It’s our favorite time of the month – manga round-up day! With August heading into its final act, (while we begin to slowly inch closer to fall) it’s officially time to go over some of the most heavy-hitting manga releases over the past few weeks, incorporating a little bit of post-apocalyptic fun, or even some light, romantic stargazing. So here are this month’s recommended reads if you’re in the market for something new and exciting!
[Oshi No Ko]
Volume 3
Publisher: Yen Press
Format: Manga
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Premise: Gorou is a gynecologist and idol fan who’s in shock after his favorite star, Ai, announces an impromptu hiatus. Little does Gorou realize that he’s about to forge a bond with her that defies all common sense! Lies are an idol’s greatest weapon in this outrageous manga from Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and Mengo Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish).
Currently: Now attending in a high school with a program for aspiring performers, Ruby sees her classmates already nabbing roles and starts to feel the pressure: It’s time to start her idol career! Meanwhile, Aqua lands a spot in a reality show. What does it mean to be “real” in the entertainment world, where lies are like weapons?
Why It Works: We’re obsessed with the popular manga [Oshi No Ko], and much like the recent rookie title The Summer Hikaru Died, the unapologetic series is extremely deserving of its pristine reputation for delivering well-paced horror/mystery perfection. No, seriously. Those two are the it-titles of the year. Leading up to this point in the story, the ruthless title has already spent its first two volumes thrusting readers into an overarching revenge scheme (with its audience being just as emotional as our protagonist) however, the third volume now aims to test our lead’s desire to make his endgame a reality by sending him into the depths of the entertainment world. No matter how dark, grim, or unsettling it might become.
With Aqua now enlisting in a reality show designed for other young performers/industry names, the powerhouse series takes us a step closer to obtaining new essential information about Ai – but more specifically, acknowledges the magnitude of social media bullying along the way (a painfully real depiction of stan culture at its worst). And while the messages can be difficult to stomach, it’s a crucial reminder that when done successfully, the horror genre’s biggest strengths come from facing our own societal flaws. So the notion that [Oshi No Ko] is miraculously crafty enough to find new horrors while following an already impactful narrative implies that we’ll be eagerly anticipating each volume for the foreseeable future. That being said, if you’re currently missing out, make sure to pick up all three volumes ASAP so you can keep up with this one in real-time.
After We Gazed at the Starry Sky
Publisher: Yen Press
Format: Manga
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Premise: Tougo Amase is a well-known photographer who focuses on night scenery—and the man Subaru Miyazawa not-so-secretly idolizes from afar. Subaru always assumed Tougo would be distant, just like the stars in his art, so he can’t quite believe his luck when they meet at a trial screening of a new planetarium show. While Subaru is a totally awestruck mess of nerves, Tougo takes it all in stride. Not only that, but he’s hopelessly sweet, carrying Subaru down the steps where he and his wheelchair could never go alone—just so he can watch the exhibit from the front row. Subaru can’t help but think… “…I hope we meet again…”
Why It Works: This one is definitely the sweetest inclusion of the bunch. Why, exactly? Well for starters, it’s giving us a blossoming love story that’s both LGBTQIA+ inclusive, and the most sincere, heartwarming tale imaginable. Furthermore, while the manga might jokingly begin with a setup where a fan gets the chance to collaborate with their crush, the actual mature narrative is intelligent enough to steer Subaru’s admiration for Tougo to an endearingly artistic respect. Which naturally (and consensually) evolves into romantic feelings upon spending one-on-one time together — ultimately becoming the title’s charming focal point.
The stunning consistency of the manga’s art also plays into their starry shared interest which bonds them on a fundamental level and serves as an immaculate background for the manga, while assisting a perfect romantic buildup. When it comes to the effectiveness of the characters, this is another rare instance where each half of the pairing feels uniquely balanced and likable enough to depict a genuine relationship that could turn them into one of the most respected love stories in the genre. Together they take time to learn about each other’s needs, find themselves consumed in each other’s well-being, and work to establish healthy communication. Even when there are unavoidable instances where turmoil is incoming.
But what really makes this one such a timeless and necessary read is the fact that it never strays far from its warmest traits.
Yokohama Station SF
Volume 2
Publisher: Yen Press
Format: Manga
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Premise: YOKOHAMA STATION HAS SWALLOWED 99% OF MAINLAND JAPAN Two hundred years ago, Yokohama Station, which had been under constant construction, developed the ability to self-propagate. Now with nearly all Honshu, the mainisland of Japan, consumed by the growing station, the population has been split into two groups: those who live inside the sprawl with fare cards embedded in their brains and the few who persist on the remaining scraps of untouched land. Hiroto has lived his whole life on the outside, but when an exile from the station entrusts him with a mission and a ticket, he ventures into the ominous belly of the beast for the first time…
Currently: Hiroto has finally found Keiha Nijo, the leader of the Dodger Alliance, able to evade the station’s automatic turnstiles by falsifying her location data. Will her story finally shed some light on the history of Yokohama Station’s propagation?
Why It Works: This one is interesting because we’re now two volumes in, and it doesn’t exactly feel like a current title being published — which on one hand means major points for effortlessly finding a niche! On the other hand, we’re also left extremely curious about where Yokohama Station SF plans to take its vast plot potential given this sci-fi, apocalyptic-ish lore that’s being sporadically established. Will it solely follow the trajectory that its source material (likely, and if so, still a win), or eventually deviate just enough to slightly create an original manga path like Another? Time will tell! But the fact that both options leave us with hope is enough to get it a spot on our must-read list.
Also, considering the fact that this title is based on a renowned novel of the same name, it’s largely important to shout out the original author’s own involvement in the manga adaptation. By giving the visionary creator a chance to be so hands-on with a reinterpretation of work that’s already popular in a different medium, the new manga title sets a positive example about respecting the origin of an established story. Lastly, there’s also the manga’s magnificent use of shading for those of you with a love for visuals!
Ogi’s Summer Break
Volume 2
Publisher: Tokyopop
Format: Manga
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Premise: It’s love at first sight for Haruto Ogi when he befriends Shinya Tago, a vision-impaired high school student who navigates the world with a cane and and a carefree, forthright attitude. For the first time, Ogi feels like he can be himself, since Tago can’t see his appearance and judge him by his eccentricities. But does Tago really care for Ogi as his boyfriend, or does he just want to keep Ogi’s friendly presence by his side?
Currently: For Haurto Ogi, there’s nothing more painful than unrequited love. After agreeing to date Tago, the handsome, vision-impaired boy who boldly proposed a relationship for the length of summer break, Ogi can’t help worrying about the inevitable future heartbreak. When Tago’s older brother insinuates Ogi only pursued his brother because Tago can’t see the feminine, eccentric way Ogi dresses, Ogi decides to change. If he can make himself look “normal,” maybe their relationship won’t be questioned and maybe… maybe Tago will fall in love with Ogi for real. A quirky and gentle story about overcoming fears and loving yourself and others for who they truly are.
Why It Works: Aside from being a fun, inclusive story about blossoming young love, Ogi’s Summer Break sets readers up for something that requires them to dig a little deeper. Both emotionally, and intellectually. For example, the second volume of the title not only begins to address formative revelations about sexuality or romantic feelings – but the second volume creates a conversation about gender identity and forced gender norms that are definitely compelling aspects of the essential manga release.
As a whole, the volume uses that aforementioned ability to connect with readers who might have experienced (or are experiencing) some of these feelings or situations, but it does so while building up strong core characters, introducing a few unexpected laughs, and attempting to expand readers’ knowledge on key topics. By the end of the second volume, we’re even left wondering how the pair is going to overcome their current internal struggles because there are a lot of promising stories to tell in Ogi’s Summer Break. But don’t take our word for it, check it out here!
What This World Is Made Of
Volume 2
Publisher: Yen Press
Format: Manga
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Premise: No family, no home, and no savings—the Nakata brothers, Kanade and Kaname, have lost it all. So when a mysterious app offers to help them find lucrative work, what choice do they have but to sign up? Introduced to a gamified system of bounties, the two soon come face-to-face with the “odd” in odd jobs—the dangerous creatures they must now fight. But Kanade and Kaname have no choice: To make money, they’ll have to take down these monsters called Worlds…or die trying.
Currently: The Nakata brothers are getting closer to finding out the secret of the World-encroachment app, “Six,” that pays them when they destroy monsters that appear in reality.
Why It Works: We’re back for round two of What This World Is Made Of, so the fact that it’s already going two-for-two certainly proves that this one has enough personality to keep you coming back for more! And due to the title’s fun, energetic union of oddball dialogue and epic fights, it finds just enough solid opportunities to explore these distinctly different genre worlds with a fun marriage of zany content throughout.
However, at its nucleus, What This World Is Made Of is also taking the steps to establish that the brotherly bond is the best feature to come out of the story (so far) by taking these two on a lengthy journey that’s almost reminiscent of a Fullmetal Alchemist duo dynamic. Sure, it’s early and how it plays out might impact the trajectory of how significant the similarities can become — but as of now, there’s a nice dark horse potential to the title that’s easily worth the effort! And with the fact that the pair has distinctly different lessons to learn, the series feels like it’s building towards some opportunities for a lot more character growth! Stay tuned!
Summer Ghost: The Complete Manga Collection
Publisher: Seven Seas
Format: Manga
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Premise: According to urban legend, there’s an abandoned airfield on the edge of town where a spirit known as the Summer Ghost can be summoned. After discovering each other on the internet, three teenagers from different high schools who share a special connection to death meet up to summon the mysterious specter. Thus begins a story that will bridge the boundary between life and death on a midsummer night that none of them will ever forget.
Why It Works: Originally, Summer Ghost launched as a Japanese animated short film produced by Flat Studio, directed by Loundraw, and written by Hirotaka Adachi which was released in Japanese theaters nearly two years ago on November 12, 2021. And upon its release, the film earned rave reviews from fans (even earning itself a screening during the Los Angeles convention staple Anime Expo). So naturally, this title became both a light novel and a manga, covering all bases for this particular story.
What makes the manga such a strong release and noteworthy read to pair with the film itself is the notion that the art gets a stellar chance to pop – with a solid adaptation that makes each panel utilize its atmospheric capabilities. Or perhaps it strength of presenting extended dialogue sequences and emotional beats in ways that only a manga can accomplish. Plus, if you enjoy the title or happen to be a pre-existing fan, the light novel is also out from Seven Seas Entertainment as of this month! And how often do you get to enjoy a story in three different mediums? Exactly.