If you’re like us, you love manga and light novels. With the sheer amount of them coming out at any one time, however, it can be hard to decide which titles are most worthy of your attention and hard-earned money. We’re here to help with spotlights on the volumes we’re most looking forward to this month, various new series debuting, and other notable releases.
Our top five must-buys
High-Rise Invasion Vol. 9-10
Seven Seas Entertainment
By Takahiro Oba & Tsuina Miura, published by Seven Seas Entertainment
Release date: 9/24/19
One of my favorite horror series right now is definitely High-Rise Invasion. The waits between volumes (it’s been four months since the last installment) always feel like eternities, but it’s almost time for the next one at last. This series’s world and mystery is so engaging, and a perfect setting for the horror. Long story short, our protagonists wake up in a city full of skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. Not only that, but they immediately find themselves under attack from people in mysterious masks. Oh, and there’s an ongoing mystery involving God and what it would mean to become said god. Fair warning: the sexualization of some of the characters in this series is rather unfortunate, so be aware of what you’re getting yourself into. If you can tolerate that, however, this horror-action-mystery is well worth your time.
— Eric
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare Vol. 3
Seven Seas Entertainment
By Yuhki Kamatani, published by Seven Seas Entertainment
Release Date: 9/24/19
Our Dreams at Dusk is almost definitely gonna end up as my pick for Manga of the Year. The second volume rocked me to my core in how realistically Kamatani portrayed a young person wrestling with their gender identity and relationship with their queerness. I’m very excited that Tsubaki is on the cover because we’ve only got a couple glimpses of his characterization so far and I’m very eager to learn more about him. Almost as eager as I am to see what breathtaking visual metaphors and representations Kamatani chooses to realize their heart-wrenching–but never depressing–narrative.
–Trevor
Cats of the Louvre
Viz Media
By Taiyo Matsumoto, published by Viz Media
Release date: 9/17/19
This manga sold me with its title. As if that weren’t enough, it doubly sold me with its cover. And as if that also wasn’t enough, I was triply sold by the official preview pages. An art gallery setting with over-the-top cats, including lots of close-ups on their intense eyes? Sign me up! The book’s synopsis gets me intrigued while still leaving a lot of mystery as to what we can expect here, but I’m sure it’s gonna be a lot of fun. I’ll gladly take a break from all the action series I follow to read about some lovely felines.
— Eric
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Vol. 8
Viz Media
By Kohoharu Gotouge, published by Viz Media
Release date: 9/3/19
If there’s a series that went from completely off my radar to the top of my most-anticipated picks, it’s Demon Slayer. After bingeing the first seven volumes in a week or two, I need more and am so happy the month kicks off with this volume’s release. Getting to know the Hashira has been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see how Tanjiro and Rengoku manage to escape the train ride from Hell they’re stuck on. I’m just as interested to know more about the demon they’re fighting as the series continues to center empathy in the conflicts Tanjiro faces, positioning the demons as more than just enemies to be cut down.
–Trevor
Haikyu!! Vol. 34
Viz Media
By Haruichi Furudate, published by Viz Media
Release date: 9/3/19
Few series bring me as much pure unadulterated joy as Haikyu!! Now that Karasuno’s made it to Nationals every game is truly do or die, but this one holds special significance. They’re up against Nekoma, their longtime rivals and the team we’ve gotten to know the most besides the protagonists. It’s hard to root against either side and I’ll truly want them both to win. Regardless of the specifics of the game, however, Furudate is sure to deliver their trademark excellent artwork and moving character developments.
–Eric
Series debuts
Who doesn’t love finding a series as it’s just beginning and then following along through its run? If you’re looking to try out a volume one or a standalone read, here are some options this month:
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Zero Vol. 1 (Light Novel) – Seven Seas, 9/3/19
Cells at Work! Code Black Vol. 1 – 9/3/19
Combatants Will Be Dispatched! Vol. 1 (Light novel) – Yen Press, 9/3/29
Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? Vol. 1 (Light novel) – Yen Press, 9/3/19
The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?) Vol. 1 (Light novel) – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Phantom Tales of the Night Vol. 1 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Reborn as a Polar Bear Vol. 1 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Smile Down the Runway Vol. 1 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Zero Vol. 1 (Manga) – Seven Seas, 9/10/19
Become You Vol. 1 – Seven Seas, 9/10/19
The Brave-Tuber Vol. 1 – Seven Seas, 9/10/19
Fate/Grand Order Vol. 1 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Queen Bee Vol. 1 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Cats of the Louvre – Viz, 9/17/19
If I Could Reach You Vol. 1 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
Levius – Viz, 9/17/19
No Guns Life Vol. 1 – Viz, 9/17/19
Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! Vol. 1 – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
The Way of the Househusband Vol. 1 – Viz, 9/17/19
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls Vol. 1– Dark Horse, 9/18/18
Combatants Will Be Dispatched! Vol. 1 (Manga) – Yen Press, 9/24/29
Hanging High School (Novel) – Vertical, 9/24/19
The Miracles of the Namiya General Store (Novel) – Yen Press, 9/24/19
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Vol. 1 (Light novel) – Yen Press, 9/24/19
World’s End Harem: Fantasia Vol. 1 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles Vol. 1 – Dark Horse, 9/25/19
Ongoing series
On the lookout for the next installment of your favorite series? We’ve put together a list of this month’s upcoming releases.
Accel World Vol. 19 – Yen Press, 9/24/19
After the Rain Vol. 5 – Vertical, 9/3/19
Ajin: Demi-Human Vol. 13 – Vertical, 9/17/19
Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor Vol. 7 – Seven Seas, 9/3/19
The Ancient Magus’ Bride Vol. 11 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Anonymous Noise Vol. 16 – Viz, 9/3/19
As Miss Beelzebub Likes Vol. 7 – Yen Press, 9/24/29
Assassination Classroom Complete Box Set – Viz, 9/3/19
Atsumori-kun’s Bride-to-Be Vol. 2 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Baccano! Vol. 11 – Yen Press, 9/3/29
BEASTARS Vol. 2 – Viz, 9/17/19
Berserk Vol. 40 – Dark Horse, 9/25/19
Black Clover Vol. 17 – Viz, 9/3/19
Blissful Land Vol. 4 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
Blue Exorcist Vol. 22 – Viz, 9/3/19
Boarding School Juliet Vol. 12 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
Bungo Stray Dogs Vol. 12 – Yen Press, 9/24/29
Candy Color Paradox Vol. 3 – SuBLime, 9/10/19
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Vol. 6 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
A Centaur’s Life Vol. 17 – Seven Seas, 9/3/19
Children of the Whales Vol. 12 – Viz, 9/17/19
Chio’s School Read Vol. 5 – Yen Press, 9/10/29
Daytime Shooting Star Vol. 2 – Viz, 9/3/19
Death March to Parallel World Rhapsody Vol. 9 (Light novel) – Yen Press, 9/24/19
Defying Kurosaki-kun Vol. 12 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
The Demon Prince of Momochi House Vol. 14 – Viz, 9/3/19
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Vol. 8 – Viz, 9/3/19
Devils’ Line Vol. 13 – Vertical, 9/17/19
The Devil is a Part-Timer! Vol. 14 (Light novel) – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Domestic Girlfriend Vol. 21 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Dorohedoro Vol. 23 – Viz, 9/17/19
Dragon Ball Super Vol. 6 – Viz, 9/10/19
Dragon Quest Monsters+ Vol. 4 – Seven Seas, 9- Viz, 9/3/19/17/19
Dr. STONE Vol. 7 – Viz, 9/3/19
Edens Zero Vol. 4 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Elegant Yokai Apartment Life Vol. 17 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Elfen Lied Omnibus Vol. 2 – Dark Horse, 9/25/19
Final Fantasy Lost Stranger Vol. 3 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Finder Deluxe Edition Vol. 9: Beating of My Heart – SuBLime, 9/10/19
Fire Force Vol. 17 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Giant Killing Vol. 16 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Gleipnir Vol. 4 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Goblin Slayer Vol. 6 – Yen Press, 9/24/19
The Golden Sheep Vol. 1 – Vertical, 9/24/19
Goodbye! I’m Being Reincarnated! Vol. 2 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
The Great Cleric Vol. 2 – 9/17/19
Haganai: I Don’t Have Many Friends Vol. 17 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Haikyu!! Vol. 34 – Viz, 9/3/19
Happy Sugar Life Vol. 2 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Hayate the Combat Butler Vol. 34 – Viz, 9/10/19
High-Rise Invasion Vol. 9-10 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Vol. 4 (Light Novel) – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord Vol. 5 (Manga) – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
How to Build a Dungeon: Book of the Demon King Vol. 5 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 3 – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
I’m Standing on a Million Lives Vol. 3 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
Interviews with Monster Girls Vol. 7 -Kodansha, 9/24/19
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Episode Lyu Vol. 4 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level Vol. 5 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
I Want to Hold Aono-kun so Badly I Could Die Vol. 5 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Vol. 10 – Viz, 9/3/19
Kakegurui Twin Vol. 3 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Vol. 5 – Viz, 9/3/19
The Knight Cartoonist and Her Orc Editor Vol. 2 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! Vol. 2 – Yen Press, 9/24/19
Land of the Lustrous Vol. 9 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Living-Room Matsunaga-san Vol. 6 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
Love at Fourteen Vol. 9 – Yen Press, 9/24/19
Lovesick Ellie Vol. 9 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Made in Abyss Vol. 7 – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
Magical Girl Site Vol. 10 – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka Vol. 7 – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
Magus of the Library Vol. 2 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
Missions of Love Vol. 18 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
Mushoku Tensei: Roxy Gets Serious Vol. 2 – Seven Seas, 9/10/19
My Boy Vol. 5 – Vertical, 9/10/19
My Pink Is Overflowing Vol. 3 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
My Sweet Girl Vol. 6 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
Nameless Asterism Vol. 4 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Nirvana Vol. 4 – Seven Seas, 9/3/19
Non Non Biyori Vol. 12 – Seven Seas, 9/3/19
One Piece (Omnibus Edition) Vol. 29 – Viz, 9/3/19
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare Vol. 3 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Our Precious Conversations Vol. 4 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
Overlord Vol. 11 – Yen Press, 9/24/19
Plunderer Vol. 2 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Pokémon: Sun & Moon Vol. 5 – Viz, 9/10/19
Radiant Vol. 7 – Viz, 9/10/19
The Quintessential Quintuplets Vol. 5 – Kodansha, 9/24/19
The Quintessential Quintuplets Vol. 10 (Digital) – Kodansha, 9/17/19
Red Riding Hood’s Wolf Apprentice Vol. 3 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Reincarnated as a Sword Vol. 2 (Light Novel) – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Restaurant to Another World Vol. 2 (Light Novel) – Seven Seas, 9/17/19
Sekirei Vol. 9 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
The Seven Deadly Sins Vol. 34 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
The Slime Diaries Vol. 2 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
Skeleton Knight in Another World Vol. 2 (Light Novel) – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
Snow White with the Red Hair Vol. 3 – Viz, 9/3/19
Spirits & Cat Ears Vol. 8 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Splatoon Vol. 7 – Viz, 9/10/19
Star Wars Lost Stars Vol. 2 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Sword Art Online: Girls’ Ops Vol. 6 – Yen Press, 9/24/19
The Tale of Genji: Dreams at Dawn Vol. 7 – Kodansha, 9/3/19
There’s a Demon Lord on the Floor Vol. 7 – Seven Seas, 9/10/19
Tokyo Alice Vol. 15 – Kodansha, 9/17/19
Tokyo Revengers Vol. 11 – Kodansha, 9/10/19
20th Century Boys: The Perfect Edition Vol. 5 – Viz, 9/17/19
Twin Star Exorcists Vol. 16 – Viz, 9/3/19
W.I.T.C.H.: The Graphic Novel, Part VI. Razorlang Vol. 1 – 9/17/19
World’s End Harem Vol. 6 – Seven Seas, 9/24/19
YO-KAI WATCH Vol. 12 – Viz, 9/10/19
Yowamushi Pedal Vol. 12 – Yen Press, 9/3/19
Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V Vol. 6 – Viz, 9/3/19
Note: Release dates are always subject to change due to publishing delays. Between small presses and as-yet-unannounced volumes, this list doesn’t include all the manga set to be released in English this month but it does cover most large companies and imprints.
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