Manga Up! Global has expanded its digital library with the addition of three new manga series: The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story, The Magic Swordsmith, and A Starlit Darkness. These titles became available on the platform between Thursday, July 24, and Sunday, July 27, 2025, offering readers a variety of genres from fantasy to psychological drama.
The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story Offers a New Perspective
Fans of the popular The Apothecary Diaries series can now delve deeper into its world with The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story (Japanese title: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Gaiden: Xiaolan Kaisōroku). This spin-off manga presents the original story from the perspective of Xiaolan, a fan-favorite character known for her lovable personality.
The manga is penned by the original series author Natsu Hyūga and adapted by Itsuki Nanao, who also draws one of the main Apothecary Diaries manga adaptations. It began serialization on Square Enix’s Manga Up! website on March 23, 2025, and provides additional context and heartwarming scenes, especially concerning Maomao and Xiaolan’s friendship. The spin-off also delves into Xiaolan’s backstory, her life as a palace servant, and her aspirations.
The Magic Swordsmith Introduces a Tale of Craftsmanship
Joining the lineup is The Magic Swordsmith (Isekai Toushou no Maken Seisaku Gurashi), a fantasy and action series. The story revolves around Lutz, an unknown blacksmith who accidentally forges a magnificent katana, his life’s masterpiece. However, a series of events forces him to relinquish the blade, and without his maker’s mark, he cannot prove his creation. The katana eventually falls into the hands of Gerhardt, the local lord’s spellforger, captivating him with its beauty. This sword-making tale explores how an obscure blacksmith and an unnamed katana influence the lives and destinies of various individuals. The series is officially available in English on Manga Up! Global.
A Starlit Darkness Delves into Psychological Drama
For readers seeking a darker narrative, A Starlit Darkness by Yuu Toyota has also been added. This manga is categorized under historical fiction, supernatural & occult, and literary genres, and is aimed at older teen audiences.
Set in early 20th-century Japan, the story follows Subaru Karasuma, a struggling writer burdened by debt and contemplating ending his life. His path takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Geppo Yagira, a renowned and charismatic novelist. Geppo draws Subaru into his literary world, but this new direction seems to lead Subaru deeper into a psychological abyss. A Starlit Darkness is described as an enthralling psychological drama from the creator of Cherry Magic!. It has been serialized on pixiv Comic and Gangan pixiv.
Manga Up! Global’s Expanding Library
Manga Up! is Square Enix’s official digital comic reading application, launched internationally in English in July 2022. The platform hosts over 100 series, including original works and adaptations of light novels and other media. These new additions further diversify the offerings available to global readers on the platform.
