The second half of April is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of anime and manga releases in North America! Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast, a manga devotee, or just looking for something new to dive into, there’s plenty to get excited about this week. Let’s take a look at some of the key releases hitting shelves and streaming platforms between April 13th and April 19th, 2025.
Anime Releases: What’s New on Screen?
This week offers a mix of new titles and exciting additions to existing franchises.
Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League: (Releasing April 15th)
- Formats: Blu-ray, 4K UHD, 4K UHD Steelbook
- Publisher: Warner Bros.
- The Dark Knight returns in another wild anime adventure. This time, Batman faces off against the Yakuza in a thrilling, action-packed showdown. Expect the same over-the-top visuals and creative storytelling that made the original Batman Ninja a hit.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3: (Releasing April 15th)
- Formats: 4K UHD, 4K UHD Steelbook
- Publisher: Paramount
- Sonic speeds onto 4K UHD! Relive the excitement of the third installment in the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog film series.
Continuing Anime Series to Watch:
- One Piece: Egghead Arc: The adventure continues as the Straw Hat Pirates explore the mysteries of Egghead Island. (New episodes streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix).
- Wind Breaker Season 2: More action-packed brawls and character development from Furin High School’s resident street fighters. (Streaming on Crunchyroll).
- Fire Force Season 3: Shinra and Company 8 face new challenges as they uncover the secrets of the Evangelist. (Streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu).
- My Hero Academia: Vigilantes: A different side of the My Hero Academia universe is explored in this spin-off series. (Streaming on Crunchyroll).
Manga Releases: What to Read
Manga fans have a lot to celebrate this week, with a wide range of genres and series represented. Here are some of the highlights:
New Series to Start:
Gene Bride GN 1: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A new series blending sci-fi and romance, perfect for fans of unique and imaginative stories.
The Boy Who Ruled the Monsters: Before I Knew It, the Ultimate Specialized Support Skill Led to the World’s Ultimate Party! GN 1: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Yen Press
- A light novel/manga adaptation that dives into a fantasy world where a seemingly useless skill turns out to be incredibly powerful.
The Climber GN 1: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Viz Media
- For those seeking a more grounded and intense read, “The Climber” offers a gripping story about ambition and the challenges of mountaineering.
Continuing Manga Series:
365 Days to the Wedding GN 7: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Follow the heartwarming journey of a couple as they navigate the ups and downs of planning their wedding.
Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon: My Party Tried to Kill Me, But Thanks to an Infinite Gacha I Got LVL 9999 Friends and Am Out For Revenge GN 8: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A revenge story with a twist, featuring an overpowered protagonist and a gacha system.
Cat Companions Maruru and Hachi GN 3: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A wholesome and heartwarming series about the everyday lives of adorable feline companions.
Drifters Omnibus GN 2: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Dark Horse
- An action-packed historical fantasy series with a unique premise.
Does It Count If You Lose Your Virginity to an Android? GN 5: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A comedic and thought-provoking series that explores the complexities of love and relationships in a technologically advanced world.
Ero Ninja Scrolls GN 8: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A raunchy and humorous series with plenty of ninja action.
Glasses With a Chance of Delinquent GN 2: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A lighthearted and quirky series about a girl who gains delinquent-like powers when she wears glasses.
Go with the Clouds, North-by-Northwest GN 7: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Vertical
- A unique and atmospheric manga about a young man searching for his missing brother.
I Get the Feeling That Nobukuni-san Likes Me GN 6: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- A sweet and charming romantic comedy.
I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day GN 2: (Releasing April 15th)
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- A touching and emotional story about love and loss.
Other Notable Manga Releases:
- Akane-banashi, Vol. 11 (Viz Media)
- Beyblade X, Vol. 2 (Viz Media)
- Case Closed, Vol. 94 (Viz Media)
- Dandadan, Vol. 12 (Viz Media)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu Academy, Vol. 5 (Viz Media)
- Kaiju No. 8: B-Side, Vol. 1 (Viz Media)
- Mission: Yozakura Family, Vol. 16 (Viz Media)
- Record of Ragnarok, Vol. 14 (Viz Media)
- Undead Unluck, Vol. 19 (Viz Media)
Digital Manga:
Many publishers are also offering digital releases, providing convenient access to your favorite series. Keep an eye out for digital-exclusive titles and early releases.
Where to Buy
You can find these anime and manga releases at major retailers like:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Right Stuf Anime
- Local comic book stores
Digital manga can be purchased through:
- ComiXology
- Kindle
- Google Play Books
- BookWalker
Final Thoughts
With a diverse selection of anime and manga hitting the market this week, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out the titles that pique your interest and support the creators behind these amazing works! Happy watching and reading!