Tokyopop, a well-known name in the manga and anime distribution world, has recently announced a fresh batch of licenses, promising a diverse lineup of titles for fans to look forward to. Among the newly acquired titles are “My Beautiful Man: Interlude,” “Fox and Puppy,” “The Love We Share,” and three additional manga that span various genres and themes. This announcement has created a buzz among manga enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy Boys’ Love (BL) stories. Let’s delve into what these new licenses entail and what readers can expect.
Tokyopop’s New Manga Acquisitions
Tokyopop’s recent licensing spree includes a mix of light novels and manga, with a strong emphasis on romance and interpersonal relationships. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlighted titles:
My Beautiful Man: Interlude: This is a light novel by Yuu Nagira and a side story to the My Beautiful Man series. This series has gained significant attention. The My Beautiful Man series explores the complex relationship between two young men, delving into themes of obsession, admiration, and self-discovery.
Fox and Puppy: This manga, created by Nayuta Nago, is scheduled for release on September 23. The story revolves around Aiichiro (Ai-chan), a new editor who is assigned to work with his idol, the novelist Akihiko. The plot thickens when Ai-chan discovers Akihiko in a compromising situation, leading to unexpected advances and a deeper exploration of Ai-chan’s feelings.
The Love We Share: Hina Ten is the creator of this manga. This manga, slated for release on September 16, tells the story of Machi, a single father who finds himself and his daughter in dire circumstances. They are taken in by Machi’s former classmate, Mihiro, and together they navigate their evolving relationship while building a stable home for Machi’s daughter. The manga explores themes of found family and tender romance.
Real-Time Fever: Taberu Kasumi is the creator of this manga that’s scheduled to be released on September 9. It follows Shizuka, a shy college student who secretly streams erotic content online under the alias “Shiro”. One night, he accidentally reveals his private moment to an audience of one, leading to unexpected consequences.
The Stranger in the Hoarding House: Created by Joe Aruku. This manga is about an individual and explores themes of interpersonal relationships.
Star and Hedgehog: This manga, also by Nayuta Nago and scheduled for release on August 19, is a charming romance featuring a bubbly university student who returns home for the summer and a grumpy gardener working there temporarily.
Boys’ Love (BL) Genre
Many of the licensed titles fall under the Boys’ Love (BL) genre. BL primarily features romantic and sexual relationships between male characters and is a popular genre created mainly by women for women.
Tokyopop and BL
Tokyopop has a history with the BL genre, including the establishment of the “Blu Manga” imprint in 2005, which was dedicated to publishing shōnen-ai and yaoi manga titles. In 2020, Tokyopop introduced the “Love x Love” imprint, which aimed to provide BL/Yaoi, GL/Yuri, and male/female romance manga under one umbrella. This inclusive approach highlights Tokyopop’s commitment to catering to a diverse audience within the romance genre.
Other Notable Licenses from Tokyopop
Besides the titles mentioned earlier, Tokyopop has also licensed several other manga series, including:
Monster and Ghost: A BL manga series. The story follows Koton Tsubaki, a delinquent with a dark past, who encounters the ghost of Yuuki Kabuto, changing his life.
My Fluffy Moody Crush: Another BL manga.
My Noons and Midnights Are for You: A BL manga which features Mayo, a V-tuber, who is insecure about showing his real self until his manager, Ogino, expresses his feelings for him.
The Little Bird Sleeps By The Sea: A BL one-shot by Yuu Minaduki, exploring themes of grief, healing, and family.
Fated Not to Meet: This manga features Izumi, a sales ace, and Sendo, his rival.
Merry Witches’ Life: This series revolves around three widowed women who are determined to learn magic and find happiness.
Release Dates and Availability
The release dates for the newly licensed titles vary, with some scheduled for as early as August and September of this year. Fans can anticipate these manga to be available in print, and potentially in digital formats as well, through major book retailers and online platforms.
Tokyopop’s Impact on the Manga Industry
Tokyopop has played a significant role in popularizing manga in the United States. Founded in 1997 by Stuart J. Levy, the company quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the largest manga publishers outside of Japan. By 2004, Tokyopop held the largest market share of manga sales in the U.S.
Final Thoughts
With its recent acquisitions, Tokyopop is poised to deliver a compelling mix of stories that cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re a long-time fan of BL or new to the genre, these new licenses offer something for everyone to enjoy.
