At New York Comic Con 2016, Kodansha Comics announced eight brand-new licenses to be published in 2017. We’ve picked out a handful of the most intriguing forthcoming titles manga fans should keep an eye on for 2017.
Regarding My Reincarnation As A Slime
By Fuse, art by Taiki Kawakami
A 30-something salaryman dies suddenly, only to be reborn in an epic fantasy world. But there’s a big catch: he’s been reincarnated as a blind, blue slime with magical powers. The title promises plenty of fantasy action and comedic nods to old-school JRPG fans. The protagonist starts off being quite weak, but as the story progresses, he “levels up” to eventually become “kind of a badass slime,” said Ben Applegate, director of publishing for Kodansha Comics.
Kigurumi Defense Squad
By Lily Hoshino
This modern fairy-tale with a twist comes from the character designer of Mawaru Penguindrum and creator of Otome Yokai Zakuro, Lily Hoshino. The story follows a typical junior high student who comes home to find a giant, fuzzy mascot creature named Ginger (the titular kigurumi) in her house. Ginger tasks her with protecting the world, but also happens to have the ability to transform into a dashing, handsome young man. As with Hoshino’s previous manga, the artwork is shaping up to be stunning.
Land of the Lustrous
By Ichikawa Haruko
Set in a distant future when immortal, genderless beings known as Gems populate the Earth, this series focuses on the battle against the Moon Dwellers, who seek to destroy the Gems and turn them into decorative objects. The story follows the youngest and weakest of the Gems, Phosphophyllite, deemed too brittle for battle and searching for a calling in life. This heavy, complex epic fantasy has already been embraced by critical and popular audiences in Japan.
Love and Lies
By Tsumugi Musawo
This sci-fi high school drama is set in an alternate-future Japan, in which the government assigns marriage partners to all citizens at the tender age of 16. Marriage is purely functional, and love and passion are strictly forbidden. The protagonist, Yukari, struggles with his secret desire for one of his classmates and the demands of his high-spirited wife-to-be, who could help or hinder his hope for genuine love. “If you’re into science fiction romance, you’ll want to check this one out. It’s got a lot of comedy in it as well,” Applegate said.
For more info on Kodansha’s upcoming manga titles and continuing series, click here.
Will you be keeping an eye out for any of these manga series? Or has another upcoming Kodansha title caught your eye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and be sure to stay tuned to iDigitalTimes for more coverage of New York Comic Con 2016.
