Akira Kitamura Launches Patreon Series: Mega Man History Essays and More

Mega Man creator Akira Kitamura has launched his official Patreon, "Kitamura's Blueprints", where he’ll be sharing new articles twice a month in both English and Japanese. These entries will delve into the complete story behind the creation of Mega Man, as well as his personal philosophy on game design.

The first post—available for free—is part of the “Creating Mega Man” essay series. In Chapter 1, Kitamura reveals how a chance encounter with a certain individual helped shape the foundation of Mega Man 1's gameplay. Each post will feature brand-new artwork illustrated by Kitamura himself, starting with a fitting inaugural piece of Mega Man shaking hands with Astro Boy. Another free entry, part of his game theory essays, explores the tension between creative ambition and industry realities, how original ideas arise through experience and persistence—an issue that remains highly relevant in today’s industry.

Both essay series are definitely worth checking out. If you can, consider supporting the project—Kitamura’s been working hard behind the scenes to bring this to life for fans and anyone curious about game design.

Rockman and Cerezo Osaka Collaboration Goods Revealed

Capcom has announced a new collaboration between the Rockman series and J.League football club Cerezo Osaka, introducing a limited lineup of exclusive merchandise. The collection features Rockman in Cerezo’s signature pink color scheme and a takoyaki-themed Mettaur—an homage to Osaka’s local culture.

Items include badges, keychains, a hat, acrylic standees, and other themed goods featuring Rockman, Mettaur, and Cerezo Osaka’s wolf mascot, Lobby. 

The collaboration is available for a limited time both in-store and online, with pre-orders open from today through June 19th. Although shipping is limited to Japan, you can still browse the full lineup here.

Source: Cerezo Osaka 

Unreleased, Unknown Rockman Figure Surfaces on Mercari

I don’t usually spotlight auctions on the ol’ blog, but this one’s too wild to ignore. A previously unseen, one-of-a-kind Rockman figure has surfaced on Mercari’s seller market—seemingly never released commercially, or perhaps intended for a future launch. The manufacturer is unknown, but the figure appears legitimate, featuring Rockman in his classic Rockman 1 title screen pose and bearing a Capcom copyright stamp on the bottom of the foot...

Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 Switch 2 Compatibility Issues Have Been Resolved

After an extensive test session, our buddy ShadowRockZX has confirmed that—despite earlier warnings about potential in-game compatibility issues—Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 runs just fine on Nintendo Switch 2. In fact, a note on the game’s eShop page confirms the issues have been addressed (pictured above). According to Nintendo, “Game behavior is consistent with Nintendo Switch” and “Previously identified issues have been resolved.”

In related news, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection benefits slightly from Switch 2 hardware, featuring faster load times and smoother animation in the main menu background.

Whether you’ve played these games on the original Switch or were holding out for the Switch 2, you can rest easy knowing everything runs smoothly!

Source: ShadowRockZX

Street Fighter 6 Adds Playable Mega Man 3

Capcom released a major patch for Street Fighter 6 today, featuring significant balance changes and support for the final DLC character of the Year 2 Character Pass: Elena, returning from Street Fighter III.

But this update came with a surprise — the inclusion of four NES games: Bionic Commando, Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight, Mighty Final Fight, and Mega Man 3. These classics can now be played from the Game Center in the Gallery menu.

As you may remember, this isn’t the first time Street Fighter 6 has included a fully playable Mega Man game. Mega Man: The Power Battle was added in 2024 through the 'Mega Man Gala Pass.'

Source: Push Square

"Another Sun" From Rockman DASH Joins DAM Karaoke

More news for DASH series fans this week —“Another Sun,” the theme song from the original Rockman DASH, is is now available on DAM karaoke systems in Japan.

The track was selected through DAM’s Game Music Request campaign, where users vote for the game songs they want to sing. Thanks to strong fan support, “Another Sun” made the cut. It’s listed under song number 1100-85 and will be available for a limited time.

For those unfamiliar, DAM (Daiichikosho Amusement Multimedia) is one of Japan’s top karaoke systems. It features a huge catalog of songs, including plenty of anime and game music, and is a staple in karaoke venues across the country. Every now and then, they let fans vote on what gets added, and this time, DASH fans showed up.

While you might not be able to hop on a DAM machine outside of Japan, it’s still a nice little win fans—especially considering how rare new representation for the series is these days.

Source: dam_anison

Capcom Unveils Surprise Lineup of New Kobun Merchandise

For more than a decade, Kobuns—better known as Servbots in the West—have been largely missing from Capcom Japan's licensed merchandise offerings. Now, in a surprise move, Capcom has unveiled a new line of Kobun goods under the Tron ni Kobun (The Misadventures of Tron Bonne) label, coming soon to Capcom Store locations across Japan.

Mega Man Timelines #1 Sample Pages

Mega Man Timelines #1 has a new release date: June 25th. To hold you over until then, Udon Entertainment has shared four preview pages from the debut issue. You’ll find pages 1 and 2 above, with pages 3 and 4 waiting for you after the break below!

Mega Man Timelines #1 Delayed to June 25th (Updated)

UPDATE: Udon has confirmed in a press release that Mega Man Timelines #1 will be released on June 25th. Matt Moylan also informed me that the remaining Timelines books — X, Zero, ZX, and Legends — will likely be pushed back by about a month from their original release dates. 

Original Post: The first issue of Udon Entertainment's Mega Man Timelines was originally scheduled for release on May 28th. However, it was hit with a last-minute delay.

Udon's Matt Moylan confirmed the news to me directly, explaining that the delay is due to the company’s transition from Diamond Comics to Lunar Distribution. While a new release date has not been officially announced, some databases—such as League of Comics—list a tentative date of July 9th. 

That said, according to my local comic shop, pre-orders for Mega Man Timelines are still being accepted. So if you're hoping to snag a copy—especially one of the many variant covers—for your pull list or hold box, there's still time.

Matt said more information will be available soon, so stay tuned for further updates.

Mega Man Timelines #1 Cover Variants by Sukesha Ray

Mega Man Timelines #1 hits comic shops this week, and collectors have two more variant covers to watch for. Sukesha Ray has partnered with Capcom and Udon Entertainment to produce two exclusive covers available only through Afshari Comics. These "virgin covers"—featuring Mega Man and Proto Man, respectively—come without logos and include minimal text for a clean, striking presentation.

Both covers are being sold as a bundle for $45, limited to just 500 sets. Pre-orders are open now, with the official release slated for May 28th.

You can check out the previously confirmed Mega Man Timelines #1 variants here!

Kotobukiya MegaMan.EXE Reissue Announced for Winter 2025/2026

Kotobukiya is bringing back the MegaMan.EXE model kit this December in Japan, with a U.S. reissue scheduled for January 2026, the manufacturer announced. After being off shelves at major retailers for the past few years, this re-release comes as welcome news for fans who missed out the first time. The kit was a hit during its original run, and demand has remained strong ever since.

As expected with reissues, the kit will be identical to the original version. It features four interchangeable face parts, the Mega Buster, Cannon, Sword, three alternate hand poses, and three different effect parts—ideal for recreating dynamic Net Battles.

Pre-orders are available now from Kotobukiya US, Big Bad Toystore, HobbyLink Japan,

Udon Store Exclusive Mega Man #0 and Hitoshi Ariga "Bad Box Art" Mega Man Metal Card

Missed out on Mega Man #0 earlier this month? Udon’s got you covered with a store-exclusive variant featuring all four Mega Men, illustrated by Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz. And for "Mega May," they're running a special promotion: spend $80 on Mega Man goods and receive an exclusive Bad Box Art Mega Man Metal Collectible Card—drawn by none other than Megamix creator Hitoshi Ariga. As far as I know, this is the first time Ariga has drawn the big guy, so it’s a pretty unique addition for anyone who's a fan of his work.

Udon’s Mega May promotion runs through May 30. Check out everything available here!

Mega Man ZX Timelines #1 Covers and Solicitation

Courtesy of Lunar Distribution, here are three cover variants and solicitation for Mega Man ZX Timelines issue #1:

Centuries in the future, a battle is fought over control of the Biometals – living artifacts that contain powerful weapon data! One person stands in the way of the destructive Pseudoroids and their hidden master using this power for evil – Vent, a Mega Man with the combined powers of Biometal Z and Biometal X!

This issue is written by Matt Moylan, with covers by Dax Gordine (A), Hanzo Steinbach (B) and Andrew Dickman (C). Mega Man ZX Timelines is due to hit comic shops in August. 

Source: Lunar Distribution

Mega Man X is the Theme of Super MAGFest 2026

Super MAGFest, the annual Maryland-based convention celebrating video game music and culture, has announced that its 2026 event will be themed around Mega Man X. The theme will set the tone for the entire show, shaping everything from cosplay and merchandise to the lineup of musical guests and featured artists.

The announcement trailer above offers a first look at the Mega Man X-inspired “lore,” which will continue to unfold over the coming weeks and months. The trailer’s music was composed by our friend RRThiel, whose deep appreciation for Mega Man shines through every note.

MAGFest has long been a gathering spot for Mega Man fans to attend panels, cosplay, and connect with one another—so if you’ve never been, this might be the one to catch. Super MAGFest 2026 will run from January 8th to 11th. More details are available from the event's official website.

Threezero MDLX Zero Figure Revealed

First teased back in September, Threezero has revealed the prototype for the next entry in their MDLX Mega Man line: Zero. This figure is based on Zero's "Type 2" form, which first appeared in Mega Man X2.

There’s no word yet on a release window, price, or what accessories will be included. The figure will be on display at the Shizuoka Hobby Show from May 14 to May 17. More information may be revealed during the event.

Source: Threezero JP

Mega Man Series Sales Top 43 Million

Capcom announced today through its financial results that the Mega Man series has sold a total of 43 million units as of March 31, 2025. The previously reported number, back in July 2024, was 42 million.

Despite the fact that the last game released was Mega Man XDIVE Offline in August 2023 for PC and mobile devices, the franchise continues to grow thanks to the most recent collection, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, and the ongoing sales of Mega Man 11 and other Legacy Collections.

On the horizon, while we wait for a new game to be announced, we can look forward to UDON's Mega Man Timelines comic book series.

Officially Licensed Mega Man X Jersey From Geek Jerseys

Just in time for Mega Man X Timelines #1, Geek Jerseys is releasing a limited run of officially licensed Mega Man X hockey jerseys. Only 150 will be made, each individually numbered. The design is inspired by X himself, featured prominently in a hockey-style “Maverick Hunters” logo. The number 93 on the back commemorates the original release year of Mega Man X, with embroidered Maverick Hunters and Sigma emblems on the shoulders.

As a limited edition item, it doesn’t come cheap—we're looking at $140 USD. But if you've got the Zenny to spare, go wild. More images and details are available at Geek Jerseys.

Harumi Fujita, Akira Kitamura Reunite for "Rockmama" Album

Mega Man creator Akira Kitamura and Mega Man 3 composer Harumi Fujita have reunited for the first time since their Capcom days for Fujita’s debut solo album, Rockmama. Set to release this July, the album features 14 brand-new tracks inspired by some of Fujita’s favorite games, including Zelda, Mario Kart, Splatoon, Undertale, and of course, Mega Man. Kitamura provided the album’s cover art, drawing inspiration from Fujita’s viral TikTok video where she composed a "new" Mega Man-style track for her son.

The opening track, “Blue Pulse,” is a clear homage to Mega Man—so faithful to the original sound, it could easily pass as an unreleased stage theme. Give it a listen here!

Rockmama is due out in July, with pre-orders available now from Black Screen Records. 

Mega Man Secret Level Dr. Light's Lab Concept Art by Luis Mejia

The steady drip of concept art from the Secret Level episode Mega Man: Start continues with a behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Light's lab. Luis Meija, the senior concept artist at Illusorium Studios, has shared new artwork showcasing the central location of the short. The images reveal intricate details, unseen areas, such as the return of Dr. Light's microwave from Mega Man 11.

Mega Man Timelines #1 John Giang Cover Variant Revealed

If you're aiming to collect every variant of Mega Man: Timelines #1, here's another one to track down. Artist John Giang—known for his work on Marvel, DC, and Transformers titles—has created an exclusive cover variant available only at Tardy Comics, a toy and comic book shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A Michigan native, Giang will also appear in-store at Tardy Comics on June 28th to promote the comic and sign copies.

With limited availability and an artist appearance to boot, this variant might be worth the trip if you're nearby!

Source: Tardy Comics

Mega Man #0 Free Comic Book Day Reminder

Just a friendly reminder—Free Comic Book Day is happening Saturday, May 3rd at participating comic shops and local libraries. As part of the celebration, Udon Entertainment will debut Mega Man #0, a one-shot story that's separate from the upcoming Mega Man Timelines series. 

Written by Tavis Maiden, the issue features artwork by Edwin Huang, Jeffrey "Chamba" Cruz, Kenny Ruiz, and Andrew Dickman. You can see a few sample panels here.

If you're in the U.S., you can use the Comic Shop Locator to find a nearby store taking part. If you're outside the U.S., some shops may list leftover copies online after the event—sometimes even on secondhand marketplaces.

Ian Flynn Confirms Capcom Owns the Archie Mega Man Characters

With Archie Comics' Mega Man series back in the spotlight, an old question has resurfaced: who exactly owns the rights to the original characters created for the comic, like Quake Woman and Dr. LaLinde? Capcom, Archie—maybe both? To finally settle the matter, Ian Flynn addressed the topic on the latest episode of the BumbleKast.

Kyle Crouse: Who owns the rights to the Mega Man characters that originated in Archie? (e.g. if Capcom willed it, could Tempo appear in Mega Man 12?)

Ian Flynn: As far as I'm aware, Capcom owns everything, and yeah; they could bring her back.

Kyle Crouse: Well... what are they waiting for?

Ian Flynn: Mega Man 12 I guess. 

Of course, Ian is joking about Mega Man 12. But the important point here is that there's been long-standing speculation about who owns characters that don't originate from the games—whether it's the author who created them, or the company or publisher they worked for. 

There are exceptions—such as Marty, who belongs to Yoshihiro Iwamoto—but in the case of the Archie Mega Man characters, Capcom retains full ownership. If they choose, we could absolutely see some of these original characters appear in future games, merchandise, or other projects.

Source: Pirate Queen vs. Pirate Queen?! | BumbleKast

Mega Man Zero Timelines #1 Covers and Solicitation

Courtesy of Lunar Distribution, here are the three variant covers and solicitation for Mega Man Zero Timelines #1.

Lost in a barren wasteland, the heroic Reploid Zero fights on! The world he knows is gone, but a new future is rising, and it needs protection. Enter a dynamic new era of Mega Man history!

This issue marks Ian Flynn’s return to writing Mega Man, his first story since the Archie Comics series. Artwork is by Hanzo Steinbach, who also provides Cover A and C, while Cover B is illustrated by Jeffrey 'Chamba' Cruz.

Mega Man Zero Timelines #1 is expected to go on sale in July.

Keiji Inafune Blamed "Arrogance" for Mega Man Legends' Commercial Failure

On paper, Mega Man Legends had everything going for it: top-of-the-line graphics for its time, fast-paced action, and a cast of fully-realized, marketable characters. And yet, the game was not a hot seller. What went wrong? Where did Mega Man Legends—or Capcom—miss the mark?

In his little-known and largely undocumented 2011 book, What Kind of Decision is That!, Keiji Inafune offered some introspection. Behind the game’s failure, he admits, was a dangerous assumption: that the fans would buy it no matter what.

Review: Kotobukiya Black Zero

Kotobukiya returns with another exclusive kit—this time, it's the long-awaited Black Zero. AWas it worth the wait? Stick with me after the break as we dive into everything you need to know about Black Zero.

Shooting Star Rockman Manga Artist Shares New and Old Art

When Capcom announced that new Shooting Star Rockman goods would be featured in the latest Cap Kuji lottery, the series quickly began trending on Twitter—at least in Japan. Masaya Itagaki, the author and illustrator of the official Shooting Star Rockman and Tribe manga, took notice and was instantly inspired to draw his Blue Bomber once again for the first time in several years.

Review: Kotobukiya MegaMan.EXE Premium Charge Shot Ver.

Kotobukiya returns with a brand-new exclusive model kit—this time spotlighting MegaMan.EXE in a slick Premium Charge Shot Version. Will this kit bust some viruses or crash and burn in the process? Stick around after the break as we dive into the highs and lows of this release.

An FAQ on Mega Man Timelines, Mega Man Adventures, and More

To help clear up any confusion about the different Mega Man books releasing this year, Udon Entertainment has shared a wealth of new details that may answer some of your most frequently asked questions. From Mega Man Timelines to Mega Man Adventures and beyond, here’s a breakdown of what’s coming and what you can expect.

Archie Comics Mega Man is Back - New Reprints From Udon Announced (Updated)

Keeping this secret was tough, but it's finally out—Udon Entertainment is reprinting Archie Comics' Mega Man series!

In collaboration with Archie, Udon is remastering the comics in an oversized format with new short stories from the original creative team. To top it all off, the first volume will be available in hardcover. More details, including the release date, are coming soon. (UPDATE: Udon has provided an FAQ to some of your burning questions. Check it out here.)

Originally published in 2011, the Archie Comics Mega Man run delivered fresh stories inspired by the classic series, with Ian Flynn as the lead writer. It wrapped up in 2015 after 55 issues, leaving the door open for a potential adaptation of Mega Man 4. 

While these reprints don’t guarantee a full revival, a strong reception could definitely turn some heads. Stay tuned for more updates soon!

First Look at Mega Man Zero, Mega Man ZX and Mega Man Legends Timelines Covers

Udon Entertainment has unveiled the standard cover art for Mega Man Zero, Mega Man ZX, and Mega Man Legends Timelines issue #1. Following the visual theme established by Mega Man Timelines and Mega Man X Timelines #1, each cover features its respective protagonist set against a backdrop of familiar villains.

Notably, the Mega Man ZX cover has undergone a significant revision since its initial preview, with Vent's face now more closely resembling the original character design.

Here’s a quick rundown of who's who and when to expect each issue:

• Mega Man Zero Timelines #1 (July 2025) Story: Ian Flynn - Art: Hanzo Steinbach

• Mega Man ZX Timelines #1 (August 2025) Story: Matt Moylan - Art: Dax Gordine

• Mega Man Legends Timelines #1 (September 2025) Story: David Oxford - Art: Mic Fong

You can see the previously-revealed Mega Man Timelines and Mega Man X Timelines covers hereand here.

Mega Man Makes a Cameo Appearance in New Devil May Cry Anime

In recent years, the Mega Man and Devil May Cry series have crossed paths in various ways—from the Mega Buster appearing in Devil May Cry 5 to Dante and Vergil influencing the designs of new characters in Mega Man X DiVE. Now, with the launch of a new Devil May Cry anime, Mega Man makes a standout cameo in one of the episodes.

New Official Shooting Star Rockman Goods Revealed

Long overdue for some representation, Capcom has unveiled a new line of official Shooting Star Rockman merchandise, available through the latest Cap Kuji lottery.

The grand prize is a wearable Warrock plush that fits over your hand. Measuring just over 13 inches in length, it's ideal for cosplay. Other prizes include a set of B2-sized tapestries, desk mats, acrylic stands, keychains, and tin badges. You can see what each item looks like here.

Lottery tickets are available for purchase at 880 yen (roughly $6.15 USD) each. The odds of winning are divided into prize tiers, with the rarest item—the Warrock plush—having just a 1% chance of being drawn.

Prizes are expected to ship to winners between August and September 2025. While there's no guarantee these items will be available outside the lottery, past Cap Kuji merchandise has later gone on sale both online and at Capcom Store locations across Japan. We’ll be keeping an eye out for any updates—after all, it’s not every day we see Shooting Star Rockman getting some love!

Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 Has Compatibility Issues on Nintendo Switch 2

Following today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo has released a comprehensive list of Switch 1 games with compatibility issues on the new console. The list is divided into two categories: games with in-game issues and those with startup problems.

Most Mega Man games from the original Switch library will run without issues on the new system. However, Mega Man Legacy Collection 1 has been flagged for unspecified compatibility problems. While the game will boot, the issues are significant enough to warrant its inclusion on the list. Nintendo has stated that they are currently investigating the matter, so hopefully, a fix will be in place before the Switch 2’s launch on June 5.

Visit the links above to see if some of your favorite Switch 1 titles face any current issues.

Source: Nintendo

Mega Man X Mavericks Cook Delicious Food in Latest Teppen Update

The first Teppen card pack of 2025 has arrived! Titled The Great Steam Trial, it primarily features the Ace Attorney and Sengoku Basara series. As for the Mega Man series, only two new cards were added, starring Launch Octopus from Mega Man X and Burn Rooster from Mega Man X8. They're, uh, cooking eggs and octopus...

Rockman DASH Mobile Game Does Kobun Fly? Preserved

LNRC of Keitai Wiki has successfully ripped and dumped another long-lost Rockman DASH mobile title, which has remained largely inaccessible—especially to English-speaking fans—for 22 years.

Kobun ga Tobun? (or Does Kobun Fly?) is a bite-sized autorunner released in 2003 for Japanese feature phones. You control a Kobun, using a single-button input to jump over pits, with its built-in propeller helping it hover and clear obstacles. The game also featured online leaderboards, which, while currently disabled, are in the process of being restored.

To play, download the latest version of Keitai World Launcher. Once installed and fully updated (if Java is missing, the launcher will prompt you to download it), search for "Kobun ga Tobun"? in the search bar. Click "Launch," and you're ready to fly!

Two more games in the Flying Kobun series remain undumped: Kobun ga Tobun? Xmas, a Christmas-themed variant, and a 2010 re-release of the original featuring updated graphics. The search for those continues, but for now, enjoy this small piece of lost history!

Mega Man Timelines #1 Online Exclusive KeenBiscuit Cover Variant Revealed

Another week, another Mega Man Timelines cover! Udon Entertainment has announced that pre-orders for Timelines #1 open Wednesday, April 2nd, at 9 AM PT on UDONStore.com. A very snazzy exclusive cover variant by Ken Gabriel (aka KeenBiscuit) will be available, and all pre-orders of this variant include a free Mega Man Schematics Collectible Metal Card. 

What do you think of this one? It's a real surprise to see Splash Woman—and even more so, Battle & Chase's Plum—after all these years. We'll have to wait and see if they'll appear in the pages of issue #1 itself when it goes on sale May 28th.

Source: Udon Entertainment

Another Look at Jada Toys Mega Man Wave 3 (Update)

Spotted at Jada Toys' WonderCon booth (via The Figure Report), we have a fresh look at their Wave 3 Mega Man figures. These have seen significant progress since their last showcase, now featuring finalized packaging and a first glimpse at their respective accessories. 

• Mega Man: A helmetless variant that includes a Met, a smiling helmeted headpiece, a Mega Buster, a Charge effect piece, and two alternate hand parts.

• Bubble Man: An alternate headpiece, three hand parts, and a Bubble Lead effect piece.

• Wood Man: An alternate headpiece, two hand parts, and a Leaf Shield effect piece.

Bubble Man and Wood Man’s packaging is a pleasant surprise, highlighting their status as the bulkiest Robot Masters in Jada’s lineup yet. If you plan to keep them unboxed, you might need to rearrange your display shelf to make room.

There's no word yet on when Wave 3 will hit stores, but we're keeping an ear to the ground.UPDATE: In an interview with The Figure Report, Jada Toys' lead designer, Juhn, confirmed that Wave 3 is essentially complete, with pre-orders expected to go live in time for San Diego Comic-Con. Juhn also hinted at a possible SDCC exclusive and news on additional figures. Additionally, they have a year and a half’s worth of unannounced Mega Man toys planned.

Source: TheFigureReport

Rockman DASH: Great Adventure on 5 Islands English Translation Patch Released

Hey Mega Man fans! I’m RockmanCosmo, a game preservationist dedicated to saving lost games from Japanese feature phones. A little over one year ago, SciLab Secrets preserved Rockman DASH: Great Adventure on 5 Islands, a previously-lost entry in the Mega Man Legends series released for Japanese feature phones. Today, I’m happy to announce that 5 Islands has an English patch, courtesy of a one Mega Alex! Read on for more details and how you can play it right now!