Kodansha USA is set to enrich its manga catalog with a host of new licenses, spanning diverse genres and promising exciting stories for readers. The announcements, made at various events, including Anime Expo and New York Comic Con, signal a significant expansion of Kodansha’s offerings in both print and digital formats.
Spring 2025 Print Licenses: A Diverse Selection
Kodansha USA has unveiled a range of print licenses slated for release in Spring 2025, featuring works from renowned creators and promising newcomers. These titles encompass various genres, from fantasy and adventure to romance and BL (Boys’ Love).
Dead Rock by Hiro Mashima
Hiro Mashima, the celebrated creator of Fairy Tail and Edens Zero, is back with a new fantasy adventure, Dead Rock. This series plunges readers into a battle royale set in Hell, where young demons compete for the ultimate prize: Earth itself. The story follows Yakuto, an aspiring demon who dreams of attending Dead Rock, the underworld’s top educational institution. However, surviving the entrance exam and graduating proves to be a deadly challenge.
Kaijin Fugeki: Kindled Spirits
This title promises a unique blend of action and supernatural elements, sure to captivate fans of the genre. More details about the plot and characters are expected to be released closer to the launch date.
Sayuri
Details surrounding Sayuri are currently limited, but anticipation is building for this new addition to Kodansha USA’s lineup. The title suggests a character-driven story, possibly with a focus on human relationships and personal growth.
Flip Flip Slowly
This title hints at a narrative that unfolds at a deliberate pace, perhaps exploring themes of self-discovery, romance, or slice-of-life scenarios. Readers can anticipate a story that emphasizes character development and atmosphere.
Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze by Hiroaki Samura
Winner of the “Excellence Award in Manga” at the 2014 Japan Media Arts Festival, Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is a historical and erotic political drama set in the Soviet Union of the 1930s. The story follows Bielka (“Squirrel”), a young woman in a wheelchair, and her companion Shchenok (“Puppy”) as they navigate a complex political landscape while concealing their true identities. The manga weaves historical figures like the Romanovs and Rasputin into a fictional narrative.
The POOL by Gamon Sakurai
Twenty years after a wormhole opened a passage to an alien planet, Team Sierra, a military squad, investigates an SOS flare from an abandoned mine. They soon find themselves trapped and under attack by powerful creatures. The team, along with stranded researchers, must navigate the treacherous mine to reach safety, all while avoiding a terrifying monster.
Fall 2025 Print Licenses: Expanding the Horizons
In addition to the Spring 2025 releases, Kodansha USA has announced a selection of print licenses for Fall 2025, further broadening its manga offerings. These titles span diverse themes and art styles, catering to a wide range of reader preferences.
Sheeta’s Little Big World by Yuki Kamba
Sheeta’s Little Big World tells the story of Sheeta and Nala, who live among the “littlefolk” inside a hollowed-out log. When Nala ventures out to investigate a mysterious smoke signal, Sheeta must find courage and wit to face the unknown. This manga promises a heartwarming adventure with charming characters and imaginative world-building.
Nezumi’s First Love
Details are still emerging, but Nezumi’s First Love suggests a heartwarming and relatable story about the experience of first love. Readers can anticipate a focus on emotional growth, personal discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.
Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun: IruMafia Edition by Hiroja and Osamu Nishi
This spinoff of the popular Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun series follows Iruma, a cheerful young boy who grew up in a slum. After giving his last loaf of bread to an injured old man, Iruma discovers that the man is Don Sullivan, head of the Babyl Mafia. Don Sullivan adopts Iruma as his grandson, and Iruma’s life takes a dramatic turn as he becomes the next in line to lead a gang of demonic mafiosos.
You Can’t Bluff the Sharp-Eyed Sister
The title You Can’t Bluff the Sharp-Eyed Sister suggests a story filled with wit, intrigue, and clever characters. Readers can anticipate a narrative where keen observation and strategic thinking play a central role.
Summer 2025 Print Licenses
Kodansha USA continues to add to their lineup with new licenses for Summer 2025.
Last Samurai Standing by TATSUZ
Set in the Meiji era, Last Samurai Standing depicts a Japan where samurai have been stripped of their privileges. A mysterious poster lures skilled martial artists to Kyoto with the promise of riches, but they soon find themselves in a battle against each other. The story explores themes of survival, identity, and the fading warrior class.
You’re All Mine Tonight by Takiba
You’re All Mine Tonight is a BL one-shot about a businessman who longs to reunite with a past lover who wants to leave his troubled past behind. Kanzaki, the businessman, has a secret he can’t tell anyone.
Digital Licenses: Instant Access to New Stories
Kodansha USA is also expanding its digital manga offerings, providing readers with immediate access to new series. These digital licenses complement the print releases, ensuring a diverse range of options for manga enthusiasts.
As the Gods Will by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Akeji Fujimura
From the writer of Blue Lock, As the Gods Will follows high school student Shun Takahata, who craves excitement in his life. His life takes a dark turn when his teacher’s head explodes, and he and his classmates are forced into deadly supernatural children’s games. Shun and the other survivors must unravel the mystery behind these games to survive.
India Calling Me Now by Terako Shima
India Calling Me Now tells the story of Natsume, a 28-year-old manga artist on the brink of giving up on her dreams. When her boyfriend gets transferred to India, she decides to join him, leading to a journey of self-discovery and new beginnings.
Manchuria Opium Squad
This gritty historical crime drama will be available digitally. The series promises a deep dive into a dark period, filled with complex characters and compelling narratives.
Continued Commitment to Print: Blue Lock and The Drops of God
In addition to the new licenses, Kodansha USA is committed to supporting its existing popular series. The company announced that it will release new volumes of the Blue Lock manga in print every month starting in July 2025 until the manga catches up with the Japanese release. Due to popular demand, The Drops of God manga will return to print in its 2-in-1 omnibus volumes.
Additional Releases: Novels and Box Sets
Kodansha USA is also expanding its offerings beyond manga, with plans to release new novels and box sets. They are partnering with Barnes & Noble to release a variant edition of Kōji Suzuki’s Ring novel and will release Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window: The Sequel novel in Fall 2025. The company will also release Kamome Shirahama’s Witch Hat Atelier Manga Box Set 1 and Katsuhiro Ōtomo’s Akira Hardcover Collection in Fall 2025.
