The first full week of January 2025 saw a flurry of exciting new anime and manga releases in North America, offering fans a variety of genres and stories to dive into. From thrilling action series to heartwarming romances, there was something for every taste. Let’s break down the key releases that hit shelves and screens during this period.
Anime Releases: New Series and Returning Favorites
The anime scene was buzzing with both brand-new series and the continuation of beloved stories. Here’s a look at the notable releases:
“Dead Mount Death Play” Part 2
Fans of the dark fantasy anime “Dead Mount Death Play” were treated to the second part of the series, released by Crunchyroll. This installment continues the story of the powerful necromancer, Polka Shinoyama, as he navigates a new life in modern Tokyo after being reincarnated. The series is known for its unique blend of fantasy and urban settings, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
“Naruto” The Complete Series
For those looking to revisit a classic, Viz Media released “Naruto” The Complete Series on Blu-ray. This massive collection includes all episodes of the iconic anime, providing a perfect opportunity for longtime fans to relive the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki and his friends, or for newcomers to experience the show from the beginning. This release underscores the enduring legacy of “Naruto” in the anime world.
New Anime Premieres
January 5th marked the premiere of several new anime series, including “Medalist” and “I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons”. “Medalist” is a sports manga adaptation and “I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons” offers a mix of romance. Additionally, “Zenshu” Season 1 also debuted on Crunchyroll on January 5th. Several more anime series are scheduled to premiere during January, including “Solo Leveling Season 2”, “My Happy Marriage Season 2”, and “Honey Lemon Soda”.
Other Notable Anime News
There were a number of other exciting announcements for anime fans, including the release of teaser videos and trailers for series such as “UniteUp!-Uni:Birth-“ which is scheduled for January 2025, and “Honey Lemon Soda” which will premiere in January 2025. These releases and announcements signal a robust start to the year for anime enthusiasts.
Manga Releases: A Diverse Selection
The manga market was equally vibrant, with a wide array of new volumes and series hitting stores. Here’s a breakdown of the key releases:
Popular Series Continue
Several ongoing popular series released new volumes, continuing their compelling narratives. These include:
- “Black Clover” Vol. 36: The latest volume in the action-packed fantasy series, continuing the adventures of Asta and the Black Bulls.
- “Chainsaw Man” Vol. 17: The highly anticipated newest volume in the popular dark horror action series was released, continuing the violent and twisted tale of Denji.
- “Dark Gathering” Vol. 11: The thrilling and chilling horror manga saw a new volume released, continuing the paranormal encounters of the characters.
- “Last Quarter” Vol. 2: This second volume of a gripping story was also released by Viz Media, furthering the emotional journey of the characters.
- “Like a Butterfly” Vol. 10: The tenth volume in this manga series was released, adding to its emotional storytelling and character depth.
New Series and Standalone Volumes
Beyond the ongoing series, several new manga and standalone volumes were released:
- “A-DO” Graphic Novel: Kodansha USA released this unique graphic novel, offering a new story to manga readers.
- “Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You.” Vol. 5: The fifth volume of this romantic series, continuing its heartwarming narrative.
- “Blood Night Market” Vol. 1: Seven Seas released the first volume of this new series, introducing readers to a dark and intriguing world.
- “Cinderella Closet” Vol. 8: The latest volume of this shojo manga continues the charming fairytale-inspired story.
- “ISEKAI AFFAIR: 10 Years After Defeating the Demon King…” Vol. 1: This new series from Seven Seas presents a unique twist on the isekai genre, blending action and romance.
- “Kageki Shojo!!” Vol. 12: The twelfth volume of this series about aspiring actresses was released, continuing its inspiring journey.
- “Love on the Horizon” Vol. 1: This romantic manga series began with the release of the first volume.
- “Loved by Two Fiancés” Vol. 2: The second volume of this romantic manga builds upon the relationships between the main characters.
- “Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari” Vol. 9: This supernatural series released its ninth volume, continuing the battle against malevolent spirits.
- “Marriage Toxin” Vol. 5: The fifth volume of this manga series offers more of its unique blend of romance and intrigue.
- “Medalist” Vol. 6: This manga series released its sixth volume, telling a story in the competitive world of sports.
- “Mobsters in Love” Vol. 3: The third volume of this manga series was released.
- “RuriDragon” Vol. 1: The first volume of this manga was released, beginning this new story.
Other Notable Manga Releases
Other significant releases included “Leviathan” Vol. 2, “Manhole” Vol. 2, and “Moriarty the Patriot” Vol. 18 demonstrating the wide variety of options available for manga fans. These titles highlight the diverse landscape of the manga market.
Light Novel Releases
In addition to manga, several light novel volumes were also released. “I Abandoned My Engagement Because My Sister is a Tragic Heroine, but Somehow I Became Entangled with a Righteous Prince (Light Novel) Vol. 2” and “Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear (Light Novel) Vol. 20” were among the light novel releases, catering to those who prefer prose-based storytelling within the anime and manga sphere.
Trends and Insights
The releases from January 5th to 11th showcase several trends in the North American anime and manga market:
- Variety of Genres: The releases span a wide range of genres, including action, fantasy, romance, horror, and sports, demonstrating that the market caters to a diverse fanbase.
- Continued Popularity of Isekai: The release of “ISEKAI AFFAIR” highlights the enduring popularity of the isekai genre, even with new twists on the familiar trope.
- Strong Manga Presence: The number of manga releases demonstrates the continued strength of the print manga market in North America, with both new series and ongoing hits making their way to readers.
- Remasters and Complete Series: The release of the Naruto Complete series indicates that there is demand for remastered and comprehensive collections of classic anime titles.
Looking Ahead
The first full week of January 2025 was a busy one for anime and manga enthusiasts in North America. With a mix of new series, returning favorites, and exciting manga volumes, there was plenty for fans to enjoy. As the year progresses, the anticipation is high for the new anime seasons and manga series yet to be released. This week’s releases set a strong foundation for what is expected to be a very exciting year for anime and manga fans.
