New Manga and Light Novels You Can Dive Into in January 2021

Jujutsu Kaisen 0

Genres: Action-Adventure, Supernatural

Synopsis: Jujutsu Kaisen 0 features story and art by Gege Akutami and it is a 200-page prequel to Jujutsu Kaisen. The story follows Yuta Okkotsu, a timid high school student who is dealing with a serious problem–Rika, his childhood friend, has turned into a curse and won’t leave him be. Because she is no ordinary curse, he captures the attention of Satoru Gojo. Gojo convinces Yuta to go to Jujutsu High, but will he be able to learn enough in time to face the curse that troubles him?

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Asadora!, Volume 1

Genres: Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction

Synopsis: Asadora! is a new series featuring art and story by Naoki Urasawa (Monster, 20th Century Boys). The story follows Asa, who runs off to find a doctor when her mother goes into labor. Surprisingly, no one seems to care when she doesn’t return, even with a storm approaching Nagoya. Forgotten once again, Asa crosses paths with a burglar. She makes the decision to try and stop him on her own, which leads to an unexpected alliance.

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Orient, Volume 1

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shonen

Synopsis: Orient is a new shonen manga by the creator of Magi, Shinobu Ohtaka. Set in the Japan’s Sengoku period in a time when demons rule, Orient follows the story of Musashi. Since he was little, his dad has told stories him about the evil demons who prayed on the innocent and the warriors who defeated them. One day while practicing swordplay, Musashi and his friend Kojiro swear to become the strongest in the world.

But as they grow older, they become more realistic and cynical. Knowing that he alone can’t turn back 150 years of demon rule, Musashi, who’s been named a prodigy with a pickaxe, is about to settle for a life of labor. Even still, he can’t shake the feeling that he still has a responsibility to act…and, soon, the injustices of his world will force his hand…

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Those Not-So-Sweet Boys, Volume 1

Genres: Romance

Synopsis: Those Not-So-Sweet Boys is a new manga by the creator of That Wolf-Boy is Mine! and Love in Focus, Yoko Nogiri. The story follows Midori, who’s a part-time worker at a café-bar. But when the principal finds about her job, which is against the rules of the school, she finds herself in trouble.

To her surprise, the principal offers her a deal: Get three boys that haven’t been coming to school to return and her transgression will be forgotten. She will have to find a way to convince these not-so-sweet boys, one who happens to be her crush, to come to school, but she’ll have to work her way into their lives to do so.

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Solo Leveling, Volume 1 (light novel)

Genres: Action, Fantasy

Synopsis: This is the light novel for Solo Leveling written by Chugong and it is 232 pages long. The story follows Jinwoo Sung, a weak E-class hunter with nothing to his name. One fateful day, he enters a hidden dungeon and finds himself on death’s door after a horrendous tragedy. Clinging on to his life, Jinwoo hears a mysterious voice that invites him to be a “player”. Desperate to survive, he jumps at the chance…but what is this peculiar new leveling system that only he can see?

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Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Chapter 4: The Sanctuary and the Witch of Greed, Volume 1 (Manga)

Genres: Drama, Fantasy

Synopsis: Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Chapter 4: The Sanctuary and the Witch of Greed features art by Daichi Matsuse and Shinichirou Otsuka and story by Tappei Nagatsuki. The story is set after the battle against the Witch Cult’s Archbishop of Sloth. Subaru is about to reunite with Emilia, but new troubles await him. In this new chapter, Subaru travels toward to the holy territory of the Witch.

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Sasaki and Miyano, Volume 1 (Manga)

Genres: Romance

Synopsis: Sasaki and Miyano is created by Syou Harusono. The story follows Miyano, who spends his days reading Boys’ Love comics and being concerned about how girly his face is until a chance encounter leads to a scuffle with his senior Sasaki. Captivated by the spirited Miyano, Sasaki takes every chance he can to get closer to him.

In other news, it was just recently confirmed that Sasaki and Miyano will be getting an anime adaptation in the future.

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Adachi and Shimamura, Volume 1 (Manga)

Genres: Drama, Romance

Synopsis: Light novels and an anime adaptation for Adachi and Shimamura have already been released, but a manga will be releasing from Yen Press on January 19, 2021.

Yen Press describes the story as follows: The second floor of the gym. That’s our spot. Class is in session right now, but they don’t hold class in a place like this. This is where Shimamura and I became friends. What is this feeling? Yesterday, I dreamed of kissing her. I’m not like that, and I’m sure Shimamura isn’t either. But…when Shimamura thinks of the word “friend”, I want to be the first thing that comes to her mind. That’s all.

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The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat, Volume 1 (Manga)

Genres: Action, Fantasy

Synopsis: The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat features art by Reia and Hamao Sumeragi and story by Rui Tsukiyo. The story follows the world’s finest assassin, who’s been reincarnated in another world. His mission-to kill the Hero prophesized to save the world from disaster! With his deadly skills from his previous life and the magic he learns in this one, he’s well on his way to becoming the greatest assassin in all of history…

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The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess, Volume 1 (Manga)

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis: The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess features art and story by Toka Akiharu. The story follows Konoha Satou, who has a dark history, written throughout middle school – a fantasy adventure of love and magic about the Count’s daughter Konoha Magnolia and the knights who love her! But when it looks like that dark history is going to be uncovered by her mother, Konoha panics and dies in a traffic accident! Opening her eyes, she finds that she’s been reincarnated into the world of her own dark history as Iana Magnolia, the worst villainess of her own creation!

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Dear NOMAN, Volume 1

Genres: Fantasy

Synopsis: Mashiro Unohana has been able to see ghosts since she was a little girl. So others wouldn’t think she was creepy, she pretended they weren’t there, but one day she finds herself in the world of those who aren’t human–the Nomans.

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Mama Akuma, Volume 1

Genres: Fantasy, Comedy

Synopsis: Mama Akuma is created by Kuzushiro. The story follows Seere, who is a subordinate demon to Amaimon, the eastern King of Hell. Serious about his job, he prides himself in being able to make any wish come true. But when he is summoned from a grimoire, what awaits him on the other side is a little girl with a single wish: That he becomes her mama. Seere’s journey to become a mother starts here!

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Mint Chocolate, Volume 1

Genres: Romance

Synopsis: Mint Chocolate is created by Mami Orikasa. The story follows Nanami, who’s high school crush is now her step-brother. She suddenly has to face the fact that her now off-limits love-interest lives under the same roof as her. Will his cold attitude be enough to turn her off, or is Nanami in for some sleepless nights…?

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Golden Japanesque – A Splendid Yokohama Romance –, Volume 1

Genres: Romance

Synopsis: Golden Japanesque – Yokohama Karentan – is created by Kaho Miyasaka (Kare First Love). Set in Meiji era Japan, the story follows Maria who must hide the blond hair and blue eyes she inherited from her father in fear of discrimination. A boy named Rintarou learns of her secret, but he can’t help but think she’s “like a mermaid”. A splendid historical romance awaits!

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Cirque Du Freak: The Manga, Volume 1 (Omnibus Edition)

Genres: Horror, Action

Synopsis: While Cirque Du Freak is not a new series, it will be releasing in omnibus format this January. It features story by Darren Shan and art by Takahiro Arai. The story follows Darren, who was your average, everyday kid until destiny brought him to Cirque du Freak. Now he’s being immersed in a shadowy world inhabited by strange creatures he never thought to exist, like vampires and werewolves. His life will forever be changed!

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King of the Labyrinth, Volume 1 (light novel)

Genres: Fantasy, Action

Synopsis: King of the Labyrinth features story by Shien Bis and Noriko Meguro and it is a hardcover light novel. The story is about the minotaur, who awaits his opponents on the tenth floor of the labyrinth. A great number of brave adventurers have challenged this great beast, but all have failed to defeat him. The powerful monster demands to be sent more strong opponents, but will anyone be able to stand against him?

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The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (light novel)

Genres: Science Fiction, Action & Adventure

Synopsis: This is going to be the first light novel to release in the Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series by Nagaru Tanigawa.

Yen Press who publishes the novels describes the series as follows: When Haruhi Suzumiya introduces herself to Kyon by asking if he’s an alien, time traveler, or psychic, he knows his chances for a normal high school experience are ruined. Bold Haruhi takes a shine to him, and uses the force of her irrepressible personality to draft him into her club to find paranormal beings. Kyon soon discovers what she’s looking for: Haruhi herself has the power to destroy and create entire universes at her whim. But if she knew about her ability, it could spell disaster for everyone.

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The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya (light novel)

Genres: Science Fiction, Action & Adventure

Synopsis: This is the second light novel in the Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series by Nagaru Tanigawa.

Yen Press who publishes the novels describes the series as follows: Gorgeous, confident, and demanding, Haruhi Suzumiya is the leader of the SOS Brigade, a club comprised of her high school’s most extraordinary students. So when Haruhi is bored, it’s up to the SOS Brigade do something about it. In this sequel to the clever and uniquely witty The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, the SOS Brigade goes along with Haruhi’s scheme to make a movie for the school’s upcoming festival. But when filming begins, strange things start to happen, and Haruhi-who has no idea she’s a goddess with the ability to destroy the world-starts to show her devastating powers.

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Grim Reaper and Four Girlfriends

Genres: Fantasy

Synopsis: Kaoru Minaguchi is a “no-lifer” who sucks at school, can’t play sports, lacks any real talent, definitely doesn’t have a girlfriend, or even a remote desire to change his ways…until a certain grim reaper pays him a visit. Turns out, she’s a reaper of “no-lifers” and if Kaoru can’t find a way to become a true “real-lifer,” he’s as good as dead…!

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Berserk of Gluttony, Volume 1 (Light Novel)

Genres: Fantasy

Synopsis: Berserk of Gluttony will be releasing in both manga and light novel formats in 2021, but the light novel will be releasing first in January. The manga features story by Isshiki Ichika and art by Daisuke Takino.

The story follows Fate Graphite, who has never tasted real power. Since he was born with the magical skill Gluttony, others look down upon his life and his appetite can never be satiated. One day, while working as a gatekeeper for a noble family and fighting a trespassing thief, he discovers Gluttony’s true power: He can devour the skills of others after he kills them, which feeds his constant hunger at last.

The true hunger of Fate’s Gluttony has awakened, and if he can learn to control his power, he will at last be the master of his own destiny.

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Muscles are Better Than Magic!, Volume 1 (Light Novel)

Genres: Fantasy, Comedy

Synopsis: Muscles are Better Than Magic! is written by DORANEKO with art by Relucy. The story follows Yuri, who has lived isolated in the forest for ten years. He spends his days and nights training and strengthening his muscles to become the ultimate fighting machine. One day, a beautiful elf named Filia stumbles upon his home and she begs him to leave the forest. But there’s one problem: Yuri has never left the woods; Not to mention the fact that the two can’t seem to agree on anything. It’s the start of a wacky journey through strange lands and even stranger adventures!

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A White Rose in Bloom, Volume 1

Genres: Romance, Drama

Synopsis: A White Rose in Bloom is created by Asumiko Nakamura. The story follows Ruby, a student at an elite European boarding school. Things are going pretty well for her until she finds out that she won’t be able to go home at Christmas. Instead, she’ll be stuck at school with only one other student–the aloof and beautiful Steph–for company. As Ruby tries to understand Steph, she becomes more and more interested in the other girl. But can she break through Steph’s icy exterior?

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Rozi in the Labyrinth, Volume 1

Genres: Fantasy

Synopsis: Rozi in the Labyrinth is created by Shiya Totsuki. The story follows Rozi, who lives with her inhuman family—cat-eared Chemin, timid Mur, and Kay, the animated doll—in The Labryinth: A world of never-ending streets and intertwined alleyways, where time and space are not what they seem. Her family guides her through this mysterious world, where those who wander from other worlds find themselves with odd powers and even odder appearances.

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Tamamo-chan’s a Fox!, Volume 1

Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life

Synopsis: Tamamo-chan’s a Fox! is created by Yuuki Ray. The story follows Fushimi Tamamo, a fox from the the Inari Shrine in Kyoto who longs for a normal life in high school. She transforms into a human girl—but while she thinks she’s nailed her disguise, she’s a little furrier than she realized. Adults don’t seem to notice, and her classmates pretend not to, but Tamamo is definitely shaking up their ordinary high school life!

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The Demon Girl Next Door, Volume 1

Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life

Synopsis: The Demon Girl Next Door is created by Izumo Ito. The story follows fifteen-year-old Yoshida Yuko, who wakes up one morning to find out that she has sprouted demon horns and a tail. But that’s not all, her mom also tells her that she has supernatural powers and an important mission—to restore her family’s glory by defeating the local magical girl.

The magical girl in question is Chiyoda Momo, a student at Yuko’s school. With strength that is only mediocre at best, Yuko’s task to vanquish Momo will prove more challenging than she realizes in this topsy-turvy magical girl comedy.

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