Kodansha’s K Manga service has announced the addition of Sumio Hataya’s romantic comedy manga, First Love, Worst Love! (Japanese title: Yori-kun to Yori o Modosu Wake ni wa!), to its English simulpub lineup. The series, which initially launched in Kodansha’s Dessert magazine on March 24, will now be available to English-speaking audiences concurrently with its Japanese release.
What is “First Love, Worst Love!” About?
The manga centers on Hatsuho, a young woman who has just moved to Tokyo for college, eagerly anticipating a vibrant new life. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers that her next-door neighbor is none other than her former junior high school boyfriend, with whom she had an awkward breakup. Despite his somewhat condescending nature, his good looks make him hard to entirely dislike, setting the stage for Hatsuho’s days of being pursued by her “problematic” ex-boyfriend.
The Protagonist’s Predicament
Hatsuho’s college dreams of a dazzling new beginning are complicated by the sudden reappearance of her ex. The series promises a blend of comedy, drama, romance, and slice-of-life elements as she navigates this unexpected reunion.
A Look at the Creator
First Love, Worst Love! is created by Sumio Hataya, who is credited for both the story and art of the series. The first compiled book volume of the manga was shipped on August 12.
K Manga’s Growing Simulpub Library
K Manga, launched by Kodansha in May 2023, serves as the publisher’s official platform for distributing its vast manga catalog in English. The service was introduced with a promise to offer hundreds of manga titles, including a significant number of simulpub series, ensuring that the latest chapters are available to readers in the U.S. at the same time as their release in Japan.
The Simulpub Model
The simulpub model allows fans outside of Japan to read the newest chapters of ongoing manga almost immediately after they are released in Japan, often updated at midnight Japan time. This approach aims to provide official translations by industry professionals, making popular series more accessible and combating unofficial releases.
Notable Titles on K Manga
Since its inception, K Manga has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of genres and popular titles. At launch, the platform boasted approximately 400 manga series, with 70 titles available as simulpubs. This includes well-known series such as Blue Lock, Rent-a-Girlfriend, and Eden’s Zero, alongside a deep catalog of new and classic manga. The addition of First Love, Worst Love! further enriches the platform’s collection of romantic comedy and slice-of-life titles.
