‘Captain Underpants’ Goes Super Saiyan With ‘The First Epic Manga’

Captain Underpants is a global bestseller, a cartoon, and even a movie. And now, Dav Pilkey’s signature creation will become a manga with Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga, written and adapted by Pilkey with art by Motojiro, from Scholastic.

“It is a huge honor to see Motojiro’s rendering of the Captain Underpants illustrations into manga,” said Pilkey via press release. “His vibrant art inspired me to dig deeper, write new dialogue, and flesh out the story even further. Fans of the series will be thrilled about the new look and new content, and fans of manga will be impressed with Motojiro’s dynamic style. I am grateful to Motojiro for his help in taking Captain Underpants to a whole new level and exciting format that I hope will create a new generation of readers.”

Added Motojiro, “When I was chosen to draw Captain Underpants, words couldn’t express how thrilled I was. I had the chance to meet Dav Pilkey in Japan and read his amazing reimagined text. It was a wonderful experience to hear about his deep love and care for the series. I hope even more kids and families will enjoy the Captain Underpants manga that I had so much fun drawing. I am truly thankful for this wonderful opportunity.”

If you’ve never experienced Captain Underpants before, the First Epic Manga focuses on best friends George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who manage to turn their school principal into the superpowered hero of the title. The new book will reimagine the first non-manga graphic novel, be presented in traditional English language order (left to right, versus manga’s usual right to left), and per PR, “include new and fun Flip-o-Ramas.”

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga will hit stores in U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on April 7, 2026. You can check out the cover and a trailer, below.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga

Publication Date: April 7, 2026 | Scholastic/Graphix; Ages 7 and up

Written and adapted by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Motojiro

Paperback ISBN 978-1-5461-5121-0; $14.99

Jacketed Hardcover ISBN 979-8-225-01671-5; $24.99

Ebook ISBN 978-1-5461-5123-4; $14.99

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