This year, 2026, marks the 20th anniversary of the beloved, action-fantasy epic, FAIRY TAIL! And to help celebrate this momentous occasion, and also spotlight the wider works of legendary mangaka, Hiro Mashima, you’ll find some amazing savings on all his works with the Creator Spotlight: Hiro Mashima digital sale!
See the full details on these discounted titles for the Creator Spotlight: Hiro Mashima digital sale below:
FAIRY TAIL By Hiro Mashima
Cute girl wizard Lucy wants to join the Fairy Tail, a club for the most powerful wizards. But instead her ambitions land her in the clutches of a gang of unsavory pirates led by a devious magician. Her only hope is Natsu, a strange boy she happens to meet on her travels. Natsu’s not your typical hero—he gets motion sickness, eats like a pig, and his best friend is a talking cat. With friends like this, is Lucy better off with her enemies?
It’s here! The creator of Fairy Tail, manga superstar Hiro Mashima, is back with a high-flying space adventure! All the steadfast friendship, crazy fighting, and blue cats you’ve come to expect…in space! A young boy gazes up at the sky and sees a streaming bolt of light. The friendly, armor-clad being at his side tells him gently, “That’s a dragon.” The fact that he’s joking isn’t important. What’s important is the look of wonder on the boy’s face…and the galaxy-spanning adventure that’s about to take place! Join Hiro Mashima (Fairy Tail, Rave Master) once more as he takes to the stars for another thrilling saga!
Sometimes, Haru feels like he doesn’t have a purpose. Sometimes, he feels like he’ll never leave the island he lives on, the island of Garage. But, when fate comes a knockin’, he answers the cry. There’s this evil called Dark Bring, it’s wielded by Demon Card. They’re using this power to take over the world. Only one thing can stop it – the four missing rave stones. And now, Haru will find them wherever they lie. He doesn’t ever want to feel that he’s let his people down. He’ll journey all around the world, all the way to Hip Hop Town. Yeah! The all-powerful Dark Stone – a magical stone and ruler of the dark side – awakens after a 50-year respite. When it falls into the hands of the evil Demon Card, the world is in terrible danger. A sacred sword called Rave and its master Shiba are the only defense against the Dark Stone & No. 30196; evil powers. Yet, Shiba loses control over Rave after he is mortally attacked by a Demon Card assassin. With the dark side looming, a boy called Haru may be the world’s single hope of revitalizing Rave and escaping the clutches of evil.
A wizard’s job is never done! Get fired up for the official sequel to Fairy Tail, with story and layouts by original creator Hiro Mashima himself! Natsu, Lucy, Happy, Erza, and the whole Fairy Tail Guild are back in action! And they’ve decided to tackle the “100 Years Quest”—a job no one’s dared take on since the founding of the guild more than a century ago. A mysterious town, a baffling spirit, a ghastly new enemy…and a brand new continent to explore. When you’re with real friends, the adventures never stop!
The spellbinding story behind the founding of the wizard guild Fairy Tail, complete in one 270+ page volume. Mavis, the future first master of Fairy Tail, lives with her best friend Zera on Sirius Island. At six years old, Mavis is just a simple bookworm who dreams of meeting fairies someday. In the year X686, treasure hunters invade Sirius Island, forcing Mavis to take flight and embark on a fantastical adventure! She etches the joys and sorrows of each new encounter and heartbreaking farewell into her memory, and finally figures out her ultimate goal…
Experience conversations with Saka Mikami (author of The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity) at NYCC and Kodansha House
Kodansha returns to New York once again for two special events happening in October, New York Comic Con (October 8-11, 2026 at the Javits Convention Center) and Kodansha House NY (Hudson Yards, October 9-18, 2026).
Kodansha is also proud to invite the award-winning mangaka Saka Mikami—creator of the anime-inspiring, modern school days romance, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity—who will be at both NYCC and Kodansha House NY! Fans attending NYCC will be able to catch Mikami-sensei at the Kodansha Presents: The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Creator Saka Mikami panel on October 10, 2026. While lucky fans who won the Kodansha House NY creator events sweepstakes will be able to attend a special Q&A and signing events with Saka Mikami.
Full List of Events:
Check out below for Kodansha’s list of programming and events happening at NYCC and Kodansha House NY. Also be sure to check back periodically as there may be a surprise or two:
NEW YORK COMIC CON
Saturday, October 10, 2026:
Kodansha Presents: The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Creator Saka Mikami When: 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Where: Room 1C03 What: Kodansha presents a conversation with Saka Mikami—the manga author behind the anime-inspiring, heartfelt, star-crossed romance, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity. Kodansha is excited to have a thoughtful conversation with this fan-favorite author to discuss their inspiration, serialization challenges, and hopes for the series’ future. It’s a rare in-person visit no manga fan can miss!
Please note: Photography and video recording during this panel are strictly prohibited. Seats will also be limited, so be sure to show up early for this must-see creator spotlight event! [Programming Link]
KODANSHA HOUSE NY
Friday, October 9, 2026
Kodansha House NY Opens to the Public When: 11:00am – 9pm ET Daily Where: Hudson Yards — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Free and open to the public, Kodansha House will begin just in time for the New York Comic Con weekend, and will continue for a full week after it ends. Expect creator appearances, immersive manga spaces, special programming, and more — all free to explore.
KODANSHA HENSHUSHA presents “How a Hit Really Begins” When: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Where: Hudson Yards — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Join us for a panel discussion with the editor behind fan-favorite titles like The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, WIND BREAKER, and Rent-a-Girlfriend. He worked with the creators. You ask the questions. RSVP opens Friday, September 25, 2026 · 12:00 pm EDT.
Saturday, October 10, 2026:
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Creator Q&A + Signing When: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Meet Saka Mikami, the creator of hit romance manga-turned-anime, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, in an exclusive Q&A session followed by a signing session! Sweepstakes is closed, but limited standby tickets will be available the day of.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Creator Signing When: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Meet Saka Mikami, the creator of the hit manga, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, for a special signing session only at Kodansha House New York! Sweepstakes is closed, but limited standby tickets will be available the day of.
Monday, October 12, 2026
Library Day When: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Librarians are invited to Kodansha House to learn about the upcoming books from Kodansha, with an educational presentation and Q&A session. This event is invite-only
Retailer Day When: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Retailers are invited to Kodansha House to learn about the upcoming books from Kodansha, with an educational presentation and Q&A session.This event is invite-only
Kodansha Anime Watch Party When: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Connect with fellow anime fans and join us for a watch party of not only the first episodes of our brand new series, Tank Chair and Magic Knight Rayearth, but the premiere of our upcoming series, Shangri-La Frontier Season 3 and BLESS! In addition, participants will be able to take home the first volume of each series. RSVP opens Monday, September 28, 2026 · 12:00 pm EDT.
The Ghost in the Shell Talk Show When: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Geek out with fellow The Ghost in the Shell fans at a watch party featuring the first episode of the new Ghost in the Shell anime produced by Science SARU followed by a Q&A session with Takeshi Katsurada, the editor in charge of the The Ghost in the Shell manga. You’ll also get the chance to get some GITS goodies! Register before Friday, September 25, 2026 · 6:00 pm EDT
Sunday, October 18, 2026
FINAL DAY of Kodansha House NY When: 11:00am – 9pm ET Where: Hudson Yards — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: This will be your last chance to experience all the wonderful manga galleries, photo ops, games and more at Kodansha House NY before it closes for the last time in 2026.
BLUE LOCK Live-Action Movie Watch Party When: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET Where: Kodansha House NY — 508 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 What: Join us on the (metaphorical) pitch to be the first to watch the BLUE LOCK live-action movie in the US and score Blue Lock goodies, as well as a chance to win a variety of Blue Lock-related prizes! RSVP opens Sunday, October 4, 2026 · 12:00 pm EDT.
Keep your eyes open for announcements made about NYCC and Kodansha House NY either atkodansha.us or across our social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook , Bluesky!
Beth Kawasaki Joins Kodansha USA as New VP of Brand and Marketing
Kodansha USA Publishing—purveyors of some of the most exciting manga published today, like Witch Hat Atelier, Gachiakuta, Blue Lock and more—has named Beth Kawasaki as the new Vice President of Brand and Marketing.
“I’m honored to join a team with such a strong legacy and incredible foundation. I’m excited to contribute to Kodansha’s continued growth, expand its brand reach and connect amazing stories with new audiences across platforms,” says Beth Kawasaki, VP of Brand and Marketing, Kodansha USA Publishing.
“Beth brings to Kodansha a multifaceted background from the worlds of storytelling and entertainment, just as the popularity of manga continues to accelerate across global markets and Kodansha expands its operations on multiple fronts in the English-language world,” says Alvin Lu, President and CEO of Kodansha USA Publishing.
Previously Media Do International Inc.’s VP of Content and Marketing, where she oversaw MD-i’s global content strategy, marketing and growth initiatives, Beth Kawasaki has also held executive roles across editorial, brand and product management for renowned publishing and entertainment brands, including VIZ Media, FUNimation (Sony) and Loot Crate.
For up-to-date information about Kodansha’s line of titles and announcements, please visit the Kodansha Reader Portal that allows manga fans to read and buy digital manga with greater ease, sample extended previews of hundreds of Kodansha series, take advantage of exclusive discounts, and much more.
Looking for some amazing shonen series to add to your digital collection? Then the Sirius Magazine Spotlight digital sale is perfect for you, with Sirius savings on some of the best stories they have to offer!
See the full details on these discounted titles for the Sirius Magazine Spotlight digital sale below:
APOSIMZ By Tsutomu Nihei
From acclaimed mangaka Tsutomu Nihei, the creator and artist behind BLAME! and Knights of Sidonia, comes his newest science-fiction epic. This story takes place on the frigid, massive artificial planet known as Aposimz. Eo, Biko and Etherow, residents of the White Diamond Beam, are in the middle of combat training when suddenly a girl appears, Rebedoan Empire soldiers in hot pursuit. The girl asks for their help in keeping safe a “code” and seven mysterious “bullets.” This chance encounter marks a major shift in the fate of the entire planet…
Strep throat! Hay fever! Influenza! The world is a dangerous place for a red blood cell just trying to get her deliveries finished. Fortunately, she’s not alone…she’s got a whole human body’s worth of cells ready to help out! The mysterious white blood cell, the buff and brash killer T cell, the nerdy neuron, even the cute little platelets—everyone’s got to come together if they want to keep you healthy!
How to Treat a Lady Knight Right By Kengo Matsumoto
Leo Cornelia has dedicated her entire life to the battlefield. There is no demon she can’t slay, no challenge she can’t handle—at least, not until that confounding halfwit mage Foolie Dent confesses his love to her. Nothing feels farther from her than long-discarded notions of femininity and romance, but this annoying but dependable new friend might just be the key to opening the heart she closed long ago.
An assassin in the world’s deadliest wheelchair and his devoted sister carve an ultra-violent path to recovery across a slick, dystopian landscape in this action manga for fans of Chainsaw Man, Battle Angel Alita, and Dorohedoro!
Living on Guicheng Island, called “the most dangerous town in the universe,” is no easy task. Genetic doping is common for gangs to gain ultimate power. Shizuka, a young girl, takes on the most dangerous of assassin jobs, but she’s not the one doing the killing. Rather, it’s her brother, Nagi, a strong assassin who took a bullet to protect his sister, leaving him in a comatose state and having to use a wheelchair. However, Shizuka has figured out the key to waking her brother up: he must be faced with murderous intent! Thus begins a violent journey of recovery, battling the most dangerous foes!
The Great Cleric By Broccoli Lion, Hiiro Akikaze and sime
One man’s story of turning blood, sweat, and tears into a successful living-literally! After his untimely death as the hardest-working salary man in Japan, Luciel is reincarnated into the magical fantasy world Galdardia. Always the man with a plan, he recreates himself to be a healer, and sets about making his way in the world. But while Luciel knows a thing or two about making money, he knows absolutely nothing about Galdardia. Will his good heart and great work ethic be enough to make him…The Great Cleric?
If the end of summer has you feeling a bit nostalgic, we’re here to help by offering huge discounts no classic Kodansha stories like MARS, BECK, Battle Angel Alita, BLAME! and more during the Throwback Favorites digital sale! Right now fans can take advantage and sample 12 different series with each volume 1 priced at only $0.99. Not only that continue to binge or complete your collection of these Throwback Favorites with additional volumes up to 50% off!
Sale ends Monday, September 14, 2026!
You can pick these titles up for your collection by purchasing them on kodansha.us or through one of our participating digital manga vendors:
See the full details on these discounted titles for the Throwback Favorites digital sale below:
BECK By Harold Sakuishi
Fourteen-year-old Yukio Tanaka is one heck of a boring guy. He has no hobbies, weak taste in music, and only a small vestige of a personality. His shy and somewhat neurotic personality makes him his own worst enemy. Little does he know that his life will be forever changed when he meets rocker Ryusuke Minami, an unpredictable sixteen-year-old with a cool dog named Beck. Ryusuke has just returned to Japan from America, and when he inspires Yukio to get into music, the two begin a journey through the world of rock ‘n’ roll dreams! Lace up your Docs and head to the mosh pit-Harold Sakuishi’s manga series that spawned the hit anime is back!
Are you ready for some … drama? The all-time, long out-of-print shojo manga classic is back! With even more twists and turns then you probably remember, Fuyumi Soryo’s beautifully illustrated high-school psychodrama turned some young comics readers heads inside-out when it was first released, with hysterical plots revolving around the traumatic secret histories of its seemingly poised protagonists. Art class was never quite like this … Super popular motorcycle racer Rei and shy, neurotic art student Kira are worlds apart … until one fateful day brings them together. Rei stumbles upon Kira in the harassing hands of her sleazy art teacher and saves the quiet girl from his clutches. And when the resident school pretty boy plants a kiss on a statue of Mars in the studio, Kira finds herself drawn in and even summons up the nerve to ask him to model for her!
Everybody at Seiyo Elementary thinks that stylish and supercool Amu has it all. But nobody knows the real Amu, a shy girl who wishes she had the courage to truly be herself. Changing Amu’s life is going to take more than wishes and dreams—it’s going to take a little magic! One morning, Amu finds a surprise in her bed: three strange little eggs. Each egg contains a Guardian Character, an angel-like being who can give her the power to be someone new. With the help of her Guardian Characters, Amu is about to discover that her true self is even more amazing than she ever dreamed.
Najika is a great cook who likes to make meals for the people she loves. But something is missing from her life. When she was a child, she met a boy who touched her heart-and now she’s determined to find him. The only clue Najika has is a silver spoon that leads her to the prestigious Seika Academy, but attending Seika will be a challenge. Every kid at the school has a special talent, and the girls in Najika’s class think she doesn’t deserve to be there. But Sora and Daichi, two popular brothers who barely speak to each other, recognize Najika’s cooking talent for what it is-magical. Is either boy Najika’s mysterious prince?
She … is a second-year high school student with a single all-consuming question: Will the boy she likes ever really notice her? He … is the school’s most notorious juvenile delinquent and he’s suddenly come to a shocking realization: He’s got a huge crush, and now he must tell her how he feels. Life-changing obsessions, colossal foul-ups, grand schemes, deep-seated anxieties, and raging hormones-School Rumble portrays high school as it really is: over-the-top comedy!
Kodansha Reveals New Fall 2027and Kodansha Print Club Manga Licenses at Anime NYC
Just announced at Anime NYC, Kodansha continues its summer of print manga license announcements by revealing new print manga debuts for Fall 2027, as well as upcoming additions to the Kodansha Print Club.
Newly announced print manga licenses include the decades running boxing epic by Joji Morikawa, Hajime no Ippo—arriving in omnibus print edition for the first time in English. Also joining the Fall 2027 debuts is a stylish found footage-inspired horror manga, Trapped on Tape! by TNSK.
The new print licenses announced at Anime NYC and set to debut in Fall 2027 will be available for purchase at physical and online book stores like Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and more, while select digital editions will be available upon release across all our participating vendors, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, and more! Fans can also purchase and read all Kodansha digital manga directly on kodansha.us.
Upcoming Kodansha Print Club titles will be available to pre-order in the coming months via retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Books-A-Million, Kinokuniya, Hudson Booksellers, and Powell’s. These titles may even be available at your local bookstore, but if you don’t see these titles, you can ask to special order them. Shipping of Kodansha Print Club titles may vary by retailer and may take longer for international orders.
Kodansha continues to invite fans to be part of this program by not only purchasing Kodansha Print Club titles, but also by letting the publisher know which series they would like to see added to this ever-expanding roster. Suggestions, comments, and requests can be submitted via Kodansha’s Publishing suggestion feedback form.
Full details of each new Kodansha print license announced at Anime NYC can be read below:
New Kodansha Print Club Licenses:
How to Grill Our Love By Shiori Hanatsuka
JP Title: 焼いてるふたり
Debut Date: September 2026
Dating can be tough when you nerd out over barbecue. Kenta, a practical pitmaster, looks for a grill-friend in Chihiro, an aloof and faultless business babe…or is she? Scared of being rejected for who they really are, the two of them find comfort in food and each other…and all is well until Kenta must transfer away. With their developing relationship at steak, Chihiro proposes they tie the knot and they marry for better or wurst. Winging a long-distance marriage is one thing, but here’s the rub—they barely know each other! It’s a rare marriage where all the awkwardness of dating meets a sizzling passion for grilling!
Rated: 13+
Abe-kun’s Got Me Now By Aki Iwai
JP Title: 阿部くんに狙われてます
Debut Date: December 2026
The upbeat Akari couldn’t care less about her school’s pride and joy, Abe-kun, despite him qualifying for the national karate championship. He’s giant and uncouth, and he couldn’t be further from her angelic childhood friend, Takuto. One day, when Abe-kun injures his arm protecting Akari, she rushes to his aid…and learns his secret. Now, Akari has met her match—parrying with a jock who’s raring to go!
Turn up the steam in this sporty, high-school romcom between a sharp-tongued girl who swears she hates jocks and the single-minded, loyal karate champ who loves her. A little spicy, a little protective, Abe-kun will get you, too!
Rated: 13+
I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die By Umi Shiina
JP Title: 青野くんに触りたいから死にたい
Debut Date: December 2026
Yuri-chan may be an airheaded high school girl, but her late love Aono-kun is a specter in the wind… How can a relationship void of touch be felt so deeply? From obsession to possession, the two stumble through how to truly be together—by any means necessary. Soon, the people around them are pulled into their all-consuming, matter-defying romance.
Horror, absurdity, and passionate romance abound in this life-or-death hit manga about love between a high schooler and her ghostly boyfriend.
Rated: 16+
Matcha Made in Heaven By Umebachi Yamanaka
JP Title: この恋、茶番につき！？
Debut Date: January 2027
After years away, Chako Hananoki returns to her family’s tea farm to escape her stalker ex-fiancé and rebuild her life. But much has changed in her absence: she now has an adorable little niece she’s never met, her widowed brother has seemingly become a recluse, and a gruff young farmer named Isshin lives in their house, running the struggling operation in her brother’s stead. Determined to be useful, Chako quickly finds herself at odds with the dismissive Isshin, who’s convinced she’ll leave again before long. But when her past comes calling—and a desperate lie forces Chako and Isshin to pose as husband and wife—their bitter first impressions of each other gradually give way to something sweeter.
The prodigal daughter returns to a tempest in the tea fields in this fake-marriage, found-family love story for the ages! By the illustrator of the Ossan’s Love manga adaptation!
Rated: 16+
Changes of Heart By KUJIRA
JP Title: ホンノウスイッチ
Debut Date: January 2027
After being dumped by her boyfriend, Koyori went to her longtime friend Hijiri’s house to drink away her sorrow…and ended up spending the night with him! Not only that, he tells her he loves her—and she’s not sure how to reconcile the new development with someone she’s known since they were kids. After all, the stakes are high—if things don’t work out, she could risk losing it all. And to make matters worse, her ex wants to reconcile…? Koyori needs to figure out what she wants, before she loses it all.
Rated: 18+
NewHorror Licenses:
Trapped on Tape! By TNSK
JP Title: とりまとります
Debut Date: Fall 2027
Jun Makino is a brassy city girl with boundless energy and a thirst for adventure—so when her father takes up a post as doctor in a rural area, the first thing she does is go looking for hidden treasure! But she gets more than she bargained for when she unearths a pile of old VHS tapes and…a sentient camcorder?!
This “ancient” technology sets Jun on a quest to dispel the ghosts haunting the countryside, but is this too much for one little girl, even with her new pal and trusty pup by her side? And why did her father move them to the country in the first place? New friends, old secrets, and ghostly terror combine for a languid summer horror unlike any other…!
TNSK depicts Jun’s slow, quiet rural life in gorgeous detail, blending sweetness, humor, terror, and the joy of discovery with unique character designs and rich characterization. The cute art/dark content combo evokes series like Made in Abyss, and thanks to movies like The Ring and V/H/S, the very image of a video cassette conjures terrifying associations! Throw in a dash of Spirited Away, and Trapped on Tape! might just be the eerie, adorable new series you’ve been looking for!
Rated: 16+
One Final Reveal:
Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! Omnibus By Joji Morikawa
JP Title: はじめの一歩
Debut Date: Fall 2027
What does it feel like to be strong? That’s the question on the mind of Ippo Makunouchi, a clumsy high school kid who gets bullied a lot. But when he runs into pro boxer Mamoru Takamura, it isn’t long before the dynamite in his fists is unleashed! Dreaming of the pro ranks, Ippo joins Mamoru at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym—and there his quest for true strength begins, in and out of the ring!
For the first time in print in English, experience the beginning of the epic sports manga that defined a generation and has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, inspiring multiple hit anime series! Each premium paperback will include the content of 3 Japanese volumes.
See the full details on these discounted titles for the Back to School digital sale below:
Abe-kun’s Got Me Now! By Aki Iwai
Akari couldn’t think less of her school’s karate champ, Abe-kun, despite him being the national champion. He’s giant, uncouth, and couldn’t be more different than her sweet angel and childhood friend, Takuto. But when Abe-kun injures his arm protecting her, she takes it upon herself to get him healed—after all, the school’s pride is at stake—but finds the tables suddenly turned when he confesses to her! Now she’s the goal he’s aiming for, and she’ll soon find out how driven a national champion can be!
Ran is beautiful and stylish, with leading scores in her class. No boy on Earth would have the gall to try their hand with her, and no one would think that she’s so entirely innocent… except Akira. Join us in this innocent love story about Rin the “mountaintop flower” and Akira, whose parents own a flowershop. This pure love blooms in Volume 1 of Ran the Peerless Beauty!
Welcome Back, Alice is the latest work by Shuzo Oshimi, the author of Blood on the Tracks, Happiness, and The Flowers of Evil. Childhood friends Yohei, Kei, and Yui are reunited in high school. But what seemed like a straightforward love triangle between the three of them takes an unexpected turn when Kei shows up looking and dressed like a girl. In this story of adolescent awakening, perversion, and love, Oshimi sets out to explore the boundaries of gender, sexuality, and identity.
Serina arrives at school one day to discover her desk has been vandalized—someone’s scratched the lyrics to a love song in it…and that someone turns out to be Mizukawa-sempai, a boy who’s one year her senior. She wants to get to know him better, but if his frosty demeanor is any indication, she doesn’t have a chance! But it seems he might be awkward—not simply mean—and before she knows it, she’s asking him out…! With each passing day, her heart races a little faster! Don’t miss out on volume 1 of this school romance story!
A high school romantic comedy with five times the cute girls! A high school boy must work part-time to help five sisters study so they can graduate, but the only thing these quintuplets have in common is that they all hate studying! Five girls who want to do anything but study, and their tutor: a high school boy who’s got book smarts and not much else. Futaro Uesugi took the tutoring gig because he was desperate for cash, but when his students—the five beautiful daughters of a wealthy businessman—find five times the excuses to slack off, what can he do?! At this rate, the sisters won’t graduate, so if he wants to get paid, Futaro must think of a plan to suit each of them … Which feels hopeless when five out of five of them think he’s a loser!
The ChillChill BL (Boys Love) Awards, a Japan-based competition, has been elevating the fan-selected best manga in the genre since 2009.
This June, Kodansha USA went to the 2026 ChillChill BL (Boys Love) Awards Ceremony in the heart of Tokyo to celebrate the five Kodansha USA authors whose works were recognized at this exciting event: Dondon (Blue Summer Haze), Nikuya Inui (How to Deal When Your Intimidating Neighbor Is Actually an Omega), Jyanome (Twilight Out of Focus), Komachi Katsura (Shoot Juliet Down), and Ayumu Nagisa (Omega of the Divine).
How to Deal When Your Intimidating Neighbor Is Actually an Omega By Nikuya Inui
Nikuya Inui’s suspenseful and erotic new Omegaverse rom-com manga is finally here! A college-aged Alpha lives next door to a scary-looking hottie whom he assumes is an Alpha, too, but a shocking encounter will correct that assumption! An irresistible, tattooed Omega, living next door… What’s a virgin Alpha to do?
Kodansha USA: What was it like to attend the ChillChill BL Awards Ceremony today?
Nikuya Inui-sensei: I was honestly incredibly nervous! This morning, I was only about 60% sure I would go. I was ready to leave it to a coin flip if I would skip the whole thing. But I wrote out my acceptance speech, recorded myself reading it, and listened to that over and over again until I memorized it, and one way or another managed to give it without issue.
Kodansha USA: I had no idea, you looked very composed! What was it like when you first heard you’d won?
Nikuya Inui-sensei: I was actually in the middle of a layout meeting with my editor when all of a sudden she looked at her computer, pointed at me, and said, “First place!” I thought she was talking about the layout, so I thought, “Huh, that’s an interesting way to say she likes it,” and just said something like, “Whoa.” But then she said, “You got first place! How to Deal came in first!” I had no idea what she meant. I thought she was just gassing me up! I only half-believed her. (laughs)
Kodansha USA: Wow! Well, How to Deal is also very popular in the US. Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans who read it in English?
Nikuya Inui-sensei: Well, in the English editions of the book there is a glossary explaining different aspects of Japanese culture. For example, in the second volume they go to a sento, and the glossary explains these are public baths. So, it would make me very happy if reading my work could help people learn more about and feel closer to Japanese culture, and one day even come visit Japan!
This story is about two Japanese college students, and I was very worried at first that readers abroad would not be able to relate to them. But I was glad to see a lot of people seemed to identify with the sort of wishy-washiness of their relationship. I feel like that must be the same in every country, that we all hesitate and worry and let the littlest things get us down when we’re in love. So I hope people will come back and find things to relate to and enjoy in Volume 3, too!
Kodansha USA: I hope so, too! Is there anything you’d like to try next? Any new challenges you’d like to take on?
Nikuya Inui-sensei: Yes, I’ve always wanted to pursue different media adaptations of my work. This series was made into a drama CD, and the way it sort of left my hands and took on a life of its own in the process was very interesting, so I’d love to experience that again. Also, I’d really love to go to America, meet readers face to face, and hear about the parts they liked most. That’s why now, I’m studying English! I’ll do my best.
Kodansha USA: Amazing! Thank you so much for your time!
Nikuya Inui-sensei: Thank you very much!
Nominee, Best Deep Series category
Shoot Juliet Down By Komachi Katsura
Love is a brutal battle between vanity and yearning. Amidst the dark glamor of host club Velvet Kiss, Juri―also called Juliet―commands a vice-like grip on the number one position. Impressed by this poker-faced beauty’s supreme reign, newbie and number-two host Akatsuki decides he must learn Juliet’s secrets―and shoot him down from the top of the pack. But Akatsuki’s first up-close taste of Juliet’s intoxicating charm leaves him craving more than he’d expected. And as he may soon learn, some secrets are better left in their bottles, and the bullet that shoots through one heart might take out more than it bargained for…
Kodansha USA: Congratulations on receiving a nomination for a ChillChill BL Award in the Best Deep Series category this year for Shoot Juliet Down!
Nikuya Inui-sensei: [Shoot Juliet Down] was number one in my eyes! It really, really was the best!
Komachi Katsura-sensei: Thank you very much! Thank you.
Kodansha USA: Do you have anything you’d like to tell the people reading your work in America, and in English?
Komachi Katsura-sensei: Yes, well, Shoot Juliet Down is about a host club, which might be kind of a niche topic for American readers. I’m not sure if they’re aware of what a host club is. But I personally go crazy for American dramas, and I have for many years. Ever since the days of ER I’ve been really into them, and, like, I got really hooked on Orange is the New Black. Of course, I don’t know a thing about what life is like in American prisons, but I had a blast watching the show. So I hope that people can find universally relatable elements in my manga and enjoy it, too!
Kodansha USA: There is a female character in Shoot Juliet Down called Mari who plays a crucial role in the story, which is rare to see in BL manga. Can you tell me a little about what inspired you to write her?
Komachi Katsura-sensei: Honestly, I’ve always been the type to include women in my stories. BL stories all center around the main couple, right? It’s about their relationship. To me, one thing that’s really important when fleshing out that relationship is building the world around it. And since there will obviously always be women in that world, it only seems natural that they’d be in the story, too. So I never go out of my way to write women characters, they are just a given part of the surrounding world.
Kodansha USA: Interesting! Is there anything you’re excited to tackle next?
Komachi Katsura-sensei: Yes, I’m constantly thinking up new story ideas. I’m always jotting things down and discussing them [with my editor]. What was it we were talking about the other day? One was about a demon, another about a sorcerer. I’m pushing for the one about the sorcerer, but I think she prefers the demon story. (laughs)
Nikuya Inui-sensei: [I want to read] the sorcerer one!
Kodansha USA: I’ll look forward to both! Thank you very much!
Komachi Katsura-sensei: Thank you!
Nominee, Best Continuing Series category
Omega of the Divine By Ayumu Nagisa
In this atmospheric tale between a sullen, winged god and his mortal omega bride, tragedy and tradition find hope in a life shared. A three-volume BL romance full of feverish sensual encounters—restrained or otherwise… Rated 18+. A Kodansha Print Club series.
Kodansha USA: Congratulations today on being nominated for the ChillChill BL Award in the Best Continuing Series category this year for Omega of the Divine 3!
Ayumu Nagisa-sensei: Thank you very much!
Kodansha USA: How does it feel to be nominated?
Ayumu Nagisa-sensei: I’m very grateful to all the readers. The nomination came in for the final volume in the series, which made it feel as if the readers were watching over Kuro and Luca the whole time, following as the two journeyed through life together. That made me really happy. Getting nominated in the first place is such an honor. I’ve been ecstatic ever since!
Kodansha USA: That’s amazing! Do you have anything you’d like to tell your Omega of the Divine readers abroad?
Ayumu Nagisa-sensei: I studied mythology and folklore back in school. In Japan, mythology, local legends, and folktales can sometimes feel as though they flow naturally into the present day, rather than belonging entirely to the distant past. That sensibility made me wonder: wouldn’t it be interesting if the omegaverse had its own stories about gods, or an origin myth about how the secondary sexes came to be—its own genesis, if you will. I take those potential “what ifs” and use them to really flesh out the universe in Omega of the Divine. My hope is that the readers can enjoy the world building of the story—and the romance, too, of course!
Kodansha USA: Are there any pursuits you’re excited to tackle next?
Ayumu Nagisa-sensei: You know, I really do love writing fantasy. I want to create endearing characters, relatable characters, characters that would resonate to people from all walks of life. And then, with those characters, I’d love to write many more romance stories.
Kodansha USA: We look forward to reading them! Thank you for your time!
Ayumu Nagisa-sensei: Thank you very much!
Nominee, Best Emotional Series category
Blue Summer Haze By Dondon
A baseball diamond, a love triangle, and two catchers with their eyes on the same pitcher bring the heat in this baseball BL perfect for fans of Nagisa Furuya’s My Summer of You.
Kodansha USA: Congratulations on being nominated for the ChillChill BL Award in the Emotional category this year for Blue Summer Haze 2! Can I ask for a comment on what it’s like to have received this nomination?
Dondon-sensei: Yes, I’d like to thank everyone who’s read Blue Summer Haze! It’s so wonderful to have this opportunity for more people to learn about the series. I’ll keep doing my best to express every character’s feelings and growth with as much love as I can, so please do stick with us until the end!
Kodansha USA: Of course! Speaking of, Blue Summer Haze debuted in English on July 7th. How does it feel for your work to be translated into English?
Dondon-sensei: I honestly had never even imagined that my work might one day be translated into English, so I want to thank everyone who made that happen, from the bottom of my heart. While my characters may originally speak a different language and come from another culture, it’d make me so happy if even a little of their youthful conflicts, joys, aspirations, bonds, yearnings, doubts, regrets, frustrations, and jealousies could reach English readers, too.
Kodansha USA: I’m sure they will! Lastly, do you have any messages for your readers abroad?
Dondon-sensei: Thank you very much for finding Blue Summer Haze from across the seas! This series is about three boys in the peak of their youth who are trying to figure out what it means to have feelings for someone else, to chase your own dreams, and to find your way forward while balancing those two tricky things. They come from a different country and culture, but I would be overjoyed if you could relate to their choices and emotions and watch over them with love as they grow through their immaturities!
Kodansha USA: Thank you very much!
Nominee, Best Emotional Series category
Twilight Out of Focus By Jyanome
Film enthusiast Mao Tsuchiya and his lone wolf roommate Hisashi Otomo make three promises: ① That Mao will never tell anyone that Hisashi is gay and has a boyfriend, ② That Hisashi will never approach Mao “in that way,” and ③ That they’ll respect each other’s “private time.” The second-years’ ground rules should ensure a peaceful life together in their dorm, but reality is never as simple as it seems in the movies, and some things are not so easily promised…
Kodansha USA: Congratulations on the nomination for the ChillChill BL Award in the Emotional category this year for Twilight Out of Focus 7: Afterimages in Slow Motion 2! How does it feel to be recognized like this?
Jyanome-sensei: Thank you! Ever since my debut, I’ve been fortunate enough to have made it to the ChillChill BL Awards every year in some way or another (like for the Best Cover category, which doesn’t exist anymore, or the Best Deep Series category), so I’m beyond thankful. I look forward to the awards every year! And I’m very grateful and honored that my Twilight Out of Focus 7: Afterimages in Slow Motion 2 was nominated.
These kinds of awards that extend beyond a single publisher are always really exciting for me, both as an author and a reader. It makes me so happy when friends of mine are nominated for their work, because it feels like we get to enjoy being together in the same space, even though we write for different magazines and publishers.
I’m going to keep doing my best with hopes that I can make it back to the awards again! (Did you know that readers of the English renditions can also vote in the ChillChill BL Awards? It’d be even more exciting if they joined us in the fun, too!)
Kodansha USA: We certainly hope you make it back, too! What can you tell us about the future of this series?
Jyanome-sensei: The next volume, Twilight Out of Focus 7: Afterimages in Slow Motion 2 is currently in the works, so please look out for that!
As for the future of the series, I’m also in the middle of a serialization that stars Kirito Kujo, the goth who rooms with Shion (the main character of Twilight Out of Focus 4: The Evening Monologues). It’s called Senko Flashback (Stunning Flashback), and I hope to bring it to English language readers soon, too! Overseas fans have had lots of love for Kirito since he first came onto the scene, so I can’t wait for everyone to get to read what he gets up to! What sort of person will this goth who’s sworn off all love and romance fall for? Stay tuned!
Kodansha USA: That’s very exciting! Do you have any messages for your readers abroad?
Jyanome-sensei: Hi everyone, how are you doing? It’s me, Jyanome! Thank you for all the lovely comments you send my way on social media. It’s so encouraging to know that there are people like you who love BL as much as I do in such far-off places around the world. I hope to see you soon in another new volume—can’t wait for you to read it! It’d be wonderful to one day meet in person at an autograph signing or something, too. Let’s make sure we stay happy and healthy until then. Wishing you all the best! See you!
The mini-Kodansha House experience makes it’s way to the Javits Center and Anime NYC at booth #1819!
Kodansha’s summer of events continues as we make our next stop Anime NYC (August 20-23, 2026 at the Javits Convention Center) where we’ll be transporting our Kodansha House-inspired booth exhibit to New York and bringing with it exclusive merch, special artwork on display and more!
Now’s your chance to step into the world of Kodansha House in New York City by visiting our mini-experience at Anime NYC booth #1819. There you’ll find featured artwork from this year’s previous Kodansha House events, along exclusive merch only available at Kodansha House, select fan-favorite and anime-inspiring Kodansha manga available to purchase through a partnership with Kinokuniya, and even unique display for the Anime NYC’s Guest of Honor, Akiko Higashimura (Author of Princess Jellyfish, Tokyo Tarareba Girls, Tokyo Tarareba Girls Returns and more). Who knows you may even catch Akiko Higashimura, herself visiting the Kodansha booth while you are there!
Official Anime NYC Guest Akiko Higashimura
Akiko Higashimura (ACCO Sensei) is a legendary manga artist, known for her best-seller works such as Princess Jellyfish (nominated for the Manga Taisho in 2010 and winning Kodansha Manga Award in 2010), Tokyo Tarareba Girls (nominated for the Manga Taisho in 2016 and 2017 and winning the Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material), and Kakukaku Shikajika (winning the Manga Taisho and receiving the Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2015). Presently she is writing “Gintaro-san, Much Obliged” and “Maru Sankaku Shikaku”, whilst directing her original story for streaming TV, “The Vacation Principle”.
ACCO Sensei will be Anime NYC’s Guest of Honor at this year’s American Manga Awards, and is participating in panels and signings during Anime NYC. Visit Anime NYC’s website for details.
Check out our slate of programming:
Mark your calendars and schedules to catch us at one of many great panels happening at Anime NYC where we’ll unveil more upcoming print licenses, and participate in informative sessions full of recommendations, and thoughtful personal experience loving and working within the manga industry:
Friday, August 21, 2026
Do You Have This Manga? An Anime Tie-In Library Book Buzz When: 12:30 – 1:15 PM ET Where: Room 1A21 What: Staying on top of the anime news and trends can be tough, especially for busy libraries! Manga publishers are here to help with a primer on what are the hot titles with new and upcoming anime adaptations, recommendations for tweens, teens and everything in between, and resources for how your library can stay ahead of the curve! [Programming Link]
More Than a Phase: Transformative Queer Manga & Anime for Teens When: 3:15 – 4:00 PM ET Where: Room 1A21 What: Navigating adolescence while discovering your queer identity brings a unique set of hurdles. Join Geeks OUT and our guests, Daniel Duenas, Morgan Perry, TJ Ferentini, and Whitney Leopard, as we share LGBTQ+ manga and anime recommendations that prove surviving the tough times is just the beginning of the journey. Whether you are a queer teen looking for stories that hold up a mirror to your own experiences, an educator looking to expand their library, or a family member wanting to show care and support, all are welcome! [Programming Link]
A Day in the Life of a Manga Editor When: 4:15 – 5:00 PM ET Where: Room 1A21 What: From licensing procurement to pagination to the final product approvals, working as a manga editor can be a fulfilling and creative career for those who want to turn their passion into a profession. Join editors from all your favorite publishers as they discuss how their past professional lives, how they broke into the industry, and what a day in the life of a manga editor entails! [Programming Link]
New & Upcoming Kodansha Manga Revealed When: 6:15 – 7:15 PM Where: Room 1A23-24 What: Kodansha—purveyors of some of the most exciting manga published today like, Gachiakuta, Blue Lock and Witch Hat Atelier—invites manga and anime fans to a sneak peek of upcoming Kodansha print manga releases making their way to a bookshelf near you! Join the manga experts from Kodansha for an exciting look at new and upcoming releases, participate in our Q&A, and walk away with a few surprises. [Programming Link]
Keep your eyes open for Anime NYC announcements here atkodansha.us and updates across our social media channels on X, Instagram, Facebook , Bluesky!
Terrifying tales of restless spectres causing chaos from beyond the grave are as old as time – and you can add the best of these literally haunting thrillers to your collection with the Ghost Festival digital sale!
See the full details on these discounted titles for the Ghost Festival digital sale below:
Mushishi By Yuki Urushibara
Some live in the deep darkness behind your eyelids. Some eat silence. Some thoughtlessly kill. Some simply drive men mad. They are known as mushicreatures that came into being shortly after life emerged from the primordial ooze. They still exist parallel to our own lives and can only be seen by a select few. As a mushishi, Ginko is one of the few who are aware of their existense, and this young man with a sardonic smile roams from place to place with the knowledge and skill to aid those unwittingly affected by mushi.
Carried into modern Japan from a forgotten past, the being known as Ogushi haunts and tortures humans of all kinds. Little is know about Ogushi’s curse, except that it resides in an unexpected place: human hair. Like Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, PTSD Radio takes something everyday and weaves it into a series of chilling, cryptic, twisted, repellant, and alluring manga stories that become more than what they first seem.
Elegant Yokai Apartment Life By Hinowa Kouzuki and Waka Miyama
Yokai, ghosts, and humans living together in harmony? Yushi Inaba was taken in by his uncle’s family after losing his parents in an accident three years ago. Now sixteen and eager to make it on his own, he hopes to move into dorm upon entering high school. But by a cruel twist of fate, the dorm burns to the ground! After searching high and low, Yushi finally manages to find an apartment at the too-good-to-be-true price of 25,000 yen per month! Sure enough, there’s one condition: the apartment is haunted! Surrounded by a gaggle of colorful tenants, Yushi’s “normal” high school life begins! Waka Miyama delivers an elegant comic based off of the popular novel series by Hinowa Kozuki.
The new mystery thriller with a romantic edge from the creator of Blast of Tempest and The Record of a Fallen Vampire! Both touched by spirits called yokai, Kotoko and Kuro have gained unique superhuman powers. But to gain her powers Kotoko has given up an eye and a leg, and Kuro’s personal life is in shambles. So when Kotoko suggests they team up to deal with renegades from the spirit world, Kuro doesn’t have many other choices, but Kotoko might just have a few ulterior motives…
The story of a lazy male idol, ready to quit (or get fired), and the peppy poltergeist who brings him back from the brink, and rocketing to the heights of stardom! This madcap musical comedy is perfect for fans of My Dress-Up Darling, Kiss Him, Not Me! and Horimiya. THIS PHANTOM’S A CUTIE! Yuya, one half of the boy pop duo ZINGS, may be the laziest performer in the Japanese music industry. His partner is out there giving 110% every night, but Yuya’s sloppy dancing and his frankly hostile attitude toward the audience has the fans hating him and his agent looking for any excuse to cut him loose. The career of a pop idol just isn’t the path of easy leisure Yuya expected… After a particularly lifeless concert appearance, Yuya meets a girl backstage. All she wants from life is to perform. There’s just one problem: She’s been dead for a year.
Kodansha Reveals Spring 2027 Line-up of New Print Manga Licenses at Comic-Con International in San Diego
Just announced at Comic-Con International in San Diego 2026, Kodansha reveals even more print manga licenses set to debut this Spring 2027. The newly announced series for Spring include Subaru and Subaru, the next gear of the street racing saga that started with Initial D, and continued with MF Ghost; The POOL, the xenomorph battling sci-fi thriller from the author of Ajin: Demi-human; Meaheim, a fantasy epic with shades of cosmic horror; I Love You, Please Dump Me, a teasing yuri rom-com one-shot, and more!
These newly announced print manga licenses from Kodansha join the already tremendous slate of new print licenses announced at Anime Expo 2026.
The new print licenses announced at Comic-Con in San Diego and set to debut in Spring 2027 will be available for purchase at physical and online book stores like Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and more, while select digital editions will be available upon release across all our participating vendors, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play, Nook, Kobo, and more! Fans can also purchase and read all Kodansha digital manga directly on kodansha.us.
Full details of each new print license announced at Anime Expo can be read below:
In Case You Missed It:
The POOL By Gamon Sakurai
JP Title: ＴＨＥ ＰＯＯＬ
Debut Date: Spring 2027
Gamon Sakurai, author of the hugely popular sci-fi manga Ajin, hits us with an all-new sci-fi thriller! Dropped thirty miles from home base on an alien planet, Chief Yugi Oishi must lead her men and the exploratory excavation crew they find stranded in an abandoned mine to safety as alien monsters close in on them from both sides. But not all is what it seems, and there may be more than one danger lurking in the dark.
Twenty years ago, a wormhole suddenly appeared above Earth’s orbit and opened a passageway to an alien planet full of untapped resources and mysterious life forms. Two decades later, Team Sierra, a small military squad of security specialists working for the Tiberius Coke Corporation, are thirty miles away from home base on that planet when their leader, Chief Yugi Oishi, spots an SOS flare coming from a theoretically abandoned mine. Despite the danger, she leads her four-man team to the facility to see who’d called for help, only for it to be attacked by a horde of powerful creatures almost as soon as the doors close behind them. Now, she and the stranded exploratory excavation crew Team Sierra finds inside must traverse the treacherous mine to reach the only vehicle that could get them to safety—without waking the terrifying monster that’s been picking off the researchers one by one.
Rated: 16+
Box Set:
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Manga Box Set 1 By Saka Mikami
JP Title: 犬又と猫又の一生
Debut Date: Spring 2027
The sweet romance manga that inspired the hit anime reaches full bloom in this premium box set edition featuring exclusive artwork from the author!
Includes manga volumes 1-6 of The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity and an exclusive set of 10 art cards, all inside a pastry box-inspired package with magnetic closure!
Chidori High is a boys’ school that takes in the dregs of society with the lowest grades. Next door stands Kikyo Girls’ High, where the wealthy, high-class families send their precious daughters. Chidori second-year Rintaro, who has a fierce face but a gentle heart, is helping at his family’s patisserie when he meets a girl named Kaoruko. The two hit it off right away…but this blissful peace is quickly disturbed when Rintaro discovers that Kaoruko is actually a student at Kikyo. Worse, she doesn’t seem to realize what a huge problem this really is! Will these two be able to forge a path for themselves, and sidestep the traps (metaphorical and literal) laid by their classmates?
Rated: 13+
All-Ages:
The Cat and Dog’s Nine-Tailed Lives Story by Maki and Art by Hamuhamu
JP Title: 犬又と猫又の一生
Debut Date: Spring 2027
What if your pets could live forever? When an aging cat and dog named Buchi and Kotaro wake up one day as immortal yokai, they’re overjoyed at the chance to spend more years with their beloved owner. But time waits for no man, as Buchi and Kotaro soon learn… A heartfelt fantasy one-shot manga for animal lovers young and old!
One day, a pet cat and dog named Buchi and Kotaro wake up to find that they have become yokai, supernatural beings blessed with eternal life. Now, not only do they get to spend more time with their beloved owner, they can stick around to befriend his children, and his children’s children! But even as Buchi and Kotaro remain the same, their owner slowly begins to gray… A heartwarming tale about the importance of life and all its little joys.
Rated: 8+
Action & Adventure:
Kraken Mare Story by IZU and Art by Hagane
Debut Date: Spring 2027
This gritty space opera manga pits morally gray heroes against both each other—and a leviathan beyond human imagination, lurking on the other side of a tear in space.
Kraken Mare is a unique collaboration between Japan’s top publisher, an acclaimed French science fiction author, and an Italian manga artist that blends the gritty solar system sci-fi of The Expanse, the magitech of Battle Angel Alita and AKIRA, and the sweeping scale and massive monsters of Dune. In a universe overrun by the dark primordial beasts known as Krakens, the remnants of humanity contend for black ether, a fearsome energy source harvested from black holes. Amid the wreckage of war, a spy named Oriale ends up on a critical mission…
“Robust both in its worldbuilding and sci-fi storytelling. This is science fiction befitting Monthly Afternoon [the magazine that serialized BLAME! and Knights of Sidonia].” –legendary manga artist Tsutomu Nihei
In the distant, far-flung future, humanity’s pursuit of a vital energy source known as “Black Ether” has awakened monsters called Krakens, which lay dormant within black holes. These horrors brought humanity to the brink of extinction. A thousand years later, the Krakens are worshiped as gods by a church that exploits them to spread fear and control the remnants of humanity.
Brave smugglers known as scavengers defy the iron fist of the clergy, risking their lives to mine black ether in secret for profit. The crew of the space ship Pulsar, led by Captain Paze, is tasked with extracting black ether from an extremely dangerous black hole at the request of the Mars-based pirate group Red Sand.
Oriale, a church agent and skilled Atomancer, lurks amongst the crew, pretending to be the innocent cook “Eden.” But when the Pulsar is discovered by a terrifying Abyssal Kraken, she must reveal herself in order to save the crew.
A full-fledged science fiction story in which a heroine with wild power and cunning spycraft collides with a world swirling with revolution and conspiracy.
Rated: 16+
Meaheim Story by Kenji Tsurubuchi and Art by Konata
JP Title: メアヘイム
Debut Date: Spring 2027
Meaheim—where fallen, rotting fruit returns to the tree, lakes roil with flame, and gold flows like water.
Meaheim—where reality itself unravels and only specialized Guides can navigate the dangers.
Meaheim—a realm untouched by God.
Firechasers come to the Dark Lands seeking impossible treasure, but what they find instead is untold danger…and few return to enjoy the spoils. Now a young scholar named Ren must brave the journey to retrieve the panacea that is her ailing brother’s only hope…
A young scholar named Ren makes her way to Meaheim, the last town on the border of the Dark Lands—a bizarre place where horrifying monsters run amok, and reality itself is all but unrecognizable. With the aid of a Guide named Tobia, Ren sets off on a journey into the very maw of chaos, where she must overcome monsters known as “Witches,” traitorous adventurers, and the godforsaken land itself to retrieve the panacea and save her brother…
Powered by impeccable art, a clean premise, and excellent storytelling, this ominous, surreal fantasy is a cut above the crowd. With a female protagonist worthy of Le Guin and a dark style that will instantly hook fans of Tower Dungeon and Attack on Titan alike, Meaheim is poised to be the next powerhouse fantasy series.
Rated: 13+
Rega in the Sleeping Forest By yoruhashi
JP Title: 眠れる森のレガ
Debut Date: Spring 2027
Sleeping Beauty is downright beastly in this action-packed dark fantasy manga, which reimagines classic fairy tales with horrific monsters and gripping drama, perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, ONE’s Versus, or the Fables graphic novel series.
To save Princess Lorana from a sleeping curse cast by an evil dragon, Rega, captain of the kingdom’s knights, faces down a wicked wyrm within an ancient forest. Drawing upon his devotion to the princess, who rescued him from a life of slavery many years ago, Rega slays the monster, freeing the princess from her sleep. But the moment she awakens, the girl begins casting wicked magic, slaying Rega’s fellow knights and cursing the land, creating a “sleeping forest” which corrupts familiar figures into dark, monstrous forms. Stunned at this horrific sight, Rega looks up to see a crooked, crescent-moon smile in the night sky. Could this be the mastermind behind the corruption? And were those tears Rega saw in the princess’s eyes as she gleefully destroyed the kingdom she called home?
Rated: 16+
Yuri & BL:
I Love You, Please Dump Me By Shizuku Torii
JP Title: 夢と恋ではつり合わない
Debut Date: Spring 2027
Resisting temptation isn’t so easy in this funny, cute coming-of-age one-shot yuri manga where the class’s top student has a plan to control her feelings—that’s doomed to backfire! Torn between the intense feeling of first love and dreams of a grand future, can she find romance and success in equal measure?
Fans of the new wave of heartfelt, hilarious sapphic comedies like There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless… and I Can’t Say No to the Lonely Girl will love I Love You, Please Dump Me.
“Love makes people go crazy.”
Hikaru’s always been told to be wary of love—it can make you do stupid things. Like abandon your dreams, or worse, fail your exams! Which is exactly what happens when she falls in love at first sight with the gorgeous Kairi Kira. The problem is, Hikaru’s dream of one day living it up in an expensive penthouse apartment relies on her first achieving academic success. Which is why she’s going to have to nip this little love problem in the bud. If Kairi rejects her and breaks her heart, she’ll be able to get over her feelings and focus on her grades. Except Kairi insists on becoming her girlfriend, which is definitely not part of the plan! But this should be fine, right? She just has to get used to splitting her time and attention. Or…she could, if Kairi would let her!
A single-volume comedy and Shizuku Torii’s English debut!
Rated: 13+
I Loved Him First! By toreta
JP Title: 俺が先に好きだった！
Debut Date: Spring 2027
A charming and funny friends-to-lovers BL one-shot manga about an ex-yakuzamember who won’t let anything stand in the way of winning over his bestfriend’s heart—including that best friend’s boyfriend!
Makoto, an ex-yazuka, has harbored feelings for his best friend Ayato since high school but has always been afraid to confess his love and risk ruining their friendship. Instead, he resigns himself to the role of best friend to the bitter end…that is, until Ayato tells him he’s dating—a guy. Makoto does a total 180 and vows to win over Ayato’s heart by any means necessary—after all, he thinks, “I loved him first!”
A sweet and turbulent BL comedy—complete in one volume—perfect for fans of MyInstructor Won’t Yield and Honey Bee & Lemon Balm.
Rated: 18+
One Final Reveal:
Subaru and Subaru By Shuichi Shigeno
JP Title: 昴と彗星
Debut Date: Spring 2027
A new entry in the world of legendary street-racing manga Initial D! It’s the modern era, and the next generation of heroes take the wheel on terrain made famous by the tofu delivery boy-turned-GOAT driver Takumi Fujiwara. Premiering in Young Magazine USA, Subaru and Subaru is what you’ve been waiting for, if you feel the need for speed.
One year after Takumi Fujiwara’s student Kanata Rivington tore it up on Japan’s mega-popular MFG street racing circuit, two new drivers are itching to try their luck at the event. Their names: Subaru Sato, from Gunma Prefecture, and Subaru Kudo, from Kanagawa. The worlds of Initial D and MF Ghost meld into one as these two Subarus join together to weave the ultimate street racing legend!
This summer was packed with awesome series that made the jump to screen, and now it’s your turn to return the favor and jump into the manga that inspired them… and what better way to than with the Summertime Anime digital sale!
See the full details on these discounted titles for the Summertime Anime digital sale below:
The Ghost in the Shell By Shirow Masamune
An epic dystopian tale of politics, technology, and metaphysics, The Ghost in the Shell has been hailed worldwide as an unparalleled visionary work of graphic fiction. Deep into the twenty-first century, the line between man and machine has been inexorably blurred as humans rely on the enhancement of mechanical implants and robots are upgraded with human tissue. In this rapidly converging landscape, cyborg superagent Major Motoko Kusanagi is charged to track down the craftiest and most dangerous terrorists and cybercriminals, including “ghost hackers” who are capable of exploiting the human/machine interfance and reprogramming humans to become puppets to carry out the hackers’ criminal ends. When Major Kusanagi tracks the cybertrail of one such master hacker, the Puppeteer, her quest leads her into a world beyond information and technology where the very nature of consciousness and the human soul are turned upside down.
I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day By Nachi Aono
An orphanage for girls is actually a boot camp, turning out magical child soldiers for a gruesome war. Yet love finds a way to blossom amid bloodshed, in this dramatic, much-anticipated yuri manga that is spiritual kin to the likes of Revolutionary Girl Utena, Otherside Picnic, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury.
The hit comedy manga is now in print by popular demand! Swimsuits! Ramen! Dumb jokes! Beer! Uncomfortable nudity! After moving out on his own to a seaside town, Iori Kitahara makes a college debut he never anticipated. A new chapter of his life unfolds, full of diving with beautiful girls and shenanigans with a gaggle of lovable bastards! Idiot-expert Kenji Inoue and au naturel authority Kimitake Yoshioka bring you a glorious college tale filled with booze-fueled antics!
Born into a life of acting and dance with a traveling theater troupe in 14th-century Japan, 12-year old Oniyasha has one problem-he doesn’t know what the point of any of it is. Why must I step with the left foot here instead of the right? Why is one performance good and another, bad? Why do people dance at all? It all seems perfectly arbitrary, until a chance encounter in a run-down shack sets him down a path to revolutionizing the art form and influencing much of Japanese culture to come. A fictionalized account of the early life of Zeami Motokiyo (Oniyasha), the founder of modern Noh theater-the world’s oldest surviving theater art-this coming-of-age artist’s journey vividly brings to life a man far ahead of his time during one of Japan’s most culturally and socially vibrant eras.
The Ghost in the Shell: The Human Algorithm Story by Junichi Fujisaku, Art by Yuki Yoshimoto Based on the The Ghost in the Shell by Shirow Masamune
Togusa, Batou, and the rest of Public Security Section 9 are back in The Ghost in The Shell: Human Algorithm, a new story set after the events of The Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processer! With the Major missing, Section 9 continues along, solving cases with the help of their newest recruit, Tsunagi!
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