Kuromi Returns For Glorious New Special, And It's Beyond Adorable (Exclusive)

Hello Kitty's Kuromi is officially back with a stunning new special, and the upcoming Sanrio story is too cute to miss. Here is everything we know.

Published Oct 5, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT

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Kuromi is getting the spotlight all to herself in a new Hello Kitty comic special from IDW Publishing and Sanrio, giving the beloved rebel a chance to headline stories built around her mischievous personality. After IDW announced that Cinnamoroll is receiving a one-shot, this exclusive reveal confirms Kuromi will also star in her own dedicated issue packed with three original adventures for longtime and newer fans alike.

The upcoming Kuromi special from IDW Publishing looks particularly charming because it embraces the character’s chaotic personality without losing the sweetness that makes her so popular. Two covers have been revealed for the issue, while its stories promise camping trouble, music-festival planning alongside My Melody, and an entertaining search for the ideal picnic location. Each adventure puts Kuromi firmly at the center of the fun.

Kuromi Gets Three New Adventures In One Special

IDW Publishing

The first story sends Kuromi camping, turning an outdoor getaway into another opportunity for comedy and unexpected problems. Camping is a fitting setting for the character because it can test her patience while giving her plenty of opportunities to react dramatically. The adventure should capture Kuromi’s playful attitude while leaving room for the warmth that defines Sanrio’s stories and characters.

The second story teams Kuromi with My Melody as they attempt to plan a music festival together. That premise immediately gives the pair a chance to play off their contrasting personalities, while the ambitious event creates plenty of opportunities for things to go sideways. Their friendship remains important, making the chaos feel character-driven rather than simply a series of random gags for readers.

The third adventure focuses on a much smaller mission: finding the perfect picnic spot. Although that sounds simple, Kuromi’s involvement promises to make the search considerably more complicated. The three stories cover very different situations, allowing the special to showcase her humor, determination, and softer side without relying on one extended storyline or repeating the same joke across the entire issue.

IDW’s Sanrio Comics Continue Expanding With More Specials

IDW Publishing

The Kuromi issue comes from IDW Publishing’s partnership with Sanrio, which is bringing the world of Hello Kitty and Friends to original comic stories. The announcement follows news that Cinnamoroll will receive a dedicated one-shot of their own. Giving individual Sanrio characters their own specials creates more opportunities to explore familiar favorites through stories built around their personalities, friendships, and unique comedic strengths.

The creative lineup is another major reason to watch this issue. Tony Fleecs, Tini Howard, and Kay Davault are responsible for the three Kuromi stories, bringing multiple creators into the special rather than presenting one long adventure. That structure gives each story room to feel distinct while keeping the issue focused on the same mischievous star from beginning to end, creating a varied reading experience.

Collectors also have two covers to look forward to, with Min Ho Kim and Mart Lett providing their own takes on Kuromi. Together, the three stories, two covers, and IDW-Sanrio and Hello Kitty collaboration make the special a strong showcase for one of Sanrio’s most recognizable characters. For Kuromi fans, seeing her headline a full issue is easily the biggest part of this adorable reveal, especially with so much variety promised.