The beloved light novel magazine Dragon Magazine will end its 37-year run with the release of its May 2025 issue (set to hit shelves in March). Renowned for serializing hit works like Full Metal Panic!, Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, and Slayers, the magazine announced its closure amidst significant changes in the publishing landscape.

Author and Fan Tributes

Fans shared their memories on social media, with one commenting, "I have so many fond memories of Dragon Magazine. It was the literary magazine that introduced me to light novels and inspired me to start writing during my middle school years."

Authors who contributed to the magazine also expressed their sentiments:

Rui Araizumi (Slayers illustrator):"From the pre-launch issue to now, I’ve had such a long relationship with this magazine that it feels like we’ve journeyed through life together. Even though it’s announced as the final issue, it doesn’t quite feel real. Life continues, and so does our story."

Shoji Gatoh (Full Metal Panic! author):"Dragon Magazine's closure has been announced. As an entry-level literary magazine, it was full of accessible short story series, each with illustrations for every spread—a crazy feat to achieve monthly. I was fortunate to have my works serialized there for many years. Although the magazine has lost some of its energy compared to its vibrant past, fans can rest assured that Fantasia Bunko isn’t going anywhere. Moving forward, I believe they'll explore ways to recreate the 'Dragon Magazine spirit' online."

Ryo Mizuno (Record of Lodoss War author):"I’d heard about the decision, but seeing it officially announced still fills me with sadness. I’ve been involved with the magazine since its first issue, writing TRPG-related articles. One cherished memory is having Yoshitaka Amano illustrate those articles."

Tsukasa Kotobuki (Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN character designer):"As someone who has followed Dragon Magazine since its pre-launch issue and later had the opportunity to work on serialized projects, I owe much of who I am today to this magazine. I feel a deep sense of loss but also gratitude. Thank you for everything."

Transition to a New Era

KADOKAWA announced plans to launch Mekurimekuru, a new platform for light novel and entertainment fiction fans, incorporating their current recommendation service, Kimirano. The editorial team commented:

"Dragon Magazine has played an invaluable role for light novel fans over the years. As we transition to this new era, we aim to deliver an even better media experience. Please look forward to what’s coming next."

Legacy of Dragon Magazine

Since its launch in 1988, Dragon Magazine has featured numerous legendary light novels, including Date A Live, High School DxD, and more recent hits like Spy Classroom and Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World. Its contribution to light novel culture will continue to resonate as fans and creators alike cherish its lasting impact.

Source : ORICON NEWS