Anime UK News Review of 2025 Part 2: Manga, Manhwa, Light Novels and Danmei
2025 has been a strangely muted year for big new manga announcements – although manhwa/webtoons seem to be thriving in digital and print, even the expensive but attractive colour print volumes. Shonen Jump titles still dominate the top sales figures (it’s difficult to outsell One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen!) But although we enjoy the traditional shonen titles at Anime UK News, we also love to read and review many other works from different demographics. Find out which titles we recommend from the past twelve months’ reading!
Manga
Digital Manga
Manhwa
Light Novels
Digital Light Novels
Danmei and Manhua
Looking Forward to 2026…
MANGA
Darkstorm
This has been a killer year for many ongoing series, but there’s been many one-hit wonder volumes that have blown me away as well. Beloved Supper by Kaho Ozaki (Yen Press) gave us a unique take on vampires, mixed with food and stunning art. The thought-provoking Stardust Family (Yen Press) by Aki Proyama, tells a unique sci-fi tale of what family truly means and the complex role of parenting. Both were highlights for me and highly recommended if you’re after a short but effective story to tide you over until the next volume of your ongoing series hits the shelves.
Then there’s Common-Sense Monster by Warugi Wanai & Shinobu Shinotsuki (Yen Press) which managed to stand out in the ever growing LGBT-horror subgenre, that I can’t wait to see continue in future volumes next year.
Ian Wolf
Much of what I have been reading in 2025 are titles I’ve continued reviewing from last year: motor-racing series Initial D, crime comedy The Fable, (Kodansha) the relaxed Is the Order a Rabbit? (Yen Press), and a re-release of CLAMP’s early 1990s series Tokyo Babylon (Yen Press) have all entertained in their own way. Regarding CLAMP, a release of two artbooks in November from different publishers made for a unique if slightly odd addition.
As for new releases, a few spring to mind. One was Dead Rock a new work by Fairy Tail creator Hiro Mashima (Kodansha) following a group of students in a school in Hell. Anyone fond of Mashima’s previous works will be delighted to know he maintains his usual high standard, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to develop. Elsewhere there was On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance (Square Enix Manga) a series following two office co-workers who are unaware of each other’s fondness for fashion, with the man being into Lolita style, and the woman in punk. It has been an entertaining title so far and given where the most recent volume ended, things are going to get even more intriguing. We have also seen British publishers getting into things, with Titan bringing out Isekai Metaller, which as far as I know is the only manga to make reference to metal bands Manowar and Amon Amarth.
However, for me there is one clear stand-out title this year. Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow, the classic 1960s boxing manga has been a joy to read. Produced in hardback by Kodansha, it has made for an engrossing read, and it has been fascinating to see how this work which inspired so many people at the time, from other manga artists to left-wing protesters, developed over time. It is great that the series has finally got an English-language release, and it will nice to see the story continue to unfold. There is also a personal reason for this being my favourite series, in that Ashita no Joe is the first manga to have printed a quote from one of my reviews on the cover, which delights me and gives me hope that my own work as a manga critic will continue to develop.
Sarah
A word of praise for ongoing series Tsubasa Yamaguchi’s Blue Period, Tsurumaikada’s Medalist (Kodansha), The Summer Hikaru Died (Yen Press) by Mokumokuren and Kowloon Generic Romance (Yen Press) for keeping me and countless other readers still eagerly turning the pages. But when it comes to new series, the one that impressed the most this year is Boys’ Love/Slice of Life title Love in the Palm of His Hand by Rinteku (Square Enix Manga) which, in bringing together an aspiring student actor and a fellow student who’s profoundly deaf, shows how they learn to communicate through sign language as they begin to fall in love. Perceptive, moving and compassionate – and also beautifully drawn; Volume 3 is due out in April 2026.
Demelza
The variety and sheer quantity of manga being released in English only continues to grow year on year, as new publishers spring up everywhere, and there seems to be more licenses than ever. This isn’t always for the best, given the rise in AI translations, but all we can do is ensure our voices are heard on that front by providing feedback and avoiding them wherever possible. We’re certainly not past the sheer avalanche of fantasy and isekai titles that everyone seems to love licensing, but I feel that, compared to 2024, there has been more variety in genres, provided you know where to look.
This year started off well with an omnibus release of Kaori Ozaki’s Dogs and Punching Bags, and the shojo series that seems to have swept everyone off their feet: Fall in Love, You False Angels. And as the year went on, we were introduced to Wash It All Away (anime forthcoming in the Winter season!) and another manga adaptation of one of Natsu Hyuuga’s works: You Can’t Bluff the Sharp-Eyed Sister. And for all you mystery fans out there, there was the tremendous Adabana.
But as much as I’ve enjoyed all of those so far, it’s Kodansha’s release of Spacewalking with You Volume 1 that has stuck with me the most. Despite having only released two volumes so far (the second very recently), this provides a compelling read as it presents us with characters that are neurodivergent in a way that very few manga depict in such a natural manner. Particularly in a school life setting like this, rather than in adulthood or a more autobiographical series where a creator reflects on their own life experiences.
DIGITAL MANGA
Demelza
Largely due to the aforementioned AI translation issues, I haven’t actually been buying or reading a lot of digital manga. But of the little I have read, the one that’s stuck with me the most is The God of Time on MANGA Plus. This one was only 15 chapters, but it ended up proving memorable through making good use of its pacing.
The story follows Yuki, who has a watch that allows her to stop time. One day, she uses her power to save a boy called Hiroki from certain death and soon finds that he can freely walk around even when time’s stopped. Together the two continue to use the watch, but as they do, they soon find themselves in trouble when a classmate falls from a cliff edge…
Also on MANGA Plus is WITCHRIV, a dark fantasy from One Room of Happiness creator Hakuri. With only seven chapters so far, this one is still in its infancy, but it’s showing a lot of promise. The story is set in a world where mages are hunted down, and those with magic must hide their powers. One such mage is our protagonist Nona, who loses everything when it’s discovered she and her mother have magic. Now she’s on the run in a world that’s out to kill her.
Sarah
Perhaps the writing was on the wall for Manga Planet and – wipes away a tear – futekiya. After they went over to the points system, readers faded away, and the inevitable announcement came in October that they were closing their digital platform in 2026 and concentrating on print releases. With Manga UP! and K Manga providing an online reading experience and advance chapters of ongoing series, perhaps the demand dropped off – or was it also problems at their end with licensing, piracy and more besides? And, will we be able to order those promised print releases with ease in the UK? As US print releases are not to be found in bookstores or online until three-four weeks after their US release date, I’d think the chances of getting futekiya print manga through the usual channels (Waterstones, Forbidden Planet, Amazon etc.) would be pretty slim.
Thank goodness, then for Animate International and Renta who are still delivering an excellent range of titles. Renta notably brought out Hot Nights at the Hot Springs, Secret Trip No. 241 by Sonoo Michiru, a prime example of currently popular trope: ‘Old Man Yaoi’. Animate International have continued several popular BL series, notably Zeniko ‘s Breathless Momentum, and one recent standout title is the first volume of Barefoot Angel by Ito Nonomiya (which just happens to be set in England!).
MANWHA
Darkstorm
I’m a latecomer to reading manhwa but have had the opportunity to review some highly regarded stories. My award goes to Raging Clouds by Yudori (Fantagraphics); not only is it beautiful presented with the hardback cover, dust jacket and spectacular art, but the complex tale of abuse, marriage, the mental toll of the patriarchy and the meaning of freedom really resonated with me. I highly recommend the story and can’t wait to see what Yudori does with her next release in the New Year.
Noemi10
Year on year, the number of manhwa releases in the English language has increased, and many Korean favourites have become available to their fans in the West. And in 2025 some series finally come to a conclusion, such as A Business Proposal, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion and Solo Leveling, although for the latter a couple of more volumes have been scheduled, they are just side stories as the main story has ended. As a huge fan of Solo Leveling, I can’t stop recommending it thanks to its captivating story full of action and battles, and the striking art. However, if you’re more of a shojo fan, you can’t help but fall in love with Raeliana and Noah in Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion. Raeliana is our main heroine who decides to not wait for a Prince Charming and take her fate into her own hands, while Noah becomes her non-Prince Charming who doesn’t stand a chance at NOT falling in love with her. I can’t wait to see and read what new series 2026 will bring!
LIGHT NOVELS
Demelza
With light novels this year, I’ve largely been keeping up with my backlog of a million different things as opposed to trying out new titles. But, I did read The BS Situation of Tougetsu Umidori, which has stuck with me for being absolutely insane. I still miss the crazy storylines that NISIOISIN wrote for the Monogatari series, and The BS Situation of Tougetsu Umidori is the closest I’ve gotten to anyone even remotely being able to capture a similar vibe.
Noemi10
Although calling it a light novel might be a stretch, 2025 was the year that brought the translated novel of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint to its English readers. As a title that gained popularity thanks to its original novel, which has then been adapted into a manhwa, a movie and an upcoming anime, it’s been great for the fans to find out where this series’ original magic begins. Volume 1 released in the summer, and it had a great support behind it by the publisher, Ize Press, with its marketing and publicity campaigns.
DIGITAL LIGHT NOVELS
Demelza
The big news in digital light novels this year was J-Novel Club launching its Knight imprint, which is exclusively for BL titles. Of the six titles so far, I’ve found them a fairly mixed bag – especially given the fact that the first three were all isekai (nothing against that, as I read a lot of isekai, but it was the repetitiveness of having so many). However, the newer licenses are a lot more promising. Particularly Buying You on the Day You Were to Die, which sounds heavy on the drama and not set in any kind of fantasy world. I’m looking forward to seeing where this imprint goes next year, and hope it has been warmly received by readers. [Illustrations by Enjin Yamimaru too! Ed.]
DANMEI and MANHUA
Sarah
Seven Seas have added a great many titles to their danmei list in 2025 and just as fan-favourite titles like The Husky and His White Cat Shizun are reaching their conclusion, there’s almost too many new ones to choose from! However I can recommend Peerless by Meng Xi Shi (Thousand Autumns) which is only five volumes in length and follows the criminal investigations by the heads of two rival intelligence agencies: one the sickly but highly intelligent Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao, the handsome (and doesn’t he know it!) gifted martial artist. Rivals to lovers? Well, not if Cui Buqu has anything to do with it, but Feng Xiao is not so easily dissuaded. There are plenty of mysteries for the two to sort out, often placing them in extreme danger. And one of the new titles Joyful Reunion by Fei Tian Ye Xiang, will appeal to those who enjoy historical novels. I’ve just finished the first volume and I’ve been impressed by the way the story is gradually revealing itself, layered in convincing period detail, with plenty of nail-biting and realistic battles, seen through the eyes of a sympathetic young main character. Eagerly awaited (and maybe just making it to these shores before the end of the year is Priest’s contemporary-set Silent Reading: Mo Du.
And the first volume of the very attractive manhua version of Heaven Official’s Blessing by MXTX has just made it into print and digital from Inklore Books this month!
LOOKING FORWARD to 2026…
Darkstorm
This year has seen some killer yuri, and I’m excited to see more on the horizon for next year, including but not limited to Shino and Ren and Koharu and Minato: Happy Life with My Girlfriend, and of course ongoing releases such as This Monster Wants to Eat Me. There’s also Fatale Game, which is currently on K Manga but I hope for a physical release soon, and the anime adaptation of A Mangaka’s Weirdly Wonderful Workplace came out this year, with the manga by the same author as Moon on a Rainy Night; I’d love to see the release of that soon too!
As someone who recently got into light novels via 7th Time Loop The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! (Airship, Seven Seas) thanks to its anime adaptation, I’m very hyped for the seventh volume as well as the collection of short stories coming next year.
Ian Wolf
A quick look at what is coming up reveals a mix of old classic re-releases and intriguing new titles.
Regarding re-releases, the one that stands out the most is a new deluxe edition of Battle Royale (Yen Press) the adaptation of Koushun Takami’s novel, which itself was also adapted into a critically acclaimed cult live-action film. The story of forty-two schoolkids on a remote island fighting each other to death is one of the big titles when it comes to the modern “death game” genre. It has also recently been announced that Dark Horse are bringing out deluxe editions of the works of Masamune Shirow, including Appleseed.
Those looking for even more thrills might want to pick up sci-fi series Battlefront of the Great Powers by Natsuko Uruma (Yen Press), set in the 23rd century and featuring a similar death game situation, except it’s kids competing on the behalf of entire nations in a tournament to see who will get what’s left of the world’s dwindling resources.
On the more comedic side is the release of yuri title Bad Girl (Yen Press) by Nikumaru, which follows a schoolgirl who develops a crush on the president of the public morals club at her school, so to attract her attention, she decides to become a delinquent – something it turns out she is not very good at.
Demelza
Next year has a number of exciting new debuts from a variety of publishers. The one I’m most excited about is probably Drawing From Your Memory, which is upcoming from Kodansha. This is a time-travel story about a mangaka who wants to save one of her former classmates. Denpa has No Sentimental Reactions, which is a short story collection from Keigo Shinzo (Hirayasumi). And in light novels, Yen Press will be bringing us the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Prelude short story collection novel as well as a new series: Casebook of Kurumi Tokisaki, Magic Detective. It seems like 2026 will be good for both continuing series and a variety of new offerings.
Sarah
My absolute top recommendation is much-lauded The Credits Roll Into the Sea by John Tarachine (Dark Horse) which follows Umiko Chino, recently widowed and retired, who decides to go back to college to study film-making. A new title from Kore Yamazaki (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) is always cause for celebration and February brings us the first volume of Ghost & Witch from Seven Seas, this time set in Ireland.
And on the Boys’ Love front, don’t miss the adorable Can You Kiss Me First? by Yamayade (Seven Seas), already a massive hit for the mangaka, and in complete contrast, the controversial and disturbing Smells Like Green Spirit by Saburo Nagai (Kodansha).
Noemi10
As Ize Press has found itself at the top of the leader board for releasing manhwa, I’m quite excited to see what they will release in 2026. So far, I’m quite interested in giving a try to Revenge of the Baskerville Bloodhound where an old man has the chance to travel back into the past and re-do his life without regrets and without becoming a pawn, and to Beatrice where another heroine seems to take her fate and survival into her own hands and doesn’t need to wait for a knight in shining armour to save her. Another exciting title, Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story is also getting a print edition after amassing over 142 million views on Webtoon. In the story, Suna Choi reincarnates as a villain in her favourite novel, and here she needs all her wit to survive and not join her family in death when their crimes come to light. Something I’d love to see in 2026 is more translated novels as many manhwa have been adapted from books, so all I can do now is keep my fingers crossed.
