Get ready, anime and manga fans! This week, May 18-24, 2025, is packed with exciting new releases hitting North American shores. From thrilling anime home video releases to captivating manga volumes, there’s something for everyone to dive into. Let’s break down the must-have titles to add to your collection this week.
Anime Releases
Date A Live V
- Publisher: Crunchyroll
- Format: Blu-ray
- Price: US$69.98
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The latest installment in the Date A Live series arrives on Blu-ray, continuing the adventures of Shido Itsuka and the Spirit girls. Fans can expect more engaging battles, heartwarming moments, and intricate plotlines that have made the series a hit.
Gods’ Games We Play
- Publisher: Crunchyroll
- Format: Blu-ray
- Price: US$69.98
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Dive into a world where gods and humans clash in strategic games. This Blu-ray release promises stunning animation and an intriguing storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Insomniacs After School
- Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
- Format: Blu-ray
- Price: US$69.98
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: This Sentai Filmworks re-release brings the heartwarming story of two insomniacs who find solace in each other. The beautiful animation and relatable characters make this a must-watch for slice-of-life anime fans.
Other Notable Anime Releases in May 2025
- Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train (4K Experience): Catch this re-release in theaters from May 14-19.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service – Studio Ghibli Fest 2025: In theaters from May 17-21.
- Ado SPECIAL LIVE ‘Shinzou’ in Cinema: In theaters May 28 and 31.
Manga Releases
Adored By an Elite Officer: Could This Be Love? GN 1
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Start a new romance journey with this graphic novel. It tells the story of love blossoming between an ordinary woman and an elite officer, filled with sweet and suspenseful moments.
After God GN 4
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Continue the thrilling adventure with the fourth volume of After God. Dive deeper into a world of mystery, action, and complex characters that will keep you hooked.
Blood Night Market GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Delve into the dark and captivating world of Blood Night Market with its second volume. Expect more intrigue, supernatural elements, and intense battles in this thrilling series.
A Cat From Our World and the Forgotten Witch GN 5
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Follow the heartwarming adventures of a cat from our world as it navigates the magical realm of a forgotten witch. This fifth volume promises more enchanting stories and delightful artwork.
Choking on Love GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Explore the complexities of love and relationships in Choking on Love. This second volume delves deeper into the characters’ emotions and struggles, offering a poignant and relatable narrative.
Chronicles of an Aristocrat Reborn in Another World GN 12
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The journey continues as our aristocrat navigates his new life in another world. This twelfth volume brings more political intrigue, magical battles, and character development that fans have come to love.
Cosmos GN 1
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Start a new sci-fi adventure with Cosmos. This first volume introduces readers to a vast and mysterious universe filled with captivating characters and thrilling storylines.
Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro GN 19
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$12.95
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The playful teasing and heartwarming moments continue in the 19th volume of Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro. Fans of the series will enjoy the evolving relationship between Nagatoro and Senpai.
Dra-Q GN 3
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The supernatural adventure continues with the third volume of Dra-Q. Expect more thrilling battles, intriguing mysteries, and captivating character interactions in this exciting series.
Go, Go, Loser Ranger! GN 13
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$10.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Join the underdog heroes in their fight against evil in the 13th volume of Go, Go, Loser Ranger! This volume promises more action, humor, and unexpected twists that will keep you entertained.
Hirayasumi GN 5
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The slice-of-life series Hirayasumi continues with its fifth volume. Enjoy the relaxing and heartwarming stories as the characters navigate their daily lives and relationships.
Home Sweet Home GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Delve deeper into the heartwarming and sometimes challenging world of Home Sweet Home. This second volume explores themes of family, love, and personal growth.
Hunter X Hunter Omnibus GN 2
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$16.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Experience the classic adventure of Hunter x Hunter in this omnibus edition. This volume combines multiple storylines, offering fans a comprehensive and immersive reading experience.
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability GN 15
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$12.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The isekai adventure continues as the 7th Prince hones his magical abilities. This fifteenth volume brings more exciting battles, strategic planning, and character development that fans will appreciate.
I Was Reincarnated as the Heroine on the Verge of a Bad Ending, and I’m Determined to Fall in Love! GN 4
- Publisher: Tokyopop
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Follow the heroine’s journey as she tries to change her fate and find love in this fourth volume. Expect more romance, drama, and unexpected twists in this captivating series.
I’m in Love with the Villainess GN 8
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$12.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The yuri romance continues as the protagonist’s affection for the villainess deepens. This eighth volume brings more heartwarming moments, comedic situations, and evolving relationships.
It Takes More than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love GN 2
- Publisher: Seven Seas
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$13.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Explore the themes of inner beauty and genuine connection in this second volume. The story delves into the characters’ personal growth and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
Jujutsu Kaisen GN 26
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$11.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Continue the intense battles and supernatural mysteries in the 26th volume of Jujutsu Kaisen. Fans can expect more thrilling action, complex characters, and dark storylines that have made the series a global hit.
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan GN 5
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$17.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: The darkly comedic series Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan continues with its fifth volume. Enjoy more cynical humor and relatable struggles as Uramichi imparts his unique life lessons to children.
Love in the Palm of His Hand GN 1
- Publisher: Viz Media
- Format: Graphic Novel
- Price: US$14.99
- Release Date: May 20
- Description: Embark on a new romantic journey with Love in the Palm of His Hand. This first volume introduces readers to a sweet and heartwarming story about finding love in unexpected places.
Other Notable Manga Releases in May 2025
- Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 25: Gege Akutami’s occult action series continues to dominate sales.
- One Piece (Vol. 108): Eiichiro Oda’s epic pirate adventure remains a top-seller.
- Blue Lock (Vol. 1 and 18): This soccer-themed sports manga is a surprise hit.
- Dandadan (Vol. 12 and 1): Yukinobu Tatsu’s supernatural comedy is breaking out.
- Chainsaw Man (Vol. 17): Tatsuki Fujimoto’s dark action-horror series remains a best-seller.
- My Hero Academia (Vol. 40): Kohei Horikoshi’s superhero school saga consistently sells.
- Dragon Ball Super (Vol. 23): Akira Toriyama’s sequel to Dragon Ball is also on the charts.
Ongoing Manga Series to Watch
- The Apothecary Diaries: New volume released by Viz Media.
- Dandadan: Latest volume available from Viz Media.
- Skip and Loafer: New volume published by Seven Seas.
- Berserk Volume 42: Released by Dark Horse Comics.
Manga Sales Trends in North America
Manga sales are surging in North America, with titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece dominating the charts. Blue Lock, a soccer-themed manga, is a surprise hit, while Dandadan gains popularity through social media buzz. Anime adaptations and ongoing series fuel sales for Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia, and Dragon Ball Super.
Crunchyroll’s Ani-May 2025
Don’t forget to check out Crunchyroll’s Ani-May celebration, offering a variety of events, promotions, and exclusive merchandise throughout May. Retail partners like UNIQLO and Hot Topic are also participating, providing fans with even more opportunities to celebrate their favorite anime.
With a plethora of exciting anime and manga releases hitting North America this week, fans have plenty to look forward to. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of anime and manga, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy reading and watching!