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news

Web Novel Series 'Got Dropped Into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work' Gets Webtoon Adaptation

Series follows rookie employee on field investigation team at Baekilmong Company, who explores urban legends while developing survival strategies ― Kakao Entertainment has announced that the web novel Got Dropped Into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work will be adapted into a webtoon, which debuted on Kakao Page on June 5. The adaptation marks the first visualized version of the widely popular original ...
news

North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 31-June 6

NANA anime; Billy Bat, I'm No Angel, Secondhand Sisters manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Dark Future BDCite Kitty Media US$29.98 June 2 NANA - Complete Collection BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$99.98 June 2 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Always a Catch! How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince Graphic Novel (GN) 7Plea...
news

Bungo Stray Dogs Gets New Spinoff Manga on July 3

Shikiji Sorakura's spinoff manga adapts "Dazai o Hirotta Hi" novel ― The July issue of Kadokawa's Young Ace magazine revealed on Thursday that Shikiji Sorakura will launch a new spinoff manga for the Bungo Stray Dogs franchise in the magazine's next issue on July 3. The manga is an adaptation of the "Dazai o Hirotta Hi" (The Day I Took In Dazai), a moviegoer bonus novel for the 2022 Bungo Stray Dogs ...
review

Final Fantasy IX Picture Book: Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky Book Review

While it skews far younger than the average fan of Final Fantasy IX, it's nevertheless an adorable little book and a great little story to share with your children. ― As part of Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary, the original event designer sat down and gave the world a charming little picture book, all about the early days of the adorable and fan-loved Black Mage Vivi. You can almost imagine this ...
news

Haibara's Teenage New Game+ Novels End Main Story

Story ended in 11th volume, but upcoming 12th volume will have epilogue ― Kazuki Amamiya's Haibara's Teenage New Game+ (Haibara-kun no Tsuyokute Seishun New Game) light novel series ended its main story with the 11th volume on Monday. Amamiya previously stated on May 21 that there would be a 12th volume including an epilogue. Hobby Japan shipped the first volume in December 2021. The series won the g...
news

Rakuda's 'Shujinkō no Osananajimi ga, Wakiyaku no Ore ni Guiguikuru' Novel Series Gets Manga Adaptation

Manga launches on June 29 in Dengeki Daioh G magazine ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Kadokawa's Dengeki Daioh G magazine announced on May 27 that Rakuda's Shujinkō no Osananajimi ga, Wakiyaku no Ore ni Guiguikuru (The Protagonist's Childhood Friend is Aggressively Coming After Me, a Supportive Character) light novel series will get a manga adaptation beginning in volume 154 on June 2...
review

Heroine? Saint? No, I'm an All-Works Maid (And Proud of It)! Volumes 2-6 Light Novel Review

Reborn into a game world with no understanding of the rules, Melody Wave becomes the perfect maid and whips the game into tiptop shape while making the perfect cup of tea. ― One must begin this series with a pure heart, willing to accept anything. And should one attain that state before beginning, Heroine? Saint? No, I'm an All-Works Maid (And Proud of It!) will reward the reader time and time again....
news

North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 24-30

From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad's Been Reincarnated! anime; Every Adventure Needs a Weapon!, Love from the Tip of the Tongue, The Scum Laugh manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad's Been Reincarnated! BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 May 26 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date The Adventure ...
news

Yū Shimizu's Howling Blaze Fantasy Light Novels Get Manga

koko draws manga launching on June 26 ― The July issue of Kadokawa's Comic Alive magazine revealed on Wednesday that Yū Shimizu's Howling Blaze: Sōen no Kenshi to Fushi no Majo (Howling Blaze: The Funeral Flame Blade & The Immortal Witch) light novel series is inspiring a manga adaptation by koko that will launch in the magazine's next issue on June 26.The fantasy manga's story is set in a world bein...
news

Yu Hibari's 'Kokō na Kanojo to, Kanojo no Heya de Shiteru Koto' Light Novel Gets Manga

Mugiko launches manga on June 27 ― The July issue of Kadokawa's Comic Alive magazine revealed on Wednesday that Yu Hibari's Kokō na Kanojo to, Kanojo no Heya de Shiteru Koto light novel is inspiring a manga adaptation by Mugiko that will launch in the magazine's next issue on June 27.The novel centers on two opposites: the beautiful ice queen Kotori Nabata, and the introverted Takumi Hashio. Though c...
news

Kei Takano's Dōtei Dakedo Akuyaku Kizoku ni Tensei Shita no de Harem o Tsukuru Isekai Story Gets Manga

pastime774 launches manga on June 26 ― The July issue of Ichijinsha's Comic Rex magazine revealed on Wednesday that pastime774 will launch a manga adaptation of Kei Takano's Dōtei Dakedo Akuyaku Kizoku ni Tensei Shita no de Harem o Tsukuru... Hazu Datta no ni Nazeka Sekai o Sukuu Seijin ni Nattemashita (Namida) (I'm a Virgin that Reincarnated as an Evil Aristocrat, So I'm Making a Harem... Or At Leas...
news

The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done Light Novels' 21st, Final Volume Listed With July 15 Release

GA Bunko announced 21st volume as final volume in January earlier this year ― SB Creative is lsiting the 21st and final volume of Shirow Shiratori's The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! light novel series with a July 15 release date. SB Creative's GA Bunko light novel label revealed on January 4 earlier this year that the 21st volume will be the final volume. The novels' main story ended with the 20th vol...
news

Live-Action Series The Legend of Kitchen Soldier Sparks Increase in Web Novel, Webtoon Readership

Views of original web novel rise 170 times in week after series debuts ― The live-action series The Legend of Kitchen Soldier is driving a sharp resurgence in the original web novel and webtoon. According to Naver Webtoon on May 20, views of the original web novel surged 170 times in the week after the series debuted, compared to the week prior to its teaser video rollout. The webtoon saw a 61-fold ...
news

Yen Press Licenses Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Honey Lemon Soda Novels, 7 Manga

Also: Snowmelt and Agapanthus, Witch and Cat, Sinful Is the Angel Who Loves manga ― Yen Press announced on Friday during its panel at this year's Anime North event that it has licensed seven manga and two novel series for release in December 2026 and winter 2027. Title: Wistoria: Wand and Sword novel Creators: Fujino Omori (story), Yunagi (illustrator) Summary: Will and his childhood friend Elfaria e...
review

Betrayal of Dignity Volume 1 Novel Review

If you aren’t a fan of jerk romantic interests, I’d recommend looking for a different book. ― This is a beautifully written and well-translated book about an absolute horror show of a man. Betrayal of Dignity, whose webtoon adaptation is also available to read on Manta's site and app, is an impressive combination of light novel and old school romance novel, which makes it almost aggressively readable...
news

North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 17-23

Scarlet, Maoyu anime; Magical Karina, Shinjuku 69 Heaven manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Maoyu BDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$59.98 May 19 Naruto Shippuden Set 10 BDCite Viz Media US$44.98 May 19 Scarlet BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sony Pictures US$24.96 May 19 Scarlet SteelBook 4K UHDPlease Sony Pictures US$44.99 May 19 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Reta...
news

HYBE Expands Dark Moon Franchise With Werewolf-Centric Multimedia Project

The Witch of Yerasah centers entirely on werewolf characters; explores themes of fate, identity, self-determined love ― HYBE announced on Monday it is expanding its original story IP Dark Moon with a new installment, DARK MOON: The Witch of Yerasah, marking the first time the series focuses exclusively on a werewolf-driven narrative. The project is being rolled out as a large-scale multimedia initia...
news

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Novels End in Next Novel

13th novel shipped on April 20 ― The 13th volume of Isle Osaki's Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers (Shinja Zero no Megami-sama to Hajimeru Isekai Kōryaku or Clear the world like a game with the zero believers goddess) light novel series announced on April 20 that the series will end in the next volume.J-Novel Club licensed both the novel series and its manga adaptation, ...
news

Yen Press Licenses Moscow 2160, Love at the City's Edge on a Moonlit Night, Terrarium in a Drawer, 14 More Manga/Novels

Also: He Was My Brother, egg: I'm Your Child, After-School Duty, more ― Yen Press announced on Friday that it has licensed 11 manga and seven novel series for release in November. The company also revealed that it will release an audiobook for Keiichi Hikami's Elden Ring- themed novel See You at That Site of Grace After Work in November. Title: Moscow 2160 manga Creators: Kumo Kagyu (story), Koutarou...
news

Odayaka Launches Manga Adaptation of Mashimesa Emoto's Novel Series

Odayaka draws manga of Emoto's Goodbye, Horrible Fiancé, Hello, Fun Magic School Life! light novel series ― The June issue of Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine announced the advance launch of Odayaka's manga adaptation of Mashimesa Emoto's Goodbye, Horrible Fiancé, Hello, Fun Magic School Life! (Konyakusha o Sutetara, Tanoshii Mahō Gakkō no Seikatsu ga Matteimashita!) novels on Square Enix...
review

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Volume 3 Novel Review

When is a little knowledge more of a problem than none at all? ― When is a little knowledge more of a problem than none at all? Dokja Kim is about to find out. In the middle of navigating the Capture the Flag scenario in what used to be the webnovel Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse (TWSA), Dokja finds himself faced with a group of self-proclaimed Renouncers – people who read some of the novel, bu...
news

Seven Seas Licenses Pendulum: The Beastmen Omegaverse Saga, The Cat Who Didn't Believe in 'What-ifs,' Goetia Shock, More Titles

Also licensed: Good Night, My Little Bird; The Tomorrow I Want to See with Kako: A Time-Loop Romantic Comedy; Wandmaker of the Ruined World; more ― Seven Seas Entertainment announced that it has licensed the following titles on Wednesday:Title: Pendulum: The Beastmen Omegaverse Saga (Pendulum: Jūjin Omegaverse) mangaCreator(s): Hana HasumiRelease Date: March 2027 (BL label)Summary: In a world inhabit...
review

True Love Fades Away When the Contract Ends Volume 1-2 Novel Review

If you're looking for an accomplished heroine, a hero with more feelings than he's aware of, and a comfortably realized world, this is the series for you. ― If you didn't know True Love Fades Away When the Contract Ends was a light novel, I doubt you'd recognize that fact by reading it. Kosuzu Kobato's fourth English-language release, following I'd Rather Have a Cat Than a Harem, Making Jam in the Wo...
news

Korea Fair Trade Commission Launches Probe into Webtoon, Web Novel Industry Practices

Commission plans to survey more than 100 companies including major domestic platforms, content providers ― The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has launched a full-scale investigation into the revenue structures and business practices of the webtoon and web novel industry, aiming to address long-standing concerns over unfair contracts and profit distribution. According to reporting from Korean onl...
news

North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 3-9

Bloom Into You anime; Stella Must Die, Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi, Witch Hat Atelier: Grimoire Edition manga ship The weekly North American Anime, Manga Releases article will be off next week, and will be back in two weeks. Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Bloom Into You BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$69.99 May 5 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail...
news

Seven Seas Licenses Record of Chrono's War, The Dangers in My Heart Spinoff, 7 More Titles

Also licensed: A Serious Error in Chihaya-chan's Reputation, The Horizon Will Soon Shine, The Clingy New Hire Keeps Asking Me Out, more ― Seven Seas Entertainment announced the following licenses on Wednesday:Title: Record of Chrono's War: Apparently I'm Only the Strongest in Bed (Chrono no Senki: Isekai Teni Shita Boku ga Saikyō na no wa Bed no Ue Dake no Yō Desu) mangaCreator(s): Ayumu Saito (origi...
news

Lord El-Melloi II-sei no Bōken Light Novels to End in 13th Volume

Sequel to Fate spinoff novel series Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files launched in December 2020 ― Writer Makoto Sanda reported on Saturday that he is now writing the 13th volume of the Lord El-Melloi II-sei no Bōken (The Adventures of Lord El-Melloi II) sequel series to the Lord El-Melloi II-sei no Jikenbo (Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files) mystery novel spinoff. Sanda posted a photo of the volume's draft...
news

Kakao Entertainment to Launch Webtoon Adaptation of Suji Kim's The Forgotten Meadows Web Novel

New story takes place in same universe as Under the Oak Tree ― Kakao Entertainment announced on April 29 it will release a webtoon adaptation of The Forgotten Meadows, a new web novel by Suji Kim, on May 5 via KakaoPage and Kakao Webtoon. The project has drawn attention as the latest work from Kim, the author behind the global hit Under the Oak Tree, which became the first Korean web novel to enter ...
news

Korea's Largest Illegal Webtoon Site Newtoki Shuts Down Ahead of Crackdown

Operator of Newtoki announced all affiliated platforms would cease operations ― One of South Korea's largest illegal webtoon distribution sites, Newtoki, has abruptly shut down its services just weeks before the government rolls out a new rapid blocking system targeting copyright infringement. According to industry sources on April 27, the operator of Newtoki announced that all affiliated platforms ...
news

North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 26-May 2

Yandere Dark Elf anime; DOGGO, Grendizer U: The Inception, My Super-Cute Black Mage! manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Yandere Dark Elf: She Chased Me All the Way from Another World! BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 April 28 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Ako and Bambi Graphic Novel (GN) 7Please Yen Press US$15.00 Apr...
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Re:Zero Light Novels Cross 16 Million Copies in Circulation Worldwide

45th compiled volume of Tatsuhira Nagatsuki light novel series will ship on June 25 ― Kadokawa's listing for the 45th compiled volume of Tatsuhira Nagatsuki's Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World light novel series states that the series has crossed 16 million copies in circulation worldwide, including digital copies sold. The volume will ship on June 25.Nagatsuki launched the story on the Shōset...
news

Naver Webtoon, Munpia Launch 'World's Largest Web Novel Contest'

Contest to offer total prize pool of 380 million won ― Naver Webtoon and Korean web novel platform Munpia announced on Monday the launch of the 2026 "World's Largest Web Novel Contest," offering a total prize pool of 380 million won (approximately US$258,000) as the companies seek to discover and support the next generation of web novel creators. Submissions will be open from May 13 to June 21, with...
feature

Spring 2026 Light Novel Guide

The Spring Light Novel Guide is one of the companions to our Spring Manga Guide - come browse our selection of books and decide if your next read will be a mystery, a sci fi thriller, or an isekai treat! ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Spring 2026 Light Novel Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included novel was published in March or April or is an upcoming May release. This guide focu...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 19-25

Shangri-La Frontier, Tada Never Falls in Love anime; KILLING ME / KILLING YOU, Bug Ego manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Shangri-La Frontier Season 2 BDCite Crunchyroll US$79.98 April 21 Tada Never Falls in Love BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 April 21 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date The Ancient Magus' Bride: Wizard's...
review

How to Hold Someone in Your Heart Novel Review

Mizuki Tsujimura writes without turning emotions into gooey sentimentality, capturing humans’ inner lives in all of their bruised beauty. ― “It is a gift,” the last person Ayumi helps in this sequel to Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon tells him, “to live in the world at the same time as the person you have in your heart.” These words are a distillation of Mizuki Tsujimura's duology. Although everyon...
news

Ayano Takeda's 'Sono Hi, Akane wa Sora o Tonda' Novel Gets Manga

Kanan Yamada adapts novel by Sound! Euphonium author in manga debuting on May 1 ― The official X/Twitter account for Gentosha's Comic Boost manga website revealed last Friday that author Ayano Takeda's Sono Hi, Akane wa Sora o Tonda (That Day, Akane Fell From the Sky) novel is inspiring a manga adaptation by Kanan Yamada that will launch on Comic Boost on May 1.Takeda's original novel's story begins ...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 12-18

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom, Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing anime; Koharu and Minato: Happy Life with My Girlfriend, The Prince's Keeper manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing Collector's Edition BDPlease Shout! Studios US$74.98 April 14 Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom 4K BDCite Crunchyroll US$74.9...
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Yen Press Licenses 'Full Metal Panic! Family', Two A.M. at the Dining Table, N Manga, More Titles

Also: See You at That Site of Grace After Work, Your Castle's Little Helper novels ― Yen Press announced on Friday that it has licensed six manga and three novel series for release in October. Title: See You at That Site of Grace After Work novel Creators: Keiichi Hikami (story), lack (illustrations) Summary: Wataru Aida struggles with communication, yet somehow he ended up with a job in sales. His s...
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Live-Action Korean TV Series Perfect Crown to Receive Web Novel Adaptation on KakaoPage

Series is set in alternate version of modern-day S. Korea where constitutional monarchy still exists ― A web novel adaptation of the Korean live-action television series Perfect Crown is set to launch in May, expanding the series into digital publishing. The live-action series, which premiered on April 10, is set in an alternate version of modern-day South Korea where a constitutional monarchy still...
interview

How Ace Combat Inspired the Sentenced to Be a Hero Author

After six years, Sentenced to Be a Hero has achieved an impressive amount of success: eight published volumes, a manga adaptation, and an anime adaptation by Studio Kai. With the first season wrapped, we reached out to creators Rocket Shokai and Mephisto to get more insights into their views on its success. ― Sentenced to Be a Hero is a light novel series that has been in publication since 2020. Afte...
news

Joker Game Gets 4th Stage Play

10th anniversary show runs in February 2027 ― The staff for the stage play adaptations of Production I.G's Joker Game spy anime series announced on Friday the series will receive a new stage play titled Joker Game IV next year in February. The play will run in Tokyo and in the Kansai region. The fourth show celebrates the 10th anniversary of the stage series.The returning cast includes:Yūsuke Yata as...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, April 5-11

Dungeon Elf: What's a Dungeon without Treasure Chests? manga, Banished from the Hero's Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside audiobook ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Farming Life in Another World Limited Edition Steelbook BDCite Sentai Filmworks US$99.98 April 7 One Piece Season 14 Voyage 9 BD/DVDAnimeNewsNetwork Crunchyroll US$44.98 April 7 Print...
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I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class Novels to End in 10th Volume

Story launched in 2020; anime adaptation debuts on Tuesday ― The ninth volume of Takata's Class de 2-ban Me ni Kawaii Onna no Ko to Tomodachi ni Natta (I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class) light novel series announced on April 1 that it will end in its 10th volume. Takata also noted that the possibility that they might write a spinoff story is "not zero."Yen Press is publishing ...
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The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom Light Novel Series Ends in 15th Volume

Final volume ships on June 15 ― Kadokawa is listing the 15th volume of Punichan's The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom (Akuyaku Reijō wa Ringoku no Ōtaishi ni Dekiai Sareru) light novel series as the final volume. The volume ships on June 15. The romance story follows a protagonist who is reincarnated as Tiararose, the villainess of the protagonist's favorite otome romance ...
news

86's Asato Asato Launches New Light Novel Series in June

necomi draws illustrations, Imari Ozaki draws worldview illustrations for "spiritual techniques x near future action" story ― Kadokawa's Dengeki Bunko imprint is currently listing that it will release the first volume of a new light novel series by Asato Asato on June 10 titled Yaebuki Kikan: Senmanjō Tō Tōha Roku (roughly, "Yaebuki Agency: Record of Traversing the Senmanjō Tower," but "Senmanjō" cou...
news

J-Novel Club to Release English Audiobook for The Apothecary Diaries Novels

RB Media oversees production; 1st volume slated for release this year ― J-Novel Club announced at Anime Boston on Saturday that it will release an English audiobook adaptation for Hyuganatsu's The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) light novel series. Audiobook publisher RB Media is overseeing production of the audiobook. The first volume is slated for release later this year. Hyuganatsu is ...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 29-April 4

Lupin III VS Cat's Eye, Voltes V anime; MF Ghost, Sun-Ken Rock manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Lupin the 3rd TV Specials Collection 1 BDPlease Discotek US$59.95 March 31 Lupin III VS Cat's Eye BDCite Discotek US$29.95 March 31 Voltes V BDAnimeNewsNetwork Discotek US$69.95 March 31 Zone of the Enders Perfect Collection BDPlease Discotek US$59.95 March 31 Print M...
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Fate/strange Fake Novels' Final Volume Ships This Summer

Novel series launched in January 2015, inspired TV special, recently concluded TV anime ― The official X/Twitter account for Kadokawa's Dengeki Bunko label announced on Sunday that the 10th and final volume of Ryohgo Narita's Fate/strange Fake spinoff novels will debut this summer. In the afterword of the ninth volume in March 2024, Narita noted that he decided to adjust the novels' finale after deci...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 22-28

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Loner Life in Another World anime; Fluffy Cafe in Another World, Statues: Junji Ito Story Collection manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Himouto! Umaru-chan Season 1 Collection BDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 March 24 Loner Life in Another World Limited Edition Steelbook BDCite Sentai Filmworks US$99.98 March 24 RWBY: Volume 9 BDAnimeNew...
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The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time Novels Get Anime

Story centers on woman sold off to brothel who goes back in time after death ― TO Books announced on Friday that author Bakufu Narayama and illustrator Ebisushi's The Condemned Villainess Goes Back in Time (Danzaisareta Akuyaku Reijō wa, Gyakkō-shite Kanpekina Akujo o Mezasu) light novel series has an anime adaptation in the works. TO Books did not provide any other details. Seven Seas Entertainment ...
news

Seven Seas Licenses Trapezium, A Quirky Girl is Inviting Me to Bed, 5 More Titles

Also licensed: The One-Eyed, One-Armed, One-Legged Sorcerer; Your Meteor, Hidden in Flowers; more ― Seven Seas Entertainment announced the following licenses on Wednesday: Title: Magical Buffs: The Support Caster is Stronger Than He Realized! audiobook Creator(s): Haka Tokura, Eiri Shirai Release Date: April 16 (volume 1, Siren imprint) Summary: Wim Strauss isn't a flashy fighter—he's a granting cast...
news

Mages. to Launch The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten Game on July 23

Game to launch for Switch, Switch 2 ― Mages. announced on Sunday that Saekisan's The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten (Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsu no Ma ni ka Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken) light novel series is getting a game adaptation titled Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsu no Ma ni ka Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken Memorial Vacation, which will launch for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on July 23. Pr...
news

DanMachi: Astrea Record Spinoff Light Novels Get Manga

Karu Yoneshiro draws prequel manga launching on May 25 ― The official X/Twitter account for Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan magazine revealed on Saturday that Fujino Ōmori's Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Astrea Record (Astrea Record Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka) spinoff light novel series is inspiring a manga adaptation that will debut in the magazine's ...
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Kakao Entertainment, Naver Webtoon Win Civil Lawsuit Against Major Piracy Site Agitoon

Court accepted both companies' claims of 1 billion won each ― Kakao Entertainment and Naver Webtoon won a civil lawsuit on March 11 against the operator of Agitoon, one of South Korea's largest illegal webtoon and web novel distribution sites, with the court awarding a total of 2 billion won (about $1.33 million) in damages. The court fully accepted both companies' claims of 1 billion won each, hold...
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Seoul Business Agency Launches 2026 Seoul-Themed Webtoon, Web Novel Support Program

2026 program will select 5 projects, each receiving 100 million Korean won ― The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) announced on March 16 a new initiative to support the development of web novels and webtoons based on Seoul-themed intellectual property, aiming to expand original stories into film, television, and other formats. The 2026 program will select five projects, each receiving 100 million Korean w...
news

Kakao Entertainment Reports 1 Billion Pirated Content Removals in Latest Anti-Piracy White Paper

Company states it has helped shut down 32 illegal websites in past 4 years ― Kakao Entertainment released its 8th Anti-Illegal Distribution Response White Paper on March 11, reporting that the company has removed more than 1 billion instances of pirated content globally since launching its anti-piracy task force. The report details the activities of Kakao Entertainment's Anti-Piracy Response Team, P...
news

Itaewon Class Creator Gwangjin Launches Jangga Spin-Off Web Novel on Kakao

Jangga follows Jang's rise from extreme poverty and instability during the post-Korean War period ― Kakao Entertainment will release Jangga, a new web novel by Gwangjin, on March 21 at 6:00 p.m. KST (5:00 a.m. EDT) via KakaoPage. The series marks Gwangjin's first web novel and serves as a spin-off set in the universe of Itaewon Class, focusing on the origin story of its main antagonist Jang Dae-hee....
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 15-21

Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-, The Boy and the Beast anime; Sakamoto Holidays, OMORI manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date The Boy and the Beast BDPlease Shout! Factory US$26.98 March 17 Food Wars! The Third Plate Complete Collection BDCite Sentai Filmworks US$89.98 March 17 Green Green: Complete BDAnimeNewsNetwork Media Blasters US$39.99 March 17 So...
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Yen Press Licenses I'm Just in a Faux BL, Servant Beast, Spy Classroom 4th Period: Blazing Fire, More Manga

Also: Ayakashi à la Mode, Why Run? My Summoned Beast Is Cute! novels ― Yen Press announced on Friday that it has licensed 13 manga and two novel series for release in September. Title: JUDGE Omnibus Edition manga Creators: Yoshiki Tonogai Summary: Envy, lust, sloth, wrath, gluttony, pride, greed. A group of sinners who bear the guilt of the seven deadly sins has been gathered in an old courthouse to ...
feature

Read it First: Manga, Light Novel Sources for Spring 2026 Anime

Not sure what to watch in the coming anime season? Read our reviews of the manga and light novels that inspired the shows from Witch Hat Atelier to Daemons of the Shadow Realm! ― It's hardly a rule that you have to read the source material before you watch the adaptation, but what if you want to? A decade ago, anime fans who wanted to read the manga or light novel before the show debuted were out of...
review

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side: Sword Oratoria Volume 13 Novel Review

It feels like this is the moment author Fujino Omori has been striving for: when Lefiya and Bell are fully running parallel to each other. ― Although this side story started out being about Aiz, it's really about Lefiya. That has been increasingly apparent as the books progress. Still, volume thirteen really cements the idea, and it feels like this is the moment author Fujino Omori has been striving ...
news

Kakao Ent. Reports Early Success for KakaoPage Rookie Web Novel Debut Program

38 new web novels have started serialization on KakaoPage since program's first recruitment round in October ― Kakao Entertainment announced on March 12 performance results for its KakaoPage Rookie program, a debut initiative designed to support new web novel writers, revealing that dozens of titles launched through the program have already attracted strong reader engagement. According to the compan...
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Publang Adds 3 Web Novels Digitally to Catalog

Beware the Pup, Ebony Castle, Beware the Ides of March available now ― Publisher Publang announced on Saturday three new digital titles joining its catalog: Beware the Pup, Ebony Castle, and Beware the Ides of March. All the titles are web novels. The titles were revealed through the company's newsletter and are available on the publisher's digital platform, publang.com. Beware the Pup is a shifter-...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 8-14

MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season, Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time anime; Akira Failing in Love, Demi-Human Sharehouse manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date I'm Living with an Otaku NEET Kunoichi? BDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 March 10 MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season BDCite Aniplex of America US$127.98 March 10 Possibly the Greatest Alc...
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Multi-Mind Mayhem: Isekai Tensei Soudouki Novels Get TV Anime

Yūsuke Kobayashi stars in series as Bard ― AlphaPolis announced on Friday that author Ryōsen Takami and illustrator Ririnra's Multi-Mind Mayhem: Isekai Tensei Soudouki (Isekai Tensei Sōdōki) light novel series is getting a television anime adaptation. The anime will star Yūsuke Kobayashi as Bard. One Peace Books is publishing Honoji's manga adaptation in English in print, and Alpha Manga is also publ...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 1-7

Chainsaw Man, The Eminence in Shadow Season 2 anime; Cells at Work! Lady, Shugo Chara! Jewel Joker manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Chainsaw Man BDCite Viz Media US$35.00 March 3 The Eminence in Shadow Season 2 BD Premium Box SetAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$179.98 March 3 Print Manga Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date 10 DANCE Graphic N...
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Phantom Thief Red Novels to End in 30th Volume

Final novel ships in June ― Author Shin Akigi announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday that the Phantom Thief Red novel series will end in the 30th volume, which will ship in June. The writer also announced that the first volume reached its 50th printing on February 10.   Yen Press publishes the series in English and describes the story:“In our family, it's tradition to become a phantom thief upon...
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Seven Seas Offers Virgin Knight, The Tale of a Little Alchemist Blessed by the Spirits, I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One Audiobooks

1st volumes arriving between March 5 & March 19 ― Seven Seas Entertainment announced the following audiobooks on Wednesday: Title: Virgin Knight: I Became the Frontier Lord in a World Ruled by Women audiobookCreator(s): Mitizou, MELON22 Release Date: March 19 (volume 1, Siren imprint) Summary: Reborn from modern Japan into a medieval fantasy world where gender roles are flipped, Faust is an anomaly—a...
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No-Rin Light Novels Return with Final Novel After Decade

14th novel ships on June 13 ― Writer Shirow Shiratori announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that his and illustrator Kippu's No-Rin light novel series will return from its decade-long hiatus with its 14th and final volume on June 13.   Shiratori cites the efforts of a crowdfunding campaign, which ended on February 28 and raised 13.76 million yen (approx. US$87,500). The story centers on teen...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, February 22-28

2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Rurouni Kenshin -Kyoto Disturbance- anime; Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS, My Favorite VTuber Is Scary IRL manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date 2.5 Dimensional Seduction BDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$89.98 February 24 2.5 Dimensional Seduction Collector's Edition Steelbook BDCite Sentai Filmworks US$129.98 February 24 Rurouni Kenshin -Kyoto...
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Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Novel Review

Dark Moon: the Blood Altar is the literary equivalent of a Twinkie. ― You've read the manhwa and watched the anime – why not read the novel as well? Possibly because it's 888 pages long. Like the BTS novel 7 Fates Chakho, Dark Moon is an exercise in Wattpad madness – a story that ties in with a K-pop boy band and casts them all as various supernatural versions of themselves in a complicated story. Th...
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Viz Media Licenses My Hero Academia, Dorohedoro Art Books, More

Other books include Sakamoto Days novel, Kiki's Delivery Service cookbook, more ― Viz Media announced on Friday that it has licensed 10 new novels, biographies, and artbooks for print in English, including three entries in publisher Iwasaki Shoten's Horror Picture Book (Kaiden Ehon) series. The titles are scheduled for release in fall 2026: Title: My Hero Academia: Ultra Artworks art book Creators: K...
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Solo Leveling Franchise's Audio Drama Adaptation on Pocket FM Launches 2nd Season

Immersive audio drama series debuted on Pocket FM on February 16 ― The Solo Leveling webtoon and web novel is continuing its cross-media expansion with the release of Season 2 of its immersive audio drama series, which debuted on February 16 exclusively on Pocket FM. The new season is produced in partnership with Soundist Entertainment and is available worldwide in English, giving fans another way t...
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Holy Boy Novel Review

I can already tell Holy Boy is one of those titles that is going to stay with me for a long time. When I first began reading it, I realized I’d need to close the covers or else I’d be up all night following its characters into the most unsettling recesses of their distorted minds. ― You don't need to look very far into real life events to see how idol singers bring out the worst in a select few of th...
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Tokyopop Licenses Nagi & Hayasaki, Beneath the Fallen Camellia Blooms, More Manga

Ugly Girls light novel series; Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary manhwa; She is Still Cute Today manhua also licensed ― Tokyopop confirmed with ANN on Thursday it has licensed 11 manga, one light novel series, one manhwa, and one manhua for release in 2026. Barnes & Noble is listing them for release on the following dates: Title: Nagi & Hayasaki Author: Neko Kiirono Release Date: May 19 Summary: A spicy romco...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, February 8-14

Beheneko: The Elf Girl's Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster anime, Otaku x Gal manga ship The weekly North American Anime, Manga Releases article will be off next week, and will be back at the end of February. Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Beheneko: The Elf Girl's Cat is Secretly an S-Ranked Monster BDCite Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 February 10 Beheneko: The Elf Girl's ...
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J-Novel Club Reveals 10 Light Novel, 3 Manga Licenses, 6 Print Releases

Sister Mafioso, Starting on Hard Mode, Unsung Epics of the Hero's Journey, more ― J-Novel Club announced licenses for 10 light novel series and three manga series for release on Friday. The first two parts of the first volume for all new light novel series and the first chapter for all new manga are available now. The company also revealed print releases for the following six titles: Roharu Kai and Y...
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Yen Press Licenses Scarlet, My Yandere Girlfriend Hiding in the Dungeon Kills Me Over and Over Again Novels, 11 Manga

Clevatess, Elden Ring, Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table, more ― Yen Press announced on Friday that it has licensed eleven manga, two novels, and one manhwa for release in August. The company also unveiled audiobooks for Dark Souls: Masque of Vindication, Blade & Bastard, The Holy Grail of Eris, and Whoever Steals This Book novels for release in August. Title: Scarlet novel Creator: Mamo...
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The Eternal Fool's Words of Wisdom Novels Get Anime

J-Novel Club releases Fuh Araki's manga adaptation of Hifumi's novels ― Bushiroad Move announced on Thursday that Hifumi's The Eternal Fool's Words of Wisdom (Yūkyū no Gusha Asley no, Kenja no Susume) novels are inspiring a television anime. Bushiroad Move released a teaser visual for the anime, but did not reveal any other details about the anime. J-Novel Club is releasing the novels' manga adaptati...
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Doko Yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e Novel Gets Anime Film This Fall

Akiko Abe's novel about boy meeting mysterious girl on remote island debuted in 2017 ― Shochiku revealed during its 2026-2027 lineup announcement of films on January 27 that it is producing an anime film adaptation of Akiko Abe's Doko Yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e novel that will open this fall. Shochiku's logo for the film contains the English title To You in the Beyond. The novel's story centers...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, February 1-7

The Ancient Magus' Bride: Fragments Collection, Ghost and Witch, Ichi the Witch, Perfect Addiction manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion BDPlease Crunchyroll US$49.98 February 3 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 BDCite Crunchyroll US$49.98 February 3 Kino's Journey Complete Collection SDBDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US...
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Hanashi Media Licenses A Journey Through Another World, Reincarnated Onmyoji, GATE: Thus the JSDF Fought There!, More Novels

Also: The Disfavored Prince is a Genius Alchemist, Reincarnated as a Poor Farmer, more ― English and Spanish book publisher Hanashi Media announced on Monday that it has licensed the following light novel series: A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring (Isekai Yururi Kikō: Kosodate Shinagara Bōkensha Shimasu) by Shizuru Minazuki (story) and Yamakawa (illustrations) Alphapolis ...
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'Hello, I am a Witch and my Crush Wants me to Make a Love Potion!' Light Novels Get TV Anime This Year

Romance story about shut-in witch, arrogant knight launched in 2019 ― Kadokawa revealed on Monday that writer Eiko Mutsuhana and illustrator Vient's Hello, I am a Witch and my Crush Wants me to Make a Love Potion! light novel series will get a television anime this year. The artist for the novels' manga adaptation Kamada also drew a commemorative illustration for the anime announcement:Cross Infinite...
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The Isle of Paramounts Light Novel Series Ends in 10th Volume

Series centers on man reincarnated onto remote island occupied by world's strongest legendary beings ― Light novel author Heiseiowari revealed on their X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday that their The Isle of Paramounts: Reborn into a Slow Life Among the Strongest in the World (Tensei Shitara Saikyō Shu-tachi ga Sumau Shima Deshita. Kono Shima de Slow Life o Tanoshimimasu) light novel series wil...
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The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess Light Novels End in 13th Volume

Mob Shōjo ga Last boss Majō wo Shiawase ni Suru Made project also announced ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Piero Karasu's projects announced on Friday Karasu's The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess novel series will end in the 13th volume on February 20. Karasu's next project is titled Mob Shōjo ga Last Boss Majō wo Shiawase ni Suru Made (Until the Mob Girl Makes The La...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, January 25-31

Castlevania: Nocturne, Project A-ko anime; Scavengers Another Sky, Battle Royale Deluxe Edition manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 BDPlease Viz Media US$34.98 January 27 Naruto Shippuden Set 9 BDCite Viz Media US$39.95 January 27 One Piece Season 14 Voyage 8 BD/DVDAnimeNewsNetwork Crunchyroll US$44.98 January 27 Oshi No Ko Season 1 P...
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Webtoon Views for Judge Lee Han-young Surge Following Live-Action Series Release

Views for original webtoon increased more than 20-fold ― The webtoon adaptation of Judge Han-young Lee has seen a dramatic spike in readership following the release of its live-action series adaptation on January 2. According to Naver, views for the webtoon version increased more than 20-fold during the first two weeks after the live-action series premiered, reflecting renewed attention across the f...
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The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio Novels End Print Format in 15th Volume, Continue Digitally From 16th Volume

Writer Kō Nigatsu: readers can either end story with 15th volume or continue reading from 16th volume ― The official X (formerly Twitter) account of writer Kō Nigatsu and illustrator Sabamizore's The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio (Seiyū Radio no Ura Omote) light novel series announced on Friday that the series will end in print format with its 15th volume, but the story will "quietly" continue digi...
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Netflix Unveils New Snippets From Web Novel, Webtoon Adaptations

Newly previewed projects include Take Charge of My Heart, Bloodhounds season 2, Get Schooled, Field Mouse ― Netflix has revealed new snippets from several web novel- and webtoon-based titles as part of its 2026 content lineup, announced on January 20. The newly previewed projects include Take Charge of My Heart, Bloodhounds Season 2, Get Schooled (English title: Teach You a Lesson), and Field Mouse ...
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The Winter 2026 Light Novel Guide

It's the perfect weather to read more books! Cozy up and find your next light novel read, whether it's horror in a certain region in Japan or a fantasy romance. ― Welcome to Anime News Network's Winter 2026 Light Novel Guide, the companion to our manga guide! Every included novel was published in December or January or is an upcoming February release. This guide focuses exclusively on series premier...
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Light Novel Exhibit 2025: Viewing and Tasting the Experience

The event featured massive displays for Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Konosuba - God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Date A Live, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Sword Art Online. ― Light novels are an integral part of the otaku fandom both in Japan and abroad. With several popular anime series such as Slayers, Full Metal Panic!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, The Familiar...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, January 18-24

Girls und Panzer das Finale Part 4, A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose anime; Betrothed to My Sister's Ex, Scenes from Awajima manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date A Time Slip of 10000 Years: Prime Rose BDCite AnimEigo US$24.95 January 20 Girls und Panzer das Finale Part 4 BDAnimeNewsNetwork Sentai Filmworks US$29.98 January 20 Print Manga Releases Title Publish...
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Hell Mode Volumes 2-3 Light Novel Review

In a word, Hell Mode has thus far been tedious. ― I get what Hell Mode is going for by having its protagonist—a 35-year-old gamer named Kenichi, who's renamed Allen upon his waking up in this new world—reincarnated into this generic RPG world as a baby. Born into this new world, our protagonist doesn't have to grapple as hard, if at all, with the logistical difficulties that come with being overnight...
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Yen Press Licenses The Bubble Love of the Mermaid Manga, Love Unseen Beneath the Radiant Night Sky Novels, More Titles

Also: List Rouge, Seeds of Anxiety: Asterisk, The Crow's Ballad at Dawn, more ― Yen Press announced on Friday that it has licensed six manga and one novel for release in July 2026. The company also unveiled an audiobook for the novel adaptation of Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died (Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu) manga for release in July 2026. The company's Ize Press imprint also revealed that it has lic...
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North American Anime, Manga Releases, January 11-17

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 - The Conflict, Headhunted To Another World: From Salaryman To Big Four! anime; 3 Minute Bodyguard Yoko-Chan, Kaijin Fugeki: Kindled Spirits manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Assassination Classroom - The Complete Series - Limited Edition BDPlease Crunchyroll US$89.98 January 13 Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 - The C...
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Inori Pens Sequel to I'm In Love With The Villainess Yuri Novels

"Furimukinasai, Watakushi ni!" debuts on January 26, focuses on Aleah ― Writer Inori revealed last week that her I'm in Love with the Villainess (Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijō) story will have a sequel titled Furimukinasai, Watakushi ni! (Turn Your Gaze Toward Me!) that is set for release digitally with its first novel volume on January 26. Hanagata returns as the illustrator for the novel. The no...

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