This summer, readers can look forward to plenty of new manga and light novel releases from TOKYOPOP, which will begin in June and continue through September. See below for some highlights of what’s to come!
Sweet or Bitter Love by Conro (for readers 18+)
Release date: June 10
In an age when same-sex marriage is the norm … Gloomy office worker Ichigi has totally given up on marriage. After all, marriage isn’t the key to happiness! Ichigi is perfectly happy to be on his own! Besides, it’s not like his long-unrequited crush on his colleague, Odajima, is going anywhere… That is, until Ichigi braves a blind date only to find himself face-to-face with Mr. Perfect! Stranger still, Odajima seems enthusiastic about partnering up with Ichigi, and makes a shocking proposition: “Why don’t we try living together for just one year?” How is Ichigi supposed to keep his feelings for Odajima hidden for a whole year?! Plus, there’s no way Odajima could be serious about marrying someone like him … is there?
My Beautiful Man: Interlude (Light Novel), story by Yuu Nagira and art by Rikako Kasai
Release date: July 1
Kazunari Hira is not what you’d call popular. In fact, he’s basically on the lowest rung of the social ladder, due largely to his stutter that tends to flare up when he’s anxious. And then there’s him: Sou Kiyoi, leader of the pack and the most beautiful man Hira has ever seen. When Hira is made the popular group’s gofer, he realizes that he doesn’t mind his low position so much when the orders are coming from Kiyoi’s lips. In fact, Hira treasures every order Kiyoi gives him and every bit of change he’s handed to run errands. Could he be … in love?
You Can’t Live All On Your Own by Mizoko Tsuno (for readers 13+)
Release date: July 8
What is considered “normal” for a 30-year-old? Should she be married, have a career, live independently…? Shuuko, Eika, Misaki, and Shio are roommates and friends making their way in the busy world of Tokyo, Japan!
Though they share an apartment and a friendship, each faces her own unique problems. Shuuko is feeling the pressure of those around her getting married and has no idea whether she’ll truly be happy on her own for the rest of her life. Eika, a hardworking career woman, wants to prove herself to the judgmental men in her office. Romantic and idealistic Misaki is spurred into action when it turns out her “boyfriend” of two years didn’t know she thought they were dating. Nurturing and good-spirited Shio struggles to set a work–life balance while paying her many bills. Join these four roommates as they navigate the biggest question of their late twenties: What does happiness really mean?
The Unwanted Bride Loves the Crown Prince With All Her Heart, Vol. 1, story by Maya Koike and art by Sua Tsumugi (for readers 13+)
Release date: July 15
When her country of Lidea loses the war, Princess Tinalia must wed the enemy prince, Keith. The arrangement isn’t as dire as it sounds, though: after all, Tinalia has been in love with Keith for years!
Unfortunately for her, Keith doesn’t remember they already know each other. The circumstances of their first meeting were unfortunate, as their countries were at war, and Lidea committed too many atrocities against his people to forgive. Thus, Tinalia finds herself the hated bride of the crown prince, treated coldly and scornfully by everyone around her… even though she continues to love him with all her heart.
The Desert Butterfly Yearns To Be Caught by Kaede Yunami (for readers 18+)
Release date: July 15
As lord of a thriving desert country, Seth is responsible for the prosperity and protection of his people … even if that means occasionally putting himself at risk. Fortunately, Seth’s bodyguard, Kyle, is ready to yank his master out of harm’s way … whether Seth likes it or not.
In the decade since Seth bought him out of servitude, Kyle has become a dogged, dedicated (obsessive, overbearing) bodyguard, willing to sacrifice everything for the safety of his master. Seth, however, resents feeling caged by Kyle’s constant controlling attentions …
When Kyle finally crosses the line, will it be enough to capture his master’s heart…?
The Stranger In The Hoarding House by Joe Aruku (for readers 18+)
Release date: August 12
Burnt out by his job, Kamakura has shut himself away in his home and let the garbage pile up around him. One day, when a friendly neighbor sets foot inside, time which had come to a stop for Kamakura begins to tick forward again, in a story of love and rehabilitation after trauma.
Reincarnated In A Mafia Dating Sim, Vol. 1: A Yakuza Heiress Becomes the Top-Ranked Villain’s Romantic Target! story and art by Soro Goto (for readers 13+)
Release date: August 12
A manga about the granddaughter of a Yakuza boss who is reincarnated in a fantasy mafia-themed dating game.
Star and Hedgehog by Nayuta Nago (for readers 18+)
Release date: August 19
A charming sunshine/grumpy romance between a bubbly university student returning home for the summer and the grouchy, edgy gardener working there temporarily.
Do You Really Want Only A Meal? Vol. 1 by Yasu Tadano (for readers 13+)
Release date: September 2
Masamune Hanazawa is exhausted from work. Hoping to eat something other than convenience store food, he rings up a housekeeping service. Natsuki Mikoshiba, a college student working part-time, is sent to cook for him. Natsuki’s reserved nature put off Masamune at first, but he’s just happy to be served a warm home-cooked meal. But then Natsuki suddenly confesses to Masamune, saying it was “love at first sight”…!
The Love We Share by Hina Ten (for readers 18+)
Release date: September 16
Machi, a single father, finds himself and his daughter in desperate straits without a job or a place to call home … only to be taken in by his former classmate, Mihiro. Together, Machi and Mihiro navigate their new relationship and work to build a foundation to nurture Machi’s young daughter. “Found” family takes on a new meaning in this sweet and tender love story!
You can browse TOKYOPOP’s full catalog of LoveLove manga and light novel titles here.
