Tokyopop has recently announced a wave of new manga acquisitions, diversifying its English-language catalog with a focus on romance, Boys’ Love (BL), and Girls’ Love (GL) genres. Among the newly licensed titles are “In So Deep, It’s Love Already,” “Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko!,” “Walking in Your Tracks,” “The Tale of Luvelia Kingdom,” and “Bride of Ignat.” These announcements were made during the Anime Expo.
Featured New Licenses
In So Deep, It’s Love Already
Authored by Reida Soragaki, “In So Deep, It’s Love Already” is a romantic manga that follows a heartbroken fangirl who encounters a shy transfer student resembling her favorite idol. Her quiet high school life takes a dramatic romantic turn when she uncovers his secret. This title is set to be released in February 2026.
Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko!
“Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko!” by Sal Jiang is a Girls’ Love (GL) romantic comedy. The story centers on two office coworkers who develop feelings for each other, each mistakenly believing their love is unrequited. This popular series has also inspired a live-action adaptation in Japan, which premiered in July 2024. Tokyopop plans a paperback release for this title in 2026. The first volume is slated for publication on February 17, 2026.
Additional Licensed Titles
Tokyopop’s recent licensing efforts extend beyond these two titles, bringing a variety of new stories to Western audiences.
Walking in Your Tracks
From Tatsumi Kifuu, “Walking in Your Tracks” is a Boys’ Love (BL) drama. It tells the moving story of Kizaki Ren, who is paralyzed and isolated after an accident, and how he slowly begins to open up to the quiet persistence and warmth of his new caretaker, Maki Rintarou. This series is notable for receiving a print edition despite its Japanese version being digital-only due to its small publisher.
The Tale of Luvelia Kingdom
“The Tale of Luvelia Kingdom,” by Keiko and Shion, is a romantic tale set in a fantasy kingdom. It follows Alois, an imperial guard and royal descendant, who is ordered by the emperor to marry Elina, the former fiancée of the crown prince. The story explores themes of duty, sympathy, and the journey of learning to love.
Bride of Ignat
Moyori Mori, the creator of “Touch Within the Abyss,” brings “Bride of Ignat” to Tokyopop’s lineup. This gentle and beautiful Boys’ Love (BL) romantasy features Rita, a lonely boy from a poor village chosen as a sacrificial “Dragon’s Bride,” who is unexpectedly rescued by the dragon itself.
Broader Tokyopop Licensing Trends
These new licenses align with Tokyopop’s ongoing strategy to expand its diverse range of manga offerings. In addition to the titles mentioned, Tokyopop has made several other licensing announcements in early 2025. These include three new Boys’ Love manga series: “Monster and Ghost,” “My Fluffy Moody Crush,” and “My Noons and Midnights Are for You,” all listed as “coming soon”. The company also confirmed licenses for three new BL titles and four romance/fantasy manga for Spring 2025 release, with fifteen more new manga licenses announced recently. Other titles licensed in this period include “Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim” and “Boyfriend, Sometimes Girlfriend”. Tokyopop has also licensed “The Little Bird Sleeps By The Sea,” “Fated Not to Meet,” “We’re Not Cut Out to Be Lovers,” and “Merry Witches’ Life” as of April 2025.
