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The popularity of yuri, which highlights romantic relationships between female characters, is surging within the manga community. Mark de Vera, Yen Press’s marketing director, remarks that this genre is “opening up now in a big way.”
According to manga historian Erica Friedman, yuri enthusiasts have become “queerer and louder and more demanding.” This dedicated fanbase tends to support yuri titles based on genuine affection for the content, unlike many other manga genres that often depend on anime adaptations to thrive. Nonetheless, some recent hits, such as The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All and This Monster Wants to Eat Me, are set to receive anime adaptations.
Here’s a look at six upcoming releases that vary from heartfelt to humorous to eerie.
Common Sense Monster
By Warugi Wanai and Shinobu Shinotsuki, translated by John Neal. Publisher: Yen, Release Date: August
This horror-romance hybrid follows a socially awkward girl fascinated by a classmate who turns out to be a flesh-eating monster. Yen hopes this title will have as much impact as its ongoing horror yuri series, This Monster Wants to Eat Me.
Convenient Semi-Friend
By Minori Chigusa, translated by Giuseppe di Martino. Publisher: Yen, Release Date: June
In this blend of spicy and comedic elements, a shy girl forms a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship with her sexually adventurous dormmate, presented through traditional four-panel comic strips.
The Lying Bride and the Same-Sex Marriage Debate
By Kodama Naoko, translated by Sarah Burch. Publisher: Seven Seas, Release Date: October
This story centers on an out lesbian who finds love with an old friend while aiding her escape from a troubled marriage. The narrative, akin to I Married My Best Friend to Shut My Parents Up, tackles the sensitive issue of same-sex marriage in Japan, which remains unrecognized legally.
Not So Shoujo Love Story
By Curryuku. Publisher: Viz, Release Date: May
A manga-enthusiastic teenager desires her life to mirror the adventures of romance manga. However, instead of winning over a popular boy, she unexpectedly attracts the attention of a girl she once considered her rival. This series has an established online presence on Webtoon, with over one million English-speaking readers.
Pink Candy Kiss
By Ami Uozumi, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash. Publisher: Viz, Release Date: April
This josei manga narrates the story of a woman in her thirties who rekindles feelings for her middle school crush—now married. It offers a nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ romance between older individuals.
Reincarnation
By Yuri Eury, translated by Kristjan Rohde. Publisher: Glacier Bay, Release Date: October
In this experimental debut from outsider artist Eury, the narrative explores the bond between two women who are connected across various lifetimes—past, present, and future. This title will be available in two omnibus editions.
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A version of this article appeared in the 04/28/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Girls’ Love Rising.
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