Tokyopop is bolstering its catalog with a significant influx of new manga and webtoon licenses, alongside fresh releases under its dedicated LoveLove imprint. The publisher announced the acquisition of 15 new licenses across various genres, promising a diverse reading experience for fans. Simultaneously, the company is expanding its LoveLove imprint with five new manga releases, solidifying its commitment to romance and boys’ love (BL) content.
New Manga and Webtoon Licenses
Tokyopop’s latest acquisition includes a wide array of titles, catering to different tastes within the manga and webtoon community. Among the newly licensed titles are:
- My New Wife’s Fake Smile by Kengo Matsumoto
- You Can’t Live All on Your Own! by Mizoko Tsuno
- Cute But Not Cute manga by Senmu Sakishita
- Eternal Covenant webtoon by Haegi
- I’ll Never Fall in Love With Amano!
- Do You Really Want Only a Meal?
These additions reflect Tokyopop’s strategy to diversify its offerings and capture a broader audience. The inclusion of webtoons like Eternal Covenant signals the publisher’s recognition of the growing popularity and influence of digital comics.
LoveLove Imprint: New Releases
Tokyopop is further solidifying its presence in the romance genre with new releases under the LoveLove imprint. This imprint is known for its focus on romance, particularly boys’ love (BL), offering fans a dedicated space for these types of stories.
Boys’ Love Titles
The LoveLove imprint is set to release several new BL titles in the coming months:
- WHITE LIAR by Tomo Serizawa: This steamy one-shot manga, released on February 11th, explores the drama-filled romance between an actor and his beautician. Shiraishi Kei, a beautician who has sworn off love, finds his resolve tested by the enigmatic actor Taiga Jinnouchi. A casual encounter turns into something more, blurring the lines between lies and sincerity.
- TOUCH WITHIN THE ABYSS by Moyori Mori: Scheduled for release in March, this manga tells the love story of a hitman who falls for his intended target, a young blind man. Hitman Chinatsu, haunted by a past failure, encounters Kasumi, the blind man he was meant to kill. Drawn to Kasumi’s radiant smile, Chinatsu grapples with his feelings and the dark truth of their first encounter.
- *WILD BEAST FOREST HOUSE, Vol. 2: This full-color graphic novel, already popular on WEBTOON with over 22 million views, is now available in print.
- MY TROUBLESOME MAN Light Novel: The third installment in the MY BEAUTIFUL MAN series.
Romance and Fantasy Titles
In addition to the BL titles, the LoveLove imprint is also releasing new romance and fantasy manga:
- My Contract With the Apothecary Monster by Ayaka Sakuraze and Ino Manmaru: In a world where monsters grant wishes in exchange for lifespan, Nea forms a contract with Dino, a beautiful apothecary monster who doesn’t seem interested in consuming her lifespan. Nea is offered the position of Songbearer and tasked with finding the Grimmdoll Chain.
- The Margrave’s Daughter and the Enemy Prince by An Ogura: Anna, daughter of the Margrave of Halmich, dreams of joining her father on the battlefield. However, she is given to the enemy prince in exchange for her brother’s life. Even in these tragic circumstances, Anna has plans of her own.
- The Inconvenient Life of an Arousing Priestess by Makino Maebaru and Yamato Fujimine: A priestess with the unique ability to inspire lust finds herself in a passionate yet pure relationship with a kind prince.
- Trapped by His Love: The Duke’s Unexpected Bride by Kotoko and Nimo Kakunimoto: A “Cinderella”-inspired tale full of twists, turns, and political intrigue.
Tokyopop’s Strategy and Impact
These new licenses and releases demonstrate Tokyopop’s continued commitment to the manga and webtoon market. By diversifying its catalog and focusing on specific genres like romance and BL, the publisher aims to cater to a wide range of readers and solidify its position in the industry.
Expansion of Boys’ Love (BL) Genre
The LoveLove imprint’s focus on boys’ love titles is particularly noteworthy. BL has experienced significant growth in popularity in recent years, attracting a dedicated fanbase. By actively acquiring and publishing BL manga and light novels, Tokyopop is tapping into this growing market and meeting the demand for diverse LGBTQ+ representation in comics.
Embracing Webtoons
The inclusion of webtoons in Tokyopop’s new licenses reflects the increasing importance of digital comics. Webtoons have gained immense popularity due to their accessibility, mobile-friendly format, and diverse range of stories. By licensing webtoons, Tokyopop is adapting to the changing landscape of the comics industry and reaching a wider audience of digital readers.
Impact on the Manga Community
Tokyopop’s efforts contribute to the overall growth and diversification of the manga community. By introducing new titles and genres, the publisher helps to expand the reach of manga and attract new readers. The availability of diverse content also allows fans to find stories that resonate with their interests and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community.
The Evolving Landscape of Manga and Webtoons
The manga and webtoon industry is dynamic, with new trends and platforms emerging constantly. Publishers like Tokyopop play a crucial role in shaping this landscape by identifying promising creators and bringing their stories to a wider audience. As the demand for diverse and accessible content continues to grow, Tokyopop’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity will be essential for its continued success.
