Yen Press

Yen Press Announces Two Manga and Two Light Novels for January 2022

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced the following manga and light novels in January 2022:

Title: Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside manga
Creators: Zappon (original story), Masahiro Ikeno (art), Yasumo (character design)
Summary: Despite being the bearer of the powerful Divine Blessing of the Guide, Red has been banished from the Hero’s party. Listless, he decides to head to the frontier and hatches a plan to spend his days working an easy apothecary job. Thus begins his new life.

Title: From the Red Fog manga
Creator: Daigo Murasaki (story)
Summary: England at the end of the nineteenth century. A string of gruesome incidents all lead back to a single boy who was born into a world where chaos, order, wealth, and poverty are all deeply intertwined. Guided by a deep solitude, what fate awaits him in the end?

Title: Demon Lord 2099 light novel
Creators: Daigo Murasaki (story), Kureta (illustration)
Summary: Fused Era Year 2099—Shinjuku. The dazzling prosperity of this massive city-state conceals a lurid darkness just beneath its surface. It is here—in this megalopolis that represents the pinnacle of human development—where the legendary Demon Lord Veltol makes his second coming. To rule this brave new world, he will have to take hold of the future for himself.

Title: Chitose-kun Is in the Ramune Bottle light novel
Creators: Hiromu (story), raemz (art)
Summary: As far as normies go, it’s hard to beat Saku Chitose. The most popular kid in his high school? Check. An ironclad reputation that can even weather vicious online attacks? Check. A group of friends who are as attractive on the outside as they are on the inside? Check. But when a teacher asks Saku to help a student who has been shut away in his room for months reacclimate to school life, his perfect world will never be the same. What is this, some kinda normie harem story?

Source: ANN

Yen Press and LibraryPass to Distribute Digital Manga to Libraries and Schools Through Comics Plus

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

LibraryPass and Yen Press have announced a distribution agreement to make a selection of Yen Press’ digital catalog available to libraries and schools through Comics Plus. Comics Plus allows readers unlimited online and offline access to digital comics, graphic novels, and manga at a library or school.

Yen Press will add over 100 titles to the service, including Western comics. The service will include the following manga:

  • Star Wars: Lost Stars
  • Star Wars: Star Wars Leia, Princess of Alderaan
  • Star Wars Rebels
  • New Japan Academy Volume 1: The Tale of Tetsuya Naito
  • Kingdom Hearts II
  • Kingdom Hearts III
  • Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix
  • Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
  • Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days
  • Big Hero 6

Source: ANN

Yen Press Announces Two Manga and Two Light Novels for December 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced the following manga, light novels, and books for release in December 2021:

Title: Spy Classroom manga
Creators: Takemachi (story), Kaname Seu (art), tomari (character design)
Summary: The golden age of the military has passed, and war is now carried out by spies. Klaus, an agent with a perfect record but a difficult personality, has formed a special team to carry out an “impossible” mission with a 90% failure rate. Problem is… the ones he’s chosen are a bunch of pretty girls with no experience?

Title: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Vol. 0 manga
Creator: AidaIro
Summary: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun takes on the theme of the school ghost story of Hanako-san. All three chapters of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun from its original short-term serialization in the monthly magazine G Fantasy are now available in one book. What’s more, the author’s extremely rare debut series, The Lovely Living Dead, is also included. This starting point has plenty of talent which drives the next era.

Title: Dragon and Ceremony light novel
Creator: Ichimei Tsukushi (story), Enji (art)
Summary: To fulfill his master’s last request, half-human wand craftsman Ix must repair a staff belonging to a girl named Yuui. There’s just one problem—in order to mend the staff’s core, Ix must obtain the heart of a dragon, the last of which supposedly died out 1,000 years ago. Running up against a strict time limit before his contract expires, Ix must somehow find a long lost dragon and repair the wand all by summer’s end.

Title: My Happy Marriage light novel
Creator: Akumi Agitogi (story), Tsukiho Tsukioka (art)
Summary: Born to a noble family, Miyo is raised by her abusive stepmother and married off to Kiyoka, a soldier so heartless his prior fiancées fled within three days into their engagement. With no home to return to, Miyo slowly starts to open her heart to her cold and pale husband-to-be, despite their rocky introduction. This might just be her chance at finding true love and happiness.

Title: Visions 2021__Illustrators Book artbook
Creator: pixiv inc. (editor)
Summary: Here are the “VISIONS” of 170 frontline illustrators. Compiled by pixiv, this artbook features the newest and best works of illustrators making a splash in the industry.

Source: ANN

Yen Press Announces AidaIro Illustrations: Toilet-bound Hanako-kun

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press, LLC has announced the release of AidaIro Illustrations: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, a beautiful artbook that features full color illustrations from the best-selling manga series.

It’s alluring, it’s adorable, it’s in all the colors of the rainbow—it’s AidaIro Illustrations, the Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun artbook. Featuring all the color pages published in Monthly GFantasy from 2015-2019, over 170 photos of merchandise and collaboration cafés, and brand-new drawings you can only see here.

Since Yen Press began releasing Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun in print in January 2020, it has quickly risen to become one of the most popular manga series today. This beloved series that combines the cute and comedic with the dark and supernatural has a large following of fans that are surely eager to own Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun creator AidaIro’s amazing collection of art, illustrations and photographs.

AidaIro Illustrations: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is scheduled for a November 2021 release in print and digital.

Yen Press Announces Six Manga and Four Light Novel Licenses for November 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced the following light novels and manga for release in November 2021:

Title: The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time (Nidome no Yūsha wa Fukushū no Michi o Warai Ayumu) manga
Creators: Yamo Yomoya (art), Nero Kizuka (original story), Sinsora (character design)
Summary: Kaito has been summoned into another world as a hero, and though all goes well for a time, one day, his entire party betrays and mercilessly kills him. So when he suddenly gets a chance to redo his life, starting from the point he was first summoned to this world, he swears to exact vengeance on everyone who stabbed him in the back…

Title: Let This Grieving Soul Retire manga
Creators: Tsukikage (story), Rai Hebino (art), Chiko (character design)
Summary: This man—is he an extraordinary hero or an ordinary person?

“What I’m seeking is to be the world’s one and only strongest hero.”

Cry had made an oath together with his childhood friends to become the strongest hero, but he realized right after that he has no talent.

Nevertheless, for some reason, the expectations of those around him keep rising rapidly every day. And at least according to Cry, things will always head in an outrageous direction.

Title: Namaiki Zakari. manga
Creator: Miyuki Mitsubachi
Summary: Basketball club manager Yuki has a secret—she’s in love with the team captain. But when Naruse, her cheeky kouhai, discovers her big secret, she’s in a tight spot. Just how long is he going to keep teasing her about it? Stupid pretty playboy…

Title: I’ve Been an Omega Since Today manga
Creator: Maiki Sachi
Summary: It all starts with your typical childhood friend love story—average Kanade pining after his dandy best friend, Munechika. There’s just one big problem with their high school romance—Kanade’s a Beta and Munechika’s an Alpha. And everyone knows that Alpha/Beta pairing just aren’t compatible… on a physical level. But when Kanade goes into heat as an Omega for the first time, will Munechika be there to give him a helping hand?

Title: The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid manga
Creator: Yugata Tanabe
Summary: Sumire, a “nekomata” phantom, has lost her beloved master. After wandering alone, she stumbles into… a foreign demon world. Now Sumire serves under the president of a company, alongside an undead named Rose and an android named Ivy. In order to get back that “certain someone,” Sumire’s splendid work begins.

Title: Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc manga
Creators: Magica Quartet (story), Hanokage (art)
Summary: All the witches in the universe, past and future, may have disappeared, but in their place, emotion-eating “wraiths” prey on humanity. The magical girls fight to protect Mitakihara City once more…

Title: Magical Explorer light novel
Creators: Iris (story), Noboru Kannataki (art)
Summary: Reincarnated as a character in the legendary eroge title “Magical☆Explorer,” our hero ends up as an unlucky side-character instead of the game’s lady-killer protagonist. Not to worry, though. Armed with his deep knowledge of the game (not to mention a few cheat codes), he’ll do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the game’s heroines and emerge as the most accomplished student at the Sorcerer’s Academy.

Title: Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie light novel
Creators: Hiroro Akizakura (story), Dangmill (art)
Summary: Reincarnated as a villainess in an Otome game, Cecilia realizes that as the heroine’s rival, she’ll die no matter what route she takes. Convinced that she can avoid her death flag by becoming a man, she crossdresses and takes on a new identity. In the process, however, she ends up replacing her brother-in-law as the knight charged with protecting the heroine. Now the prince who should be condemning her to death wants to hang around her all the time. Cecilia will do whatever it takes to achieve a peaceful and carefree life, but if her guise ever slips, it’s Game Over.

Title: The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend light novel
Creators: Kennoji (story), Fly (art)
Summary: While on his way to school one morning, high school second-year Takamori Ryo saves his childhood friend Fushimi Hina from a sexual harasser on a crowded train. Although the two are practically opposites in appearance and popularity, not to mention the fact they haven’t spoken since middle school, Hina finds herself smitten with the oblivious Ryo. A frustratingly sweet, zero-stress romantic comedy.

Title: Rust-Eater Bisco light novel
Creators: Shinji Cobkubo (story) K Akagashi and mocha (art)
Summary: In the far future, a disaster known as the “Rusty Wind” has transformed the majority of Japan into a barren desert and left civilization in tatters. After his teacher falls prey to the rust, the roguish Bisco Akahoshi embarks on a journey through the sandy wastes to obtain a mushroom known only as the Rust Eater, rumored to cure the ailment. Together with the dashing young doctor Milo, the pair will have to contend with the unforgiving environment and their fellow wanderers in order to make it back alive.

Source: ANN

Yen Press Announces Ten New Series for Future Publication

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced a slate of upcoming releases that includes several light novels (I Kept Pressing the 100-Million Button and Came Out on Top, The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon, Orc Eroica and The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengence a Second Time) and manga (Reign of the Seven Spellblades, The Detective is Already Dead, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II, So I’m a Spider, So What? The Daily Lives of the Kumoko Sisters, and New York, New York). Additionally, Yen Press announced their entrance into the world of RPG books with Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! TRPG.

Reign of the Seven Spellblades (manga)
Story by Bokuto Uno
Character Design by Ruria Miyuki
Art by Sakae Esuno

When a boy and girl meet at a prestigious magic school, the curtain to a supreme fantasy series opens.

This year’s new students arrive at Kimberley Magic School. What meets them there is a brilliant parade of cherry blossoms in full bloom and magical creatures. They don’t know–this academy is a living demon’s shrine where no one’s life is guaranteed. A school fantasy about spellblades.

Reign of the Seven Spellblades is a manga adaptation of the light novel series, a rising star in the category. As a story taking place in a magical academy, Reign of the Seven Spellblades is often described as an action-packed and edgy version of Harry Potter that has a wide appeal to fans of fantasy stories.

The Detective is Already Dead (manga)
Story by nigozyu
Art by mugiko

I, an ordinary highschool student, Kimihiko Kimizuka, I was embroiled completely flawlessly into a plane hijacking, where I became the assistant to the angelically beautiful detective girl I met. In three years, the great detective and her assistant unfolded a dazzling adventure drama. Before long, we were separated by death. This takes place a year after that.

The only survivor, me, and the detective’s dying wish—their unfinished story.

The Detective is Already Dead is a manga adaptation of the light novel series from Yen On scheduled for June 2021 release. Due to its popularity in Japan, The Detective is Already Dead stands out as one of the most well received announcements from Yen Press this year. An anime adaptation has been scheduled to begin airing July 2021.

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II (manga)
Story by Fujino Omori
Character Design by Suzuhito Yasuda
Art by Taisei Yamachi

After Mikoto ventures into Orario’s pleasure quarter on a lead to find her long-lost friend, Bell, Lily, and Welf decide to join the search. Unfortunately, Bell’s hardly comfortable in such an unfamiliar environment, and after he gets separated from the group, he soon finds himself in a part of Orario he never knew existed. There, he spies a beautiful girl with fox ears and a tail, but little does he know, she’s exactly who Mikoto’s been looking for…

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II is a continuation of the manga series, one that aligns with the events from the anime’s second season. With over two years passed since the conclusion of the first part of the Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? manga, this continuation is sure to please the many fans of the series, especially those eager for more content since the end of the anime’s third season in 2020.

So I’m a Spider, So What? The Daily Lives of the Kumoko Sisters (manga)
Story by Okina Baba
Character Design by Tsukasa Kiryu and Asahiro Kakashi
Art by Gratinbird

So, as you mighta noticed, I got reincarnated in another world—as a spider. And somewhere along the line, I somehow picked up skill called Parallel Minds. Which, y’know, is great when you need a little extra help running from monsters and firing off magic spells. But it can get kinda crazy when there’s four of me living in my head…

So I’m a Spider, So What? The Daily Lives of the Kumoko Sisters is a gag manga spin-off of the light novel series. Whether it be the original light novel, the manga adaptation or the anime adaptation, Kumoko’s parallel minds have been a beloved aspect of the series, making this manga a treat to the fans.

I Kept Pressing the 100-Million Button and Came Out on Top (light novel)
Story by Syuichi Tskukishima
Illustration by Mokyu

Allen is training to be a swordsman, but he’s just no good at it. After losing a duel with high stakes, he’s about to drop out when a mysterious man offers him a chance to get 100 million years’ worth of training with the press of a button. But what happens when he presses it over and over?

I Kept Pressing the 100-Million Button and Came Out on Top is a quirky light novel series with a powerful protagonist who was cursed to live millions of years going through tortuous training. With its comedic storytelling and overpowered protagonist, this series appeals greatly to fans of The Hero is Overpowered but Overly Cautious.

The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon (light novel)
Story by Asami Hinagi
Illustration by Kureta

In this dark fantasy tale, an accident transports Soya to a parallel world filled with danger and mystery. On his quest to explore this uncharted land, he encounters a gaggle of quirky friends, like Mysranica, the god of deception and secrecy, and a pair of elf sisters banished from their forest home. Before he knows it, Soya is making rogue adventurers eat lead, beating up petty nobles, and taking on dungeons where death lurks around every corner.

The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon is a fun light novel series that cleverly combines science fiction and fantasy elements—a story about an unlikely hero and his defective AI in an alternate world. This ongoing series is reminiscent of light novel favorites, such as Combatants Will Be Dispatched! and High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World!

Orc Eroica (light novel)
Story by Rifujin na Magonote
Illustration by Asanagi

Bestowed with the title of “hero” for downing countless foes in the War of Twelve Tribes, Bash commands great respect from his fellow orcs. But this hero has a dark secret: His success on the battlefield doesn’t match up to his success in the bedroom. With his reputation on the line, Bash sets out on a quest of a lifetime… all for the explicit purpose of getting laid…

While it seems that light novels have addressed nearly every topic in a fantasy setting, very few have addressed dating in another world quite like the hilarious and eccentric story that is Orc Eroica. This series is a fun read for those who enjoy light novels with unique takes on fantasy worlds, such as If the RPG World Had Social Media…

The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengence a Second Time (light novel)
Story by Kizuka Nero

Summoned to a fantasy world as a hero, Kaito Utage defeats the Demon Lord alongside a band of noble adventurers… only to be double crossed and brutally murdered by his former allies. But when a twist of fate gives him a second chance at life with his all his memories intact, he sets off on a quest to slaughter his traitorous party members one by one. “Come… let vengeance commence!”

The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time is a dramatic and compelling isekai that heads into darker territories than most, one led by a crazed antihero. This dark tale is perfect for fans of light novel series such as Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen and The King of the Dead at the Dark Palace.

New York, New York (manga)
Story & Art by Marimo Ragawa

New York police officer, Cain, while hiding that he’s gay, goes out every night in Manhattan in want of a one night stand. But when he meets his ideal man, Mel, he finds the love of his life. An ambitious work which depicts love and humanism with gay themes.

New York, New York is a classic boys love manga by Marimo Ragawa, the artist behind the manga adaptation of The Vampire and His Pleasant Companions. As a mature and beautiful boys love manga that is credited for its realistic portrayals of gay male relationships, New York, New York is must have for passionate fans of the category. The Yen Press edition of New York, New York will finish the series in two omnibus volumes.

Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! TRPG
Story by Natsume Akatsuki
Illustration by Kurone Mishima
Adaptation by F.E.A.R.

Live out the wildest fantasies in the world of Konosuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World with the TRPG developed under Natsume Akatsuki’s full oversight. Whether it’s playing as a luckless reincarnation or pursuing a quest as an all powerful magician, a life of hilarious adventures awaits.

Yen Press enters the world of RPG books with Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! TRPG, one that was created by FEAR, a leading company in the world of Japanese TRPGs. With Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! standing out as one of the biggest Yen Press properties combined with the RPG elements the series is known for, this TRPG book is the perfect start to this new venture.

Yen Press Announces the Release of Yotsuba&! Volume 15

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press, LLC announced a September 2021 release of Yotsuba&! Volume 15, the latest volume of the manga series by Kiyohiko Azuma. With the most recent volume of Yotsuba&! published in 2018, fans all over the world have waited eagerly for the continuation of this heartwarming slice-of-life story.

A fan favorite, Yotsuba&! has garnered many critical nods. The series was nominated for an Eisner Award in the Best Publication for Children category in 2008. It also won the Excellence Prize (Manga Category) at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2006, was nominated in for the highly competitive Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize in 2008 and was a runner-up for the first ever Japanese Cartoon Grand Prize (Manga Taisho). Other recognitions include being listed as one of the twenty best comics of the year by Publishers Weekly in 2005 and as one of the top graphic novels for teens by YALSA in 2008.

Yen Press first published Yotsuba&! in September 2009. For more than a decade, Yotsuba&! has stood out as a best-seller as well as one of the company’s most beloved manga series.

Yen Press Licenses the Bungo Stray Dogs Beast Manga

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced that it has acquired the license for the Bungo Stray Dogs Beast manga. The story is by Kafka Asagiri, and the art is by Sango Harukawa and Shiwasu Hoshikawa.

The story of the series is described as:

In the parallel universe of Bungo Stray Dogs: Beast, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s desperate mission to save his younger sister leads to him being recruited by the armed detective agency. But standing in his way is none other than the fearsome White Reaper of the Port Mafia—Atsushi Nakajima. As darkness and light face off, what fate awaits the two…?

Source: ANN

Yen Press Announces New Manga and Light Novel Acquisitions

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced several new manga and light novel acquisitions.

The Whole of Humanity Has Gone Yuri Except for Me (manga)
Available June 2021

Marika Juuno has somehow ended up in a world where only women exist — which she discovers one morning when she sees two girls kissing each other on the way to school.

Farewell to My Alter (manga)
Available June 2021

From beloved yuri mangaka Nio Nakatani comes a new collection of short stories and illustrations.

The Eminence in Shadow (manga)
Available July 2021

There’s only one thing in this world Cid wants to be. And it’s not some bland protagonist or the final boss—he has his eyes set on becoming a mastermind working in the shadows.

I’m the Villainous Daughter, So I’m Keeping the Last Boss
Available July 2021

When Aileen regains her memories of her past life, she realizes she’s doomed. To get out of her situation, she decides to capture the heart of the Demon Lord.

The Maid I Recently Hired is Mysterious (manga)
Available June 2021

I hired a maid who has something about her I just can’t put my finger on. Sure, she looks great and is a fabulous cook, but something about her’s not quite right. What have I gotten myself into?

The Detective is Already Dead
Available June 2021

Kimitsuka Kimihiko was the assistant to a beautiful detective named Siesta — until Siesta died, anyway. Now, Kimitsuka has encountered a girl who bears an uncanny resemblance to his former boss…

Captivated, By You (manga)
Available July 2021

High school relations are moody, quirky, and full of surprises. But most of all, they’re downright captivating.

Spy Classroom
Available July 2021

The world’s greatest spy creates an organization dedicated to tackling missions considered impossible… though it remains to be seen why the seven members of this group all have no experience.

Source: The Fandom Post

Yen Press Announces Six New Manga Licenses

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Yen Press has announced that it has acquired six new manga licenses.

Title: I’m the Catlords’ Manservant
Author: Rato Kitaguni
Synopsis: Izumi Yukihara, high school second year. His life is completely average—until a series of misfortunate events turn his life upside down. As if losing his parents weren’t enough, he’s saddled with their massive debt and forced to relocate to a new residence. On the bright side, the owners of his new residence offer him a chance to repay his debt… by serving cats?

Title: Hard-boiled Stories from the Cat Bar
Author: Ono Yourei
Synopsis: An assassin unable to get over the loss of his cat, a man with a scar on his cheek, and a feline named Dandy that is waiting for its master to return are at the center of this gritty tale of men and tears.

Title: I’m the Hero, But the Demon Lord’s Also Me
Author: Akiyoshi Ota (story), Tatsuya Endō (art)
Synopsis: Yuuma Tsugari is an ordinary high school student whose family runs a public bath house. He leads a peaceful, uneventful life, but all that changes when a beautiful woman from another world appears before him, certain that he’s the hero she’s been searching for. Sure, he’s no hero, but how can he refuse such a beauty?

Title: Uncle from Another World
Author: Akiyoshi Ota (story), Tatsuya Endō (art)
Synopsis: When a middle-aged man wakes up from a 17-year coma, he tells his nephew Takafumi that he’s been adventuring in another world. It’s a generation gap comedy starring an uncle who bridges two universes.

Title: Your Turn to Die and Afterschool Hanako-kun
Author: Tatsuya Ikegami
Synopsis: Sara Chidouin has been getting harassed by a mysterious stalker lately, so her concerned friend Joe Tazuna decides to walk her home. But once they arrive, the two of are attacked by someone and black out. When they come to, they find that they’ve been restrained to some tables in a strange room…

Title: If the RPG World Had Social Media
Author: Yuusuke Nitta (story), Sato Kamegoya (art)
Synopsis: When a fantasy world has fully functioning internet and smartphones (for some reason), it’s only natural for its 16-year-old Hero to declare war on the Demon Lord via text message. But is it natural for that Demon Lord to be an innocent snowflake who hates conflict? Take a peek into this unfortunate Hero’s chatlog with a… unique group of RPG characters, like an overly pure Demon Lord, her cheerful Generals (who all adore her), and the kidnapped princess who seems to be developing a major crush on her captor.