heightened anticipation for licensed properties, thereby supporting Udon's overall brand without overlapping into primary publishing operations.

References

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