Square Enix’s Manga UP! Global has expanded its English-language offerings with the addition of Sakura Fujimoto’s “Exquisite Blood: The Heretic Onmyoji” (Miyabi Chi no Onmyōji). This supernatural action manga is now available on the Manga UP! Global platform, offering fans a new title to explore.
What is Manga UP! Global?
Manga UP! Global is the international version of Square Enix’s digital manga service. Originally launched in Japan in 2017, the global version debuted in July 2022, aiming to bring a wide array of manga content to readers outside of Japan. The platform offers a variety of titles, including both new releases and established series, with a focus on providing English translations as quickly as possible after their Japanese releases.
A Library of Titles
Manga UP! Global boasts a library of over 160 titles, with a significant portion available in English for the first time. This includes popular series such as:
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- Soul Eater
- The Case Study of Vanitas
- GOBLIN SLAYER
- FINAL FANTASY LOST STRANGER
- My Dress-Up Darling
- The Apothecary Diaries
The platform also features original works and adaptations from other media, such as video games and light novels.
Simultaneous Releases
One of the key features of Manga UP! Global is its commitment to simultaneous releases with Japanese installments for ongoing series. This allows international fans to stay up-to-date with their favorite manga as soon as new chapters are available.
“Exquisite Blood: The Heretic Onmyoji”: A New Addition
“Exquisite Blood: The Heretic Onmyoji” is the latest addition to Manga UP! Global’s growing English lineup. The manga, written and illustrated by Sakura Fujimoto, falls into the shonen genre and combines action, fantasy, historical, romance, and supernatural elements. Square Enix Manga & Books is scheduled to release the first compiled volume in English in August 2025.
Storyline
The manga is set in a world where the boundary between the human and supernatural realms is thin. Demons have stolen ten powerful artifacts, known as the Sacred Treasures or Sacred Relics, from the human imperial capital. The Emperor tasks the onmyoji (practitioners of Japanese esoteric cosmology) who serve the empire with recovering the treasures at all costs.
The story follows Fuzuki, a brilliant and unconventional onmyoji known as the “Heretic,” as he embarks on a quest to retrieve the stolen artifacts. His journey is fraught with demonic battles and courtly intrigue, and his destiny has the potential to alter the fate of both the human and demon worlds.
Themes and Genre
“Exquisite Blood: The Heretic Onmyoji” combines several popular genres, creating a unique and engaging narrative. The manga blends action and supernatural elements with a historical setting, adding layers of political and social intrigue. The inclusion of romance further enriches the story.
The manga also explores themes of destiny, duty, and the conflict between the human and supernatural worlds. Fuzuki’s character as a “Heretic” suggests a story that challenges traditional norms and explores the complexities of morality.
How to Access Manga UP! Global
Manga UP! Global is accessible through both iOS and Android apps, as well as a web version. To use the web version, users must first create an account on the app and then sign in through their web browser. The Manga UP! app is available everywhere except Japan.
Reading Options
The Manga UP! app offers a variety of ways to read manga:
- Daily Bonus Items: The app utilizes a system of daily bonus items that allow users to read chapters for free.
- In-App Purchases: Users can also purchase additional points to unlock chapters and access more content.
Supporting Creators
Manga UP! Global is an official service run by Square Enix, ensuring that all content is legally protected and profits are distributed to the creators. By using the platform, readers can directly support the artists and writers behind their favorite manga.
The Growing Popularity of Manga
The global popularity of manga has been steadily increasing over the years. This rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors:
- Accessibility: Digital platforms like Manga UP! Global have made it easier than ever for fans to access a wide range of manga titles from around the world.
- Diverse Genres: Manga encompasses a vast array of genres, appealing to readers of all ages and interests. From action and adventure to romance and slice-of-life, there is a manga for everyone.
- Unique Art Style: The distinctive art style of manga, with its expressive characters and dynamic panel layouts, has captivated audiences worldwide.
- Cultural Influence: Manga has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring anime, video games, and other forms of media.
Square Enix’s decision to launch Manga UP! Global reflects the company’s recognition of the growing demand for manga content outside of Japan. By providing a platform for both new and established series, Manga UP! Global aims to further expand the reach of manga and connect creators with fans around the world.
Square Enix’s Manga Strategy
Square Enix has been actively expanding its manga presence globally. In addition to Manga UP! Global, the company also licenses its manga titles for print and digital release through other publishers. This multi-pronged approach allows Square Enix to reach a wider audience and cater to different reading preferences.
The addition of “Exquisite Blood: The Heretic Onmyoji” to Manga UP! Global is a part of Square Enix’s ongoing effort to provide fans with a diverse and engaging selection of manga titles. By offering simultaneous releases and supporting creators, Square Enix aims to establish Manga UP! Global as a leading platform for manga enthusiasts worldwide.
Conclusion
The addition of “Exquisite Blood: The Heretic Onmyoji” to Manga UP! Global is a welcome development for fans of supernatural action manga. With its intriguing storyline, diverse characters, and unique blend of genres, this new title is sure to captivate readers. As Manga UP! Global continues to expand its library and offer simultaneous releases, it is becoming an increasingly valuable resource for manga fans around the world.
