Written by: Kristina Isabel | Published on: March 11, 2021 at 5:31 PM PHT (GMT+8)
They say time flies fast when you’re having fun. As we’re relatively sure you’ve had your fair share of fun with manga you just finished reading while waiting for other sequels, you may also be probably in search for new series to indulge yourselves in. Let us help you out by recommending some of our early in the year picks of fresh-from-the-press Volume 1s available on both print and digital English copies!
From the publisher of Assassination Classroom, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Ghoul, The Way of the Househusband, and other renowned mangas to date, Viz Media acquired these from Shogakukan:
1. THE KING'S BEAST
The King’s Beast (Ou no Kemono)
Creator: Rei Tōma
Genre: Fantasy, Gender Bender, Martial Arts, Mystery, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural
Publication Date: January 24, 2019
Release Date (English): February 2, 2021
Synopsis:
The world shared by humans and ajins (those who are half beast and half human) is not paradise. On the contrary, humans rule over ajins with strictness and contempt, using them at their own convenience: men as soldiers for their special powers and women as prostitutes, downgraded to the lowest rank. To change that destiny, Kogetsu serves the king under the guise of a man.
2. ZOM 100: BUCKET LIST OF THE DEAD
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (Zombie ni Naru Made ni Shitai 100 no Koto)
Creators: Haro Aso, Kotaro Takata
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Ecchi, Horror, Mature, Seinen, Supernatural
Publication Date: 2018
Release Date (English): February 16, 2021
MAL Rating: 7.57
Synopsis:
After three years of working for a black company, Akira was exhausted both mentally and physically. But one morning, what he saw on his usual way to work was nothing but a town full of zombies. How will the former company slave, Akira, live his life in a world that has completely changed overnight?
From Kodansha, the publisher of Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, and The Seven Deadly Sins; available in digital and print:
3. THOSE NOT SO SWEET BOYS
Those Not So-Sweet Boys (Amakunai Karera no Nichijo wa)
Creator: Yōko Nogiri
Genre: Harem, Romance, School Life, Shoujo
Publication Date: 2019
Release Date (English): February 16, 2021
Synopsis:
Midori drops her wallet on her first day of high school, but her new classmate Ichijo swoops in to help. She wants to thank him, but he’s part of a tight-knit trio and none of them are ever in class! Rumor has it that they all got expelled for acting up, and studious Midori’s actually at risk of expulsion, too… In order to help support her family, she has a part-time job, which is against the school rules. When the chairman of the school board catches her leaving work, he says he’ll let it go—but only if she’s up to the task of bringing the three boys back to school. Well, why not? It’ll be a piece of cake…right?
4. A SIGN OF AFFECTION
A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren)
Creator: Suu Morishita
Genre: Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice of Life
Publication Date: July 24, 2019
Release Date (English): February 23, 2021
MAL Rating: 8.09
Synopsis:
Yuki is a typical college student, whose world revolves around her friends, social media, and the latest sales. But when a chance encounter on a train leads to her meeting friend-of-a-friend and a fellow student Itsuomi-san, her world starts to widen. But even thought Itsuomi-kun can speak three languages, sign language isn’t one of them.
Also available in digital and print, Haru’s Curse.
5. STAR-CROSSED!
Star-Crossed! (Oshi ga Watashi de Watashi ga Oshi de)
Creator: Junko
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice of Life
Publication Date: June 13, 2019
Release Date (English): February 16, 2021
Synopsis:
Azusa lives for only one man: Chika-kun, of the idol group Prince 4 U. But when she accidentally dies trying (and failing) to save him, she can’t believe her luck-to be in literal Heaven with the man she loves! But never one to lie, God says this one is on him, and sends them both back to continue their lives but there’s just one little problem. Their souls have been sent to the wrong bodies! And not only that-they can switch back and forth by kissing?
And as for the digital debutants: Boss Wife, A Girl and Her Guard Dog, My Dearest Self with Malice Aforethought and How Do You Do, Koharu.
Yen Press’ releases on the 23rd of February:
6. LOVE AND HEART
Love and Heart (Koi to Shinzou)
Creator: Chitose Kaidou
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Romance, Shoujo
Publication Date: 2017
Release Date (English): February 23, 2021
Synopsis:
Freshman Yo Yagisawa actually has plenty of problems. But when a complete stranger introduces himself as her childhood friend and just moves in with her, the hustle and bustle really starts! Suddenly, the most creepy things start to happen around her.
7. I CANNOT REACH YOU
I Cannot Reach You (Kimi ni wa Todokanai)
Creator: Mika
Genre: Drama, School Life, Shounen Ai, Slice of Life
Publication Date: 2018
Release Date (English): February 23, 2021
Synopsis:
The differences between Yamato and Kakeru couldn’t be more obvious. Yamato gets good grades, while Kakeru’s are less than average. And while Yamato is very attractive, Kakeru’s looks are perfectly average. Not a problem-unless you’re in love with your childhood bestfriend. How in the world can Kakeru make Yamato look at him when Yamato is completely out of his league?
8. THE GIRL WITHOUT A FACE
The Girl Without a Face (Kao ga Nai Onnanoko)
Creator: Tearontaron
Genre: Romance, Seinen, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Publication Date: 2019
Release Date (English): February 23, 2021
Synopsis:
Her boyfriend think she’s the cutest girl around, but her expressions can be a bit hard to read. Despite the miscommunications, there’s one thing that always come across-their love for each other.
Also - ID: INVADED BRAKE BROKEN, The Vampire and His Pleasant Companions, The Executioner and Her Way of Life, Days on Fes, Do You Like the Nerdy Nurse?, Virgin Road, and Play It Cool, Guys.
And Seven Seas Entertainment’s new manga series:
9. EVEN THOUGH WE ARE ADULTS
Even Though We’re Adults (Otona ni Natte mo)
Creator: Shimura Takako
Genre: Drama, Josei, Romance, Slice of Life, Yuri
Publication Date: 2019
Release Date (English): February 9, 2021
MAL Rating: 6.82
Synopsis:
Ayano, an elementary school teacher in her thirties, stops by a bar one day and runs into her old friend, Shuri. Sparks fly as the two chat, and before the night is over, Ayano even goes in for a kiss. Shuri is intrigued but confused…especially when she discovers that Ayano has a husband! Both Ayano and Shuri is about to find out that love doesn’t get any easier, even as you grow older.
10. ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with my Love and Cursed Sword!
ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with my Love and Cursed Sword!
(“Omae Gotoki ga Mou ni Kateru to Omou na” to Yuusha Party o Tsuihou Sareta node, Outo de Kimama ni Kurashitai)
Creators: Kiki, Sunao Minakata
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Seinen, Yuri, Slice of Life
Publication Date: July 30, 2018
Release Date (English): February 23, 2021
MAL Rating: 7.22
Synopsis:
Flum Apricot was never meant to be a hero. Despite zero stats across the board and a power she can’t even use, she somehow finds herself included in a party of heroes. But Flum’s life hits rock bottom when the party’s renowned sage, Jean Inteige, decides that the useless girl is dead weight, and arranges to have her sold into slavery. A grimdark tale about one woman’s blood-soaked quest to reclaim her life!
Together with Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon and SUPER HXEROS.
Majority of these releases are heavy on romance, guessing our favorite publishers prepared us for the previous MONTH with manga we’re sure to LOVE!
Were you already able to feast your eyes with these new releases? Do you think they’re worthy of their place as our top picks? Want us to update you monthly on the hottest Volume 1s in store? Let us know in the comments below!
More of these? Read our other digest articles.
AniRadio+. Sharing Stories. Creating Memories.
