Get ready, anime and manga fans! The week of May 18-24, 2025, is packed with exciting new releases in North America. From highly anticipated anime Blu-rays to the latest manga volumes, there’s something for everyone to dive into. Here’s your comprehensive guide to what’s hitting the shelves and streaming services this week.
Anime Releases
This week features a mix of continuations and complete series releases. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Date A Live V BD
- Publisher: Crunchyroll
- Price: US$69.98
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The fifth season of the popular Date A Live series comes to Blu-ray. Join Shido Itsuka as he continues his mission to seal the spirits and save the world.
Gods’ Games We Play BD
- Publisher: Crunchyroll
- Price: US$69.98
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Dive into a world where gods and humans engage in divine games. This Blu-ray set includes the complete season of Gods’ Games We Play.
Insomniacs After School BD
- Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
- Price: US$69.98
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: A heartwarming and visually stunning series about two insomniacs finding solace in each other. This release from Anime News Network and Sentai Filmworks is a must-have.
Manga Releases
Manga fans have a lot to look forward to this week, with new volumes and series debuts spanning various genres.
Adored By an Elite Officer: Could This Be Love? GN 1
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: A brand-new series about a budding romance.
After God GN 4
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Continue the journey in this thought-provoking series.
Blood Night Market GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Step back into the dark and mysterious world of Blood Night Market.
A Cat From Our World and the Forgotten Witch GN 5
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Enjoy another volume of this charming isekai tale.
Choking on Love GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: More drama and romance await in the second volume.
Chronicles of an Aristocrat Reborn in Another World GN 12
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Follow the adventures of our reborn aristocrat in this latest installment.
Cosmos GN 1
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: A new series that explores themes of connection and the universe.
Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro GN 19
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Price: US$12.95
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The teasing continues with the latest volume of this popular series.
Dra-Q GN 3
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: More supernatural adventures in this thrilling series.
Go, Go, Loser Ranger! GN 13
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Price: US$10.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Catch up with the underdog heroes in this action-packed volume.
Hirayasumi GN 5
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: More heartwarming moments in this slice-of-life series.
Home Sweet Home GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Settle back in with the latest volume of this comforting series.
Hunter X Hunter Omnibus GN 2
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Price: US$16.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: More adventures with Gon and Killua in this omnibus edition.
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability GN 15
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Price: US$12.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Continue the magical journey of the reincarnated prince.
I Was Reincarnated as the Heroine on the Verge of a Bad Ending, and I’m Determined to Fall in Love! GN 4
- Publisher: Tokyopop
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Will the heroine change her fate? Find out in this new volume.
I’m in Love with the Villainess GN 8
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$12.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: More romantic twists and turns with the villainess.
It Takes More than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Can love blossom beyond appearances? This volume explores deeper connections.
Jujutsu Kaisen GN 26
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Price: US$11.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The latest volume of the supernatural hit series.
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan GN 5
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Price: US$17.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: More darkly comedic life lessons from Uramichi.
Love in the Palm of His Hand GN 1
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Description: A university student who dreams of becoming an actor.
Not So Shoujo Love Story Volume 1
- Description: A hilarious parody of shojo tropes.
Vampire Dormitory Volume 13
- Description: Mito continues her training at an academy for demihumans.
The Akashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride Volume 2
- Description: Nano becomes Yako’s wife and moves to the Imperial capital.
Ongoing Trends in Anime and Manga
Several trends continue to drive the popularity of anime and manga in North America:
Anime Adaptations Boosting Manga Sales
Series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man continue to see strong manga sales, fueled by the popularity of their anime adaptations. The availability of anime on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll significantly impacts manga sales, drawing in new fans who then seek out the source material.
Rise of Social Media Influence
Titles like Dandadan have gained popularity through social media buzz, demonstrating the power of online communities in shaping trends. Platforms like TikTok and Twitter help spread the word about unique and engaging series, leading to increased readership and viewership.
Continued Dominance of Established Series
Long-running hits such as One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Dragon Ball Super remain top sellers. These series benefit from a loyal fanbase and ongoing storylines that keep readers engaged.
Digital vs. Print
Both print and digital editions contribute to the rankings of best-selling manga. E-books and app versions offer convenience, while physical copies remain popular among collectors and fans who enjoy the tactile experience of reading.
Events and Collaborations
Crunchyroll’s Ani-May
Crunchyroll is hosting its annual Ani-May celebration throughout May, offering various promotions, exclusive merchandise, and events. This includes partnerships with retailers like UNIQLO and Hot Topic, offering fans numerous ways to engage with their favorite anime.
UNIQLO Collaboration
UNIQLO is offering Crunchyroll 30-day free trial codes with eligible online UT purchases. Manga artist Remi Yamamoto will also create live manga portraits at the Fifth Avenue store on May 18.
Hot Topic Promotions
Hot Topic is launching special promotions and exclusive anime merchandise throughout May in its U.S. and Canadian locations, as well as on its website.
Industry News
Challenges in the Anime Industry
Despite its growing popularity, the anime industry faces challenges such as tightening censorship in some countries and shifting broadcast trends in Japan. However, new opportunities are also emerging, with TV Asahi and Fuji TV adding prime-time anime slots for Spring 2025.
Gundam Wing 30th Anniversary
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Gundam Wing, several High Grade Gunpla model kits will be released in North American storefronts.
Final Thoughts
The week of May 18-24, 2025, promises to be an exciting one for anime and manga enthusiasts. With a diverse range of new releases and ongoing series, there’s plenty to keep fans entertained. Be sure to check out your favorite retailers and streaming services to stay up-to-date with all the latest offerings!
