2026 Is the Year of the Panda 🐼

More Hiro da Black Panda. More art. More story. More Millsbury Media.

I’m calling it now: 2026 is the Year of the Panda.

And what that means is simple… you’re about to see a LOT more Hiro da Black Panda this year.

Not “maybe when I have time.” Not “one post here and there.” I mean a real, intentional push — more updates, more artwork, more storytelling, and yes… more merchandise.

If you’ve been following Millsbury Media for a while, thank you for being here. If you’re new, welcome. Either way, this year is about momentum and consistency. It’s about building the world of Hiro bigger, louder, and more alive than ever.

Why “Year of the Panda” matters

Hiro da Black Panda has always been more than a webcomic to me.

It’s humor and heart. It’s comfort and chaos. It’s the kind of story where you’ll laugh at what’s happening, then realize you relate to the characters more than you expected.

This year, I’m leaning all the way into what makes Hiro special:

More consistent releases, More art that builds the world, More behind-the-scenes work and character moments, More storytelling that feels personal, funny, and real, More ways for you to connect with the series outside of the panels

Because stories don’t just live on a page anymore. They live in the community, the clips, the sketches, the process, the updates… and the merch people rep like a badge.

Merchandise is coming (and it’s going to feel like the series)

I’ve wanted to create Hiro da Black Panda merchandise in a way that doesn’t feel random or generic.

Not just “slap a character on a shirt.” I’m talking about pieces that feel like Hiro’s world — inside jokes, mood pieces, signature moments, and designs that look good even if someone doesn’t know the comic yet.

This year is about building that foundation: the visuals, the tone, the identity — so when merch drops, it’s not just products. It’s part of the storytelling.

The long-term plan: a Hiro da Black Panda artbook

One of the biggest goals I’m putting into motion is a future Hiro da Black Panda artbook.

Down the line, I want to release a book that showcases:

Story moments and key scenes, Artwork I’ve created over time (sketches, concepts, finished pieces)Character explorations and design evolution, Worldbuilding notes and style development, The “in-between” art that doesn’t always make it into the final episodes

There’s so much creative work that happens behind the scenes — and I want to preserve that journey in a real, tangible way.

I’m going to be more active on YouTube (especially with art + nerd media)

This is a major focus for me in 2026.

I’m committing to being more active on YouTube, especially around:

Art content (process, sketches, concepts, breakdowns)Anime and cartoons (what I’m watching, what inspires me, creative talk)Millsbury Media series (especially Hiro da Black Panda)Behind-the-scenes creation, storytelling, and creative development

If you like art content that’s honest, nerdy, and creator-focused without the fake “guru” energy… you’re going to enjoy what’s coming.

Here’s the channel:https://www.youtube.com/@millsburymedia

Bridging the gap: the creative world needs fewer walls

One of the missions behind Millsbury Media is something I don’t see talked about enough:

The creative industry has too many unnecessary divisions.

Fine artists get treated like they’re in one lane. Illustrators in another. Comic artists, story boarders, screenwriters, and creative writers get boxed in like their work is separate from “real design.” And digital marketing artists and designers sometimes get reduced to “just selling” instead of creating.

But the truth is… we’re all building culture.

I want to bridge the gap (and clear up misconceptions) between:

Fine Artists, Illustrators, Comic creators and story boarders, Screenwriters and creative writers

and

Digital marketing artists and designers, Art directors, Web designers, Fashion designers, Graphic designers, UX/UI designers, Social media specialists, Website specialists

Creativity isn’t a hierarchy — it’s an ecosystem.

A fine artist’s composition can elevate branding. A UX designer’s thinking can make storytelling more accessible. A screenwriter’s pacing can improve content strategy. A comic creator’s visual language can sharpen marketing design. A digital marketer’s structure can help artists build a sustainable audience.

If you’re multi-talented (like a lot of us are), you shouldn’t have to “pick one” to be respected.

So part of what I’m bringing to YouTube (and to Millsbury Media overall) is content that connects those dots — not just “how to draw” or “how to design,” but how to think like a creator who understands the full creative landscape.

Read Hiro da Black Panda on Webtoon

If you haven’t started the series yet, now is the perfect time to jump in:

https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/millsbury-medias-hiro-da-black-panda/list?title_no=926952

Follow the art showcases on Instagram

For artwork, updates, showcases, and new drops, follow here:

@heroofmillsbury @millsburymedia

Thank you for being here

If you’ve supported Millsbury Media in any way — reading, sharing, liking, commenting, reposting, or just telling someone about the work — I appreciate you more than you know.

This year is about showing up, building consistently, and letting the Year of the Panda be something you can actually feel in the content.

Let’s make 2026 count.

How you can support right now

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications, Read Hiro da Black Panda and leave a like/comment (it helps more than people realize)Share an episode with someone who would relate to the vibe, Follow the Instagram pages for art updates and showcases, Stay tuned for merch announcements