Kodansha USA has announced five new manga licenses during its panel at Anime NYC 2024, as well as the release of new box sets and a special novel cover reveal. All the new print licenses will be released in Summer 2025.
The company also announced the digital debut of the historical crime drama manga series Manchuria Opium Squad this coming September.
Here are the details on Kodansha USA’s newest releases:
Summer 2025 New Print Licenses
Last Samurai Standing
Story and Art: TATSUZ
Synopsis:
It is the 11th year of the Meiji era in Japan, and more than a decade since the samurai were stripped of their privileges, with swords outlawed on public streets. A mysterious poster appears in all corners of the land, luring those skilled in martial arts to Kyoto with the promise of riches beyond common imagination. As warriors deprived of purpose flock to the appointed place at the appointed time, what awaits them is no ordinary task, but an all-out war — against each other!
You’re All Mine Tonight
Story and Art: Takiba
Synopsis:
Kanzaki is your typical businessman: He’s stoic, dependable, and respected by all of his subordinates. But he has a secret he can’t tell anyone: Five years ago, he became involved with a male sex worker named Nagi. The more nights they spent together, the more lust gave way to love, and Kanzaki hasn’t been able to get Nagi off his mind since. After being sent to work abroad, Kanzaki returns to Japan and meets one of his new subordinates—a young man named Futagami, who looks exactly like Nagi. As the part of Kanzaki’s past that was once frozen in time begins to thaw, can the two men find their way back toward each other, or will the passionate nights they spent together remain a thing of the past?
Light of My Life
Story and Art: Takiba
Synopsis:
Back in high school, best friends Aki and Minagi were inseparable. Aki dreamed of becoming a professional football player, while Minagi was seen as a “genius” who was eager to chase his dream of working in medicine. Years later, Aki has taken over his grandfather’s hair salon, and Minagi set his interest in medicine aside to work in a host club. Despite the growing tension between them following their high school fallout, Minagi shows up at Aki’s apartment one day asking for a place to stay. Can the two men confront their past in order to repair their future?
Attack on Titan FLY
Story and Art: Hajime Isayama
Description:
The ultimate addition to every collection, Attack on Titan: FLY — previously only available in Japan in limited quantities —i s coming to the world in English! This huge box set includes the final Attack on Titan art book, featuring every AoT color illustration known to man (or Titan!) and an exclusive new interview with Hajime Isayama, housed in a beautiful slipcase, alongside bonuses true Titan fans are going to love, like a full-sized replica set of the manuscript pages of the last chapter of Attack on Titan; the padlock and key housing the secrets behind the basement of Eren’s family home; the scarf Eren gave to Mikasa; and, most exciting of all the exclusive manga “Volume 35”— a new chapter of manga focused on fan-favorite Levi, plus the rough layouts of the final chapter, all presented for the first time in English!
Twilight Out of Focus Box Set
Story and Art: Jyanome
This collector’s box set contains volumes 1-4 of the Twilight Out of Focus BL manga series and includes a special booklet with U.S. edition exclusive art, a never-before translated short story, and all-new full-color illustrations.
Synopsis:
Second-years Mao Tsuchiya and Hisashi Otomo make three promises: 1) That Mao will never tell anyone that Hisashi is gay and has a boyfriend, 2) That Hisashi will never think of Mao “in that way,” and 3) That they’ll always knock before entering, in case someone is having some “private time.” The two’s ground rules should ensure a peaceful life together in their dorm, but life is never as simple as it should be, and some things are not so easily promised…
September 2024 New Digital License
Manchuria Opium Squad
Story: Tsukasa Monma
Art: Shikako
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Synopsis:
In the corrupt, conflict-ridden Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo, the illegal opium trade is a perilous path to quick riches-or a swift death. Desperate to save his doomed family, the young Isamu Higata seizes a dangerous opportunity, using his botanical expertise to make mind-blowing opium in hopes of cashing in. But when sinister gangs and the oppressive state catch wind of his operation, Isamu is thrust deeper and deeper into a treacherous world of deceit and depravity to protect himself and those he loves.
Special Cover Reveal
Musashi (New Edition)
Story: Eiji Yoshikawa
Translation: Charles Terry
The new edition of the classic samurai novel features a new original cover design by Slam Dunk and Vagabond creator Takehiko Inoue.
Synopsis:
Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai – without really knowing what it meant–he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill — until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.
Source: press release
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