Tag Archives: light novel

Seven Seas Licenses Legend of the Accidental Sword Saint: Playing the Mentor From the Sidelines Light Novel Series

Legend of the Accidental Sword Saint: Playing the Mentor from the Sidelines

Seven Seas Entertainment has announced the digital license acquisition of the light novel series Legend of the Accidental Sword Saint: Playing the Mentor from the Sidelines by TATAL and Masuda Mikio. One man plans to fake it ’til he makes it in this fantasy-action light novel! Can he be a successful con man or will his lack of skills be his true downfall? 

You’d think being in a fantasy world full of sword-wielding heroes and ferocious monsters would make one yearn for the role of hero: to be the one who saves the day through epic skill and weapon wizardry. But for one man who finds himself reincarnated into such a land, being the hero is not so appealing. Why not just revel in the glory of being the best—and being the one to train the best—while saving one’s hide in the process? With this plan in mind, he gets to work training in the art of swordplay, determined to become the mentor any hero would cherish. Unfortunately, the mentor-to-be’s confidence takes a hit when, despite years of arduous training, a battle with a weak little squirrel monster makes him nearly lose his life. Won only by the skin of his teeth, the battle sparks an idea: Why not just fake it? He could bring a young apprentice under his wing and then split before his lack of talent could be discovered! However, this mentor-to-be is unaware of how incredibly strong all monsters in this world are, regardless of size—so strong, in fact, that no single swordsman can take one on themselves and end the battle alive. Can a conman truly con if he is actually as good as he says?

Legend of the Accidental Sword Saint: Playing the Mentor from the Sidelines (Light Novel) Vol. 1 will be available for the first time in the English language in December 2026 on digital platforms as part of Seven Seas’ Airship imprint.

Yen Press announces new titles for March 2023

Yen Press is adding seven new titles to their lineup in March 2023, including five manga (The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon; The Villainess Stans the Heroes: Playing the Antagonist to Support Her Faves!; Sunbeams in the Sky; Kiniro Mosaic, Best Wishes; Call the Name of the Night) and two novels (The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King; Hollow Regalia). From isekai fantasy to school-life rom-coms, this assortment of titles has something for everyone!

The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon

Story by Hinagi Asami
Art by Kureta

A manga adaptation of the light novel series from Yen On.

Broke and desperate, Souta signs up for a gig to warp to a fantasy world, ascend a dungeon tower, and claim the treasure inside. However, an accident in the transfer process separates him from his teammates, leaving him stranded. Will his adventure end before it even begins?

The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon

The Villainess Stans the Heroes: Playing the Antagonist to Support Her Faves!

Story by Yamori Michikusa
Art by Tsubasa Takamatsu

What’s a girl to do when she’s reincarnated into a game full of her biases, and as the antagonist to boot? Simple—do whatever it takes to make them shine, of course! When I’m reborn into the body of the villainess Eldia, I’m determined to play my role to perfection for the loves of my life…but how was I supposed to know that one impulsive mistake I made years ago would bring such drastic changes to the story!?

The Villainess Stans the Heroes: Playing the Antagonist to Support Her Faves!

Sunbeams in the Sky

By Monika Kaname

Twin sisters Himari and Mio are perfect copies on the outside, but their personalities couldn’t be any more different. When Himari decides to stay home from school due to an unfortunate incident, Mio decides the best way to convince her to return is to take her place!

Sunbeams in the Sky

The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King (novel)

Story by Hata Ryousuke
Illustration by Yuugen

By the will of a whimsical goddess, the seventy-second Demon King has been reincarnated to rule alongside a chaotic mixture of humans and heroes in another world. The newly minted Demon King Astaroth has been tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of this strange, new land, and as a realist, he will use rarely seen resourcefulness and tactics to reshape the fate of all who live under his reign!

The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King (novel)

Kiniro Mosaic, Best Wishes

By Yui Hara

Set one year after the events in Kiniro Mosaic, this volume contains eleven chapters ranging from the everyday life of Alice and her friends after graduation to behind-the-scenes stories of their high school life never revealed in the main series.

Kiniro Mosaic, Best Wishes

Call the Name of the Night

By Tama Mitsuboshi

Deep in the forest, a curious pair resides: a young girl Mira, whose affliction leads her to call forth darkness whenever she’s in distress, and her physician Rei, determined to seek a cure. Each day, she works to remember the light and bring back the person she used to be. But a sudden visit from Rei’s friend, who harbors an interest in Mira’s illness, may be the end of their peaceful days…

Call the Name of the Night

Hollow Regalia (novel)

Story by Mikumo Gakuto
Illustration by Miyuu

A new light novel series from the author of Strike the Blood!

She’s a dragon. He’s a dragon slayer. And in this world, the Japanese have been wiped out! That day, giant dragons appeared in the sky above Tokyo, and the collapse of the nation of Japan began. With the arrival of monsters called Moju, Japanese people went extinct, and the nation was transformed into a lawless land occupied by armed forces and criminal syndicates. Yahiro is one of the few remaining. Having gained immortality from dragon’s blood, he spends each lonely day as a “salvager,” transporting artwork out of the uninhabited ruins of Tokyo…until one day, a pair of twin art dealers request that he salvage a particularly powerful and mysterious item.

Hollow Regalia (novel)

Yen Press Announces New Titles at Sakura Con 2022

During the Yen Press Industry Panel at Sakura Con 2022, Yen Press, LLC announced the acquisition of new manga (The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur AcademyThermae Romae (manga omnibus)Touring After the Apocalypse; and The Gay Who Turned Kaiju), novels (Arya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in RussianGods’ Games We PlayApparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World; and King’s Proposal), and an art book (Visions 2022 Illustrators Book).

Visions 2022 Illustrators Book (artbook) 

By pixiv Inc

A stunning art collection essential for art lovers and book collectors alike. The ultimate collection of pixiv artists is back! The 2022 compilation features 170 of some of the greatest creators on the platform—all of whom have made an impact on the artistic field. With an abundance of styles from retro to modern and beyond, there’s something for everyone to love! 

Visions 2022 Illustrators Book (artbook)

The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy (manga)

Story by Yu Shimizu
Art by Asuka Keigen

The manga adaptation of the light novel series soon to be an anime! One thousand years ago, Leonis Death Magnus, undead sorcerer and the greatest of the Dark Lords, entered magical stasis during a climactic battle. When he awakens, he finds a beautiful silver-haired young woman named Riselia standing before him. More shockingly, Leonis has been transformed into a ten-year-old boy! Now he’ll have to adapt to this strange era and deal with the twisted monsters called Voids—all while keeping his true powers a secret from his lovely new guardian.

The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy (manga)

Thermae Romae (manga omnibus)

Story and Art by Mari Yamazaki

When Roman architect Lucius is criticized for his outdated thermae designs, he retreats to the local bath to collect his thoughts. All Lucius wants is to recapture the Rome of earlier days, when one could enjoy a relaxing bath without the pressure of merchants and roughhousing patrons. But as he slips deeper into the water, Lucius is caught in the drainage and dragged through the bottom of the bath!

He emerges amid a group of strange-looking foreigners with the most peculiar bathhouse customs…over 1,500 years in the future in modern-day Japan! His contemporaries wanted him to modernize, so—borrowing the customs of these mysterious bath-loving people—Lucius opens what quickly becomes the most popular new bathhouse in Rome: Thermae Romae! Soak in Mari Yamazaki’s fantastic story and art in this deluxe omnibus! 

Thermae Romae (manga omnibus)

Arya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (light novel)

Story by Sunsunsun
Art by Momoco

A romantic comedy perfect for fans of Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle and The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend.Masachika Kuse sits next to Arya, a girl of Russian and Japanese descent. She’s beautiful, haughty, and an exceptional student, while Masachika is nerdy and known for being a slacker. He’s an easy target for her comments in Russian, which she’s all too happy to translate—except he can understand what she’s really saying!

Arya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (light novel)

Gods’ Games We Play (light novel)

Story by Kei Sazane
Art by Toiro Tomose

An epic fantasy soon to be an anime! When the gods grow bored, they decide to spice up their eternal existence by challenging all takers in an ultimate battle of wits! Of course, these deities are capricious, unfair, and incomprehensible at the best of times, so winning is virtually impossible for a mere mortal. Even so, things are bound to get interesting when a former goddess and a genius human boy team up in a bid to win the game to end all games! 

Gods’ Games We Play (light novel) 

Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World (light novel) 

Story by Shinta Fuji
Art by Susumu Kuroi

A playful take on isekai tropes that will be a good fit for readers of Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside. Nick used to be a member of a veteran adventurer party, helping his undisciplined friends with the accounts whenever he could. But what was his reward? Getting accused of embezzlement and kicked out by the leader he respected. Before long, he finds a few other jaded adventurers and kindred spirits, and together, they form their own unstoppable party! 

Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World (light novel)

King’s Proposal (light novel)

Story by Koushi Tachibana
Art by Tsunako

A new light novel series from the creative team behind the legendary Date A Live. Saika Kuozaki is an all-powerful witch with looks to die for. She’s also the only woman who can thwart the mysterious entities attempting to destroy the world once every 300 hours. When Saika is mortally wounded, however, she bequeaths both her powers and body to the normal high school boy who happens upon her, Mushiki Kuga. But just because Mushiki has her abilities doesn’t mean he can control them. To stand a chance of saving the world, he’ll have to attend an academy for mages as Saika—all while keeping his identity under wraps!   

King’s Proposal (light novel)

Touring After the Apocalypse (manga) 

Story and Art by Sakae Saito

With a surprisingly upbeat tone, readers of Girls’ Last Tour will enjoy this trip through apocalyptic Japan. All alone after the end of days, two girls bike through the empty ruins of Japan—and they’re not about to let the collapse of civilization get in the way of sightseeing! Even when the world ends, their journey goes on.

Touring After the Apocalypse (manga) 

The Gay Who Turned Kaiju (manga)

Story and Art by Kazuki Minamoto

Bullied for being gay, teenager Takashi Arashiro wishes he could just be somebody else—but who could predict he’d morph into a giant-headed sci-fi creature?! Takashi’s tumultuous emotions become the catalyst for personal and social exploration of the LGBTQ experience in this quirky, profound manga from prolific BL author Kazuki Minamoto.

The Gay Who Turned Kaiju (manga)

Yen Press Announces Ten New Series

Yen Press has announced a slate of upcoming releases that includes several manga (The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time, Let This Grieving Soul Retire, Namaiki Zakari, I’ve Been an Omega Since Today, The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid and Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc,) and light novels (Magical☆Explorer, Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie, The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend and Rust-Eater Bisco). All announced titles are scheduled for November 2021 release.

The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time (manga)

Story by Kizuka Nero
Art by Yamo Yomoya

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…

The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time is a dark isekai tale based on a Yen On light novel scheduled for an October 2021 release. Fans of dark fantasy manga are sure to enjoy this upcoming release that does an amazing job adapting the highly-anticipated light novel.

The Hero Laughs While Walking the Path of Vengeance a Second Time (manga)

Let This Grieving Soul Retire (manga)

Story by Tsukikage
Art by Rai Hebino
Character Designs by Chiko

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!?

Let This Grieving Soul Retire is a manga adaptation of the fantasy light novel series by Tsukikage, the creator of Defeating the Demon Lord’s a Cinch (If You’ve Got a Ringer) and The King of the Dead at the Dark Palace by Yen On. This comedic adventure about a reluctant hero appeals to fans of the recently released Hazure Skill: The Guild Member with a Worthless Skill Is Actually a Legendary Assassin.

Let This Grieving Soul Retire

Namaiki Zakari

Story and art by Miyuki Mitsubachi

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…

Namaiki Zakari is a gorgeous romantic comedy shojo filled with charming boys and love triangles. With a story filled with adorable romance and school-life elements, much of which revolves around the events of the characters’ basketball team, Namaiki Zakari will surely be shojo fans’ next favorite series!

Namaiki Zakari

I’ve Been an Omega Since Today

Story & Art by Maiki Sachi

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?

Fans of boys love rejoice! Following hot new releases, such as Sasaki and Miyano and I Cannot Reach You, Yen Press is releasing I’ve Been an Omega Since Today. This standalone title is filled with beautiful artwork and omegaverse elements—truly irresistible to the growing boys love fanbase!

I’ve Been an Omega Since Today

The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid

Story and Art by Yugata Tanabe

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!

The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid is a fantasy slice-of-life manga surrounding the events of maids in the demon world. With art and story that are both beautiful and very unique, this series is reminisicent of the likes of Black Butler and Kaori Mori’s Emma.

The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc

Story by Magica Quartet
Art by Hanokage

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…

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc is a spin-off of the iconic manga and anime property, one which takes place between the events of Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion, with much of the story told through the perspective of fan-favorite Homura Akemi. This series debut follows the recent omnibus release of Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc

MagicalExplorer (light novel)

Story by Iris
Illustration by Noboru Kannataki

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.  

Magical☆Explorer is an isekai light novel series that involves a protagonist using his expertise of visual novels to dominate the world when reincarnated within the game. Fantasy isekai and romantic comedies are among the most popular genres in the world of light novels, making Magical☆Explorer a series that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Magical☆Explorer (light novel)

Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie (light novel)

Story by Hiroro Akizakura
Illustrations by Dangmill

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! 

Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie takes the isekai concept of being reincarnated in the world of an otome game and turns it on its head! In order to save her life, our protagonist masquerades as a man—a choice which leads to a whole lot of chaos in this fun-filled light novel series!

Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylvie (light novel)

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend (light novel)

Story by Kennoji
Illustration by Fly

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!

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend is a sweet slice-of-life light novel that tells the story of love interests who reconnect in high school after years of separation from their middle school days. This rising star in the light novel world is written by Kennoji, the author of Hazure Skill: The Guild Member with a Worthless Skill Is Actually a Legendary Assassin, and illustrated by Fly, the artist of Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki.

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend (light novel)

Rust-Eater Bisco (light novel)

Story by Shinji Cobkubo
Illustrations by K Akagashi and mocha

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 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.

Rust-Eater Bisco is a compelling, post-apocalyptic light novel series with excellent world building complemented by amazing illustrations. An anime adaptation of this award-winning series was recently announced for future release.

Rust-Eater Bisco

Yen Press Announces Eleven New Titles

Yen Press has announced a slate of upcoming titles that include light novels (The King of Death at the Dark Palace, Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below + 5 Centimeters per Second), manga (Hazure Skill: The Guild Member with a Worthless Skill Is Actually a Legendary Assassin, I’m the Catlords’ Manservant, Hard-boiled Stories from the Cat Bar, I’m the Hero, But the Demon Lord’s Also Me, Uncle from Another World, Your Turn to Die and Afterschool Hanako-kun) and both the light novel and manga adaptation of If the RPG World Had Social Media.

Hazure Skill: The Guild Member with a Worthless Skill Is Actually a Legendary Assassin (manga)

Story by Kennoji
Art by Fuu Araki
Character Design by KWKM

With a worthless skill, Roland managed to kill the most powerful demon lord that’s ever lived. While he could have all the riches in the world, all Roland really wants now is a normal life. Such an unremarkable existence may not come easy to someone so exceptional, however…

Hazure Skill: The Guild Member with a Worthless Skill Is Actually a Legendary Assassin is a stylish manga adaptation of the highly-anticipated light novel series by the same name. The previously announced light novel series is scheduled for a March 2021 release under the Yen On imprint.

Hazure Skill: The Guild Member with a Worthless Skill Is Actually a Legendary Assassin (manga)

I’m the Catlords’ Manservant

Story and Art by Rato Kitaguni

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?!

A quirky manga series that is as hilarious as it is adorable! This series appeals to the ever popular genre of cat manga such as Nyankees and Chi’s Sweet Home.

I’m the Catlords’ Manservant

Hard-boiled Stories from the Cat Bar

Story and Art by Ono Yourei

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.

A cute twist on hard-boiled crime manga, this charming yet gritty standalone title appeals to those who are fond of noir fiction and beautiful illustration. Additionally, Hard-boiled Stories from the Cat Bar appeals to fans of manga featuring beautiful men, such as Monster and the Beast and Penguin Gentleman., and, of course, fans of cat manga!

Hard-boiled Stories from the Cat Bar

I’m the Hero, But the Demon Lord’s Also Me

Story by Akiyoshi Ota
Art by Tatsuya Endo

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…!?

This romantic comedy manga involving traveling between worlds filled with beautiful women is a welcome treat to fans of fantasy manga that are heavy on the fanservice! With a mature take on the ecchi fantasy genre, this series appeals greatly to fans of To Save the World, Can You Wake Up the Morning After with a Demi-Human?

I'm the Hero, But the Demon Lord's Also Me

If the RPG World Had Social Media (light novel)

Story by Yuusuke Nitta
Illustration by Yukinatu Amekaze and LOL

When a fantasy world has fully functioning internet and smartphones (for some reason), it’s only natural for its sixteen 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!

While there have been plenty manga and light novels that have placed fun twists on fantasy storytelling, If the RPG World Had Social Media goes deep into the concept of social media and text communication in a fantasy world coupled with a fun adventure! This light novel series is perfect for fans of In Another World with My Smartphone.

If the RPG World Had Social Media (light novel)

If the RPG World Had Social Media (manga)

Story by Yuusuke Nitta
Art by Sato Kamegoya

When a fantasy world has fully functioning internet and smartphones (for some reason), it’s only natural for its sixteen year-old shut-in of a Hero to declare war on the Demon Lord who has kidnapped the kingdom’s princess via text message. But is it natural for that Demon Lord to be an innocent snowflake who hates conflict!!? And somehow, this hopelessly weak Level One Hero ends up texting this overly pure Demon Lord, her cheerful Generals (who all adore her), and the princess who also seems to be developing a major crush on her captor as he goes about his adventures!

This two volume manga adaptation of If the RPG World Had Social Media captures all of the fun and silliness of the light novel series with a cute art style portraying the events of our hero’s adventure as well as all of the quirky texting and social media interaction in between!

If the RPG World Had Social Media (manga)

Uncle from Another World

Story by Akiyoshi Oota
Art by Tatsuya Endou

When a middle-aged man wakes up from a seventeen-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!

Uncle from Another World goes back and forth between the real world and the fantasy world as a comatose uncle who spent the past 17 years living in another world recounts his adventures! This isekai manga playfully puts twists on well known tropes that are sure to please fans of the ever popular genre.

Uncle from Another World

The King of Death at the Dark Palace (novel)

Story by Tsukikage
Illustrations by meron tomari

When a sickly boy succumbs to illness only to reawaken as a weakly undead, his first thought is not of horror, but joy. Sadly, his delight is cut short by the realization that he is still not in control of his own body. The excruciating pain that plagued him in his previous life has simply been replaced by the necromancer that brought him into this one. Now, to win true freedom, he must put his unlife on the line and fight for his dark master…!

An intense fantasy light novel series involving a resurrected protagonist seeking freedom and solace. A story that goes into darker places than many other light novels, this series is a long-awaited release for fans of horror light novels such as Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen.

The King of Death at the Dark Palace (novel)

Your Turn to Die: Majority Vote Death Game

Story and Art by Tatsuya Ikegami

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…

Your Turn to Die: Majority Vote Death Game is a manga adaptation of the popular virtual novel by the same name, one that tells the tale of an assortment of people trapped in a death game. This manga is naturally a must read for fans of the prolific series as well as for fans of similar visual novels such as the Danganronpa series. 

Your Turn to Die: Majority Vote Death Game

Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below + 5 Centimeters per Second

Story by Makoto Shinkai

Experience in a new way the worlds of acclaimed animation director Makoto Shinkai’s award-winning romantic drama 5 Centimeters per Second, along with the adventure of Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below, in this two-in-one novelization!

The newest addition to Yen On’s beautiful collection of hardcover novel adaptations of Makoto Shinkai’s finest works, Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below + 5 Centimeters per Second is a bind up collection that retells the stories from two of Shinkai’s earlier works. With 5 Centimeters per Second standing out as one of the films that introduced Makoto Shinkai to the West, this collection is a highly-anticipated release for fans of one of today’s most beloved creators.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below + 5 Centimeters per Second

Afterschool Hanako-kun

Story and Art by AidaIro

The ghostly Hanako-kun and his mortal assistant Nene Yashiro usually have their hands full resolving various supernatural incidents in Kamome Academy, but how do they spend their time when they get a break from all that? Come and see what the characters of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun do on their laid-back afterschool days!

Afterschool Hanako-kun is a fun manga spin-off of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun that showcases what fan favorite characters are up to in between events of the main story. With Toilet-bound Hanako-kun enjoying success as the best-selling new manga series of 2020, Afterschool Hanako-kun is sure to please many fans eager for more Hanako-kun!

Afterschool Hanako-kun

Yen Press Announces New Manga and Light Novels

Yen Press has announced a quartet of upcoming titles that include notable new manga and light novel releases.

The new acquisitions include When a Magician’s Pupil Smiles and Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana and the light novel series and manga adaptations of I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister.

When a Magician’s Pupil Smiles

Story and Art by Chisaki Kanai

Ouka Namae, a magician’s pupil, is incapable of feeling emotion. That is…he’s almost incapable. There is one particular circumstance when his feelings rise to the surface, but the scenario that unleashes them is too dark to even contemplate…

When a Magician’s Pupil Smiles is a dark supernatural manga that was originally published as a digital exclusive by Yen Press. This upcoming print edition collects the entire series in a single omnibus edition.

When a Magician's Pupil Smiles

Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana, Vol. 1 (manga)

Story by Kumo Kagyu
Art by Aoki Shogo
Original Illustrations by lack

Not a soul knows how the death and destruction started. Only one thing is certain-it came from the north. Deep within the Dungeon of the Dead is where the the Demon King resides and the only hope humanity has of defeating this great evil rests on the shoulders of a handful of adventurers. This tale of Sword Maiden’s past smells of ash and sounds like the ringing of bare steel.

Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana is a manga adaptation of the upcoming light novel release. A spin-off of the ever popular Goblin Slayer that delves into the past of the legendary Sword Maiden, this manga appeals greatly to fans of the series.

Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana, Vol. 1 (manga)

I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister (light novel)

Story by Kisetsu Morita
Illustrations by Benio

In this spinoff story of I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, enjoy Beelzebub’s misadventures in her early days as the demon Minister of Agriculture, after she was promoted from entry-level office worker right to the top!

I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister is a spin-off of I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, a slice-of-life fantasy that has been rapidly growing in popularity with an anime adaptation on the horizon. As a spin-off that focuses on the past hijinks of fan-favorite character Beelzebub, this series further builds upon the fun and fantastical world that many have grown to love.

I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister (light novel)

I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister (manga)

Story by Kisetsu Morita
Art by Meishi Murakami
Original Illustrations by Benio

In this spinoff story of I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, enjoy demon Minister of Agriculture Beelzebub’s adventures in the days before she met Azusa. After refusing promotions for 1500 years, how did she make it from entry-level office worker right to the top?

Like the manga adaptation of I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, the manga adaptation of I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister does an amazing job portraying the hilarious events and characters from the pages of the light novel series, all in a cute art style that fans are sure to love.

I Was a Bottom-Tier Bureaucrat for 1,500 Years, and the Demon King Made Me a Minister (manga)

Sword Art Online Gets a Platinum Box Set

Sword Art Online Platinum Collector’s Edition

Yen Press has announced the acquisition of the Sword Art Online Platinum Collector’s Edition, a deluxe limited edition box set of the iconic Sword Art Online light novel series written by Reki Kawahara with illustrations by abec.

Spanning twenty volumes of Sword Art Online, this special boxed set includes exclusive prints and a poster featuring gorgeous art by abec! With two beautiful collector’s edition volumes, this boxed set is an absolute must-have for fans of the series!

For nearly a decade, Sword Art Online has been one of the most beloved franchises in the world of light novels, manga and anime. This deluxe box set appeals greatly to passionate fans of the series as well as collectors of limited edition offerings, such as the Spice and Wolf Anniversary Collector’s Edition and the PandoraBox: Limited PandoraHearts Collection previously released by Yen Press.

Sword Art Online Platinum Collector’s Edition is on sale December 22. Pre-orders are available now on YenPress.com.

Sword Art Online Platinum Collector’s Edition