Kadokawa, a major Japanese publisher known for popular series like Konosuba and Sgt. Frog, is significantly expanding its English manga offerings, with a notable new release being Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled. This move reflects a broader initiative by Kadokawa to simulpublish manga and light novels digitally in English, often on the same day as their Japanese releases.
New Additions to Kadokawa’s English Lineup
Kadokawa announced several new manga titles for English release in August, demonstrating their commitment to making their diverse catalog accessible to a global audience. These releases are available through platforms like BookWalker Global.
Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled
One of the highlighted new series is Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled (Noroma Mahō to Yobareta Mahōtsukai wa Jūryoku Mahō de Musō Suru). This fantasy adventure, with art by Erika Kanbara and story by Kazuki Ichimori, is set to release on August 7.
The story follows Wade, a young man who escapes his impoverished background to become an adventurer. Despite his initial struggles and being labeled with “slow magic,” he discovers his unique aptitude for “Gravity Magic”—a power previously unknown and unutilized in his world. Leveraging his knowledge from a past life as a “company slave” in Japan, Wade understands gravity more deeply than anyone else, realizing its potential to make him the strongest. Partnering with Ais, a shy girl with ice magic, Wade embarks on a journey to become the wealthiest and greatest adventurer.
Other Noteworthy August Releases
Beyond Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled, Kadokawa’s August releases include:
- Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just a Black Widow x 3 (Batsu 3 no Mitori Fujin to Yobareteimasu node Suteoite Kudasaimase), with art by Kero Amano and story by Yumemirulion, featuring character designs by Sekaimeguru. This title is slated for an August 8 release.
- The Fight and Flight of the Sickly Villainess.
These titles contribute to Kadokawa’s ongoing strategy to bring a wider variety of Japanese manga directly to English-speaking readers.
Kadokawa’s Simulpub Initiative and Growth
Kadokawa’s push for direct English releases began with a significant announcement at Crunchyroll Expo 2021, revealing their “simulpub” initiative. This initiative aims to release manga and light novel series in English on the same day as their Japanese counterparts. While Kadokawa has historically licensed its titles to companies like Yen Press (in which it holds a majority stake) and other localization firms, it is now handling the localization for these new simulpub releases internally.
This strategic shift allows Kadokawa to directly control the English distribution of its content, minimizing delays and potentially offering a more consistent experience for readers. The company plans to expand its digital simulpublishing to various platforms beyond BookWalker Global, including comiXology and Kindle. This aggressive expansion is part of Kadokawa’s broader goal to release over 100 titles in English in the near future, indicating a strong commitment to the global manga market.
Past simulpub titles from Kadokawa’s initiative have included The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for The Throne, A Boy Raised by Gods Will Be the Strongest, My Little Sister Stole My Fiancé: The Strongest Dragon Favors Me And Plans To Take Over The Kingdom?, The 31st Consort, The Lotus Eaters, Drunk and Sober, and Magic Stone Gourmet: Eating Magical Power Made Me The Strongest. More recently, Kadokawa launched the English simulpub of The Villainess Is a Boy! manga on BookWalker Global on July 26, 2025. This series, written by Noa Nekoyashiki and illustrated by Seira Minami (illustrator for The Rising of the Shield Hero light novels), tells the story of a working man reincarnated as an otome game villainess who must avoid a prince’s affections to survive.
The Expanding World of Digital Manga
The rise of digital platforms and simulpublishing has transformed how international audiences access Japanese manga. Companies like Kadokawa are directly engaging with readers, offering timely releases and a broader selection of genres, from action and fantasy to romance and slice of life. This trend provides immense opportunities for fans to discover new stories and for publishers to reach a wider global readership.
