Manga Up! Global has recently expanded its catalog with the addition of Mosae Nohara’s intriguing manga series, From the Red Fog (Akai Kiri no Naka kara). This acquisition promises to deliver a dose of horror and suspense to the platform’s ever-growing library. Here’s everything you need to know about this new addition and what it means for Manga Up! Global subscribers.
What is Manga Up! Global?
Manga Up! Global is a digital manga service operated by Square Enix, the renowned Japanese publisher behind iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Launched globally in July 2022, Manga Up! offers a wide array of manga series, with a focus on titles published by Square Enix. The platform is available on both iOS and Android devices, offering fans access to their favorite manga on the go.
The service aims to provide English translations of popular ongoing manga series as quickly as possible after their Japanese releases. In addition to ongoing series, Manga Up! also features completed manga series. Manga Up! boasts over 100 series, which can be read using daily bonus items.
Manga Up! Subscription Model
Manga Up! operates with a unique monetization system involving multiple types of currency:
- UP: Free daily currency that replenishes every 12 hours.
- XP: Bonus currency earned by completing tasks within the app.
- Coin: Currency that can be purchased.
In addition to the above, Manga Up! offers a monthly subscription service called Vault Pass, which was introduced to address criticism of the initial microtransaction-heavy model. For a flat monthly rate of $4.99 USD, Vault Pass unlocks over 10,000 chapters across more than 200 eligible series, allowing unlimited reading of chapters that can be unlocked using UP. Some completed series are fully available under this subscription.
From the Red Fog: A Glimpse into Darkness
From the Red Fog is a horror manga series written and illustrated by Mosae Nohara. The manga was serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly G Fantasy magazine from June 2020 to August 2022, concluding with five compiled book volumes. Yen Press has licensed and published the manga in English, releasing all five volumes between 2022 and 2023.
Story and Setting
Set in England at the end of the 19th century, From the Red Fog weaves a dark and twisted tale centered around Ruwanda Bailey, a young boy raised in isolation. The official synopsis describes the story as follows:
Born in darkness, a young boy steps into the light. Raised in a cellar steeped in solitude, his entrance into English society at the turn of the nineteenth century is anything but painless. From place to place he journeys, seeking companions who share his unusual interests. But always, always a red fog follows, consuming everything in its path…
The manga explores themes of violence, isolation, and the search for belonging in a society rife with inequality. Ruwanda’s journey leads him through a world where chaos, order, wealth, and poverty are deeply intertwined, and where gruesome incidents are commonplace.
Content Warnings
From the Red Fog contains mature themes and graphic content that may not be suitable for all readers. Content warnings include:
- Murder
- Violence
- Rape (often implied rather than explicitly depicted)
- Child abuse
- Criminal behavior
- Gore
Readers should be aware of these warnings before diving into the series.
Critical Reception
From the Red Fog has garnered mixed reviews, with critics praising its gripping artwork and dark atmosphere while also noting its disturbing content.
Positive Aspects
- Gripping Artwork: Mosae Nohara’s art style is often praised for its detailed depictions of violence and its ability to capture the frenetic energy of action sequences. Reviewers have noted the use of thick lines and heavy saturation in action panels, as well as the attention to character expressions that convey shock, disgust, and the thrill of combat.
- Intriguing Premise: The manga’s premise, which blends elements of horror, historical fiction, and coming-of-age, has been described as exciting and unique. The story’s exploration of a young boy’s descent into violence and his search for identity has resonated with some readers.
- Exploration of Dark Themes: From the Red Fog delves into complex and uncomfortable themes such as child abuse, sexual assault, and the nature of evil. While these themes may be disturbing, some critics have argued that they are handled with nuance and contribute to the manga’s overall impact.
Criticisms
- Disturbing Content: The manga’s graphic violence and mature themes have been a major point of contention for some readers. The depiction of child rape, in particular, has been criticized as gratuitous and unnecessary.
- Lack of Relatable Characters: Some reviewers have found it difficult to connect with the characters in From the Red Fog, particularly the protagonist, Ruwanda, whose actions are often portrayed as cold and sociopathic. The absence of sympathetic characters can make it challenging for readers to become invested in the story.
- Uneven Plot Development: The plot development in From the Red Fog has been described as uneven, with some volumes feeling more disjointed than others. Some critics have noted that the manga relies too heavily on shock value at times, sacrificing character development and narrative coherence.
Mosae Nohara: The Author
Mosae Nohara is a Japanese manga artist known for their dark and atmospheric storytelling. In addition to From the Red Fog, Nohara has worked on other manga series, including:
- Abel and the Demon Lord (Abel to Makai no Ō): Serialized in Monthly G Fantasy from February 2024 and ending on March 18, 2025.
- BEM (manga adaptation): Serialized on Hakusensha’s Manga Park website and app in July 2019, based on the new BEM anime.
Nohara’s works often explore themes of violence, morality, and the darker aspects of human nature. Their distinctive art style and willingness to tackle challenging subject matter have earned them a dedicated following among horror manga fans.
Other Titles on Manga Up!
Manga Up! Global offers a diverse selection of manga across various genres. Some notable titles available on the platform include:
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- Soul Eater
- PandoraHearts
- Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
- My Dress-Up Darling
- The Apothecary Diaries
- Black Butler
The platform also features original series and adaptations of other media, such as video games and light novels. With its expanding library, Manga Up! aims to cater to a wide range of manga preferences.
A Word of Caution
From the Red Fog is a dark and disturbing manga that is not for the faint of heart. Its themes of violence, abuse, and moral decay may be unsettling for some readers. However, for those who appreciate horror manga with complex characters and a gripping atmosphere, From the Red Fog may be worth exploring. Just be sure to heed the content warnings and prepare yourself for a descent into darkness.
With the addition of From the Red Fog, Manga Up! Global continues to solidify its position as a destination for manga fans seeking a diverse and ever-expanding library of titles. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or a newcomer to the platform, there’s always something new to discover on Manga Up!.
