Photo credit: www.publishersweekly.com
Exploring the Latest Trends in Webcomics
The webcomic landscape is thriving, with a rich selection of genres capturing the attention of readers this season. From inventive science fiction tales to quirky romances, light-hearted comedies, and captivating cat-themed manga, there’s something for every discerning comic enthusiast.
Top 10 Webcomics to Watch
The Climber
Authored by Yoshio Nabeda, Hiroshi Takano, and Shin-Ichi Sakamoto, with translation by John Werry. Released by Viz Media on April 15 at $22.99 (ISBN 978-1-9747-5152-5). This coming-of-age narrative follows a high school student who, after accepting a dare to scale his school, uncovers a newfound passion for mountain climbing.
Face Meat
This collection features horror stories by Taro Bonten, translated by Ryan Holmberg. Available from Smudge on May 20 for $19.95 (ISBN 978-1-961581-07-4). It delves into the unsettling atmosphere of Bonten’s work, showcasing his contributions to the horror manga genre, predominantly from the 1960s.
Farewell, My Odin
Written by Chihiro Yoshioka and translated by Cynthia Caraturo, this Titan Manga release on February 25, priced at $12.99 (ISBN 978-1-78774-439-4), narrates the gripping tale of a warrior known as the War-Wolf who seeks revenge against Viking raiders in a violent landscape.
Gene Bride
Hitomi Takano’s work, translated by Kristjan Rohde and published by Seven Seas on April 8 at $14.99 (ISBN 979-8-89373-137-8), introduces a female protagonist grappling with both systemic sexism and genetic matchmaking in a timeline where past decisions resurface with profound consequences.
Helena and Mr. Big Bad Wolf
This webtoon by Bliss, translated by Xiao, available from Yen Press on February 25 for $15 (ISBN 979-8-8554-0954-3), weaves a tale of a girl who, after enduring trauma, discovers solace in stories and strikes up an unusual friendship with a mysterious author.
Issak
This saga by Shinji Makari and Double-S, translated by Kevin Steinbach and set for release by Kodansha on June 10 for $22.99 (ISBN 979-8-88877-495-3), depicts a 17th-century samurai’s journey into Europe for revenge amidst the backdrop of the Thirty Years’ War.
Miss Ruki
Written by Fumiko Takano, translated by Alexa Frank, New York Review Comics is releasing this comedic 1980s classic on June 24 at $19.95 (ISBN 978-1-68137-940-1). It features an unconventional protagonist who navigates life outside consumer-driven expectations, frustrating her more traditional friend.
Raging Clouds
Created by Yudori, this graphic novel from Fantagraphics, set for release on May 27 for $34.95 (ISBN 979-8-8750-0106-2), intertwines the stories of two women—a 16th-century Dutch spouse and the enslaved woman brought home by her husband—against a backdrop of desperation and resilience.
Veil
This mysterious romance by Kotteri!, translated by Jocelyne Allen, will be released by Udon on March 11 for $19.99 (ISBN 978-1-77294-361-0), following the love story of a runaway heiress who finds solace with an off-duty cop.
Wash It All Away
Mitsuru Hattori’s soothing slice-of-life story, translated by Sawa Matsueda Savage, is scheduled to release on April 22, priced at $14.99 (ISBN 978-1-64609-374-8). The narrative follows an amnesiac running a laundry service in a tranquil seaside town.
Expanding the Manga Landscape: Notable Mentions
Airship
Bowing to Love: The Noble and the Gladiator by Saki Aida and Yamimaru Enjin, translated by Piyo, will release on July 29 for $15.99 (ISBN 979-8-89373-301-3). The story presents a socially awkward Roman noble who falls for the gladiator who saves him.
Dark Horse Manga
Cat + Crazy by Wataru Nadatani, translated by Zack Davisson, will launch on June 24 for $12.99 (ISBN 978-1-50674-708-8). This series follows a cat-loving teen who must navigate familial allergies while training under a revered cat whisperer.
Gunsmith Cats Omnibus by Kenichi Sonoda, translated by Dana Lewis and Toren Smith, revives the 1990s action series, slated for March 4 at $29.99 (ISBN 978-1-5067-4622-7), featuring two audacious female bounty hunters in Chicago.
Kylooe by Little Thunder, translated by Montana Kane, will comprise otherworldly fantasy stories in a full-color collection on March 25, priced at $29.99 (ISBN 978-1-5067-4600-5).
Further Explorations in Manga
Gaea-Tima the Gigantis by Kent on April 29 for $13.99 (ISBN 979-8-88877-436-6) explores a town turned tourist attraction after a monstrous assault, only to face the beast’s return.
Yan by Chang Sheng, translated by Vanessa Liu, will provide a riveting Taiwanese horror experience entwined with sci-fi elements, set to release on May 6 for $12.99 (ISBN 978-1-78774-442-4).
return to main feature.
A version of this article appeared in the 01/27/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Manga Trends and Highlights
Source
www.publishersweekly.com