Kadokawa has announced a slate of new English manga releases for August, spearheaded by “Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled” (original title: Noroma Mahō to Yobareta Mahōtsukai wa Jūryoku Mahō de Musō Suru). The new titles showcase Kadokawa’s continued effort to broaden its direct English-language offerings.
“Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled” Leads the Charge
“Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled” is set to release on August 7. The manga, with art by Erika Kanbara and story by Kazuki Ichimori, centers on Wade, who discovers he possesses “Gravity Magic,” a seemingly unknown and misunderstood power. Despite its initial perception as “slow magic,” Wade, leveraging his memories from a past life as a “company slave” in Japan, realizes the immense potential of gravity manipulation. His goal is to become the richest and greatest adventurer alongside his partner, Ais, a shy girl with ice magic.
Other Noteworthy August Manga Releases
In addition to “Defying Expectations with Gravity Magic to Be Unparalleled,” Kadokawa’s August lineup includes:
- “Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just a Black Widow x 3” (Batsu 3 no Mitori Fujin to Yobareteimasu node Suteoite Kudasaimase) – This title, with art by Kero Amano, story by Yumemirulion, and character designs by Sekaimeguru, is slated for an August 8 release.
- “The Fight and Flight of the Sickly Villainess”
These new titles further diversify Kadokawa’s growing English manga portfolio, which already includes series like The Villainess is a Boy!, which began its English simulpub release in late July.
Kadokawa’s Expanding English-Language Strategy
Kadokawa has been actively increasing its direct involvement in the English manga market. In August 2021, the company announced a “simulpub” initiative, aiming to release several of its manga and light novel series in English on the same day as their Japanese release. This strategy marks a shift from previously licensing titles primarily through outlets like Yen Press, in which Kadokawa holds a majority stake. Kadokawa itself is a major Japanese publisher, producing over 5,000 releases annually across various genres, including popular manga magazines like Young Ace and Shonen Ace.
This direct approach allows Kadokawa to control the localization process for these simulpub titles. Past simulpub titles have included “The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for The Throne,” “A Boy Raised by Gods Will Be the Strongest,” and “My Little Sister Stole My Fiancé: The Strongest Dragon Favors Me And Plans To Take Over The Kingdom?”.
Kadokawa has also ventured into adapting classic literature into manga under its “Masterpiece Comics” label, launched in June 2024, with titles such as Paul Gallico’s The Silent Miaow and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby being adapted by up-and-coming artists.
