Otakon 2025, Washington D.C. – Digital manga platform and publisher Azuki announced at its Otakon 2025 panel today the immediate addition of four new indie manga series to its growing catalog. The new titles, which include ALTERNATIVE[SELF LINER NOTE], BONDS, Zigoku’s Foreman, and Treime, are now available for subscribers on Azuki’s iOS, Android, and web applications.
The expansion stems from new partnerships with indie manga publishers Manga Mavericks Books and Star Fruit Books, signaling Azuki’s continued commitment to offering diverse content to its readership.
New Titles Bolster Azuki’s Diverse Offerings
Azuki’s latest additions highlight unique narratives and artistic styles from the indie manga scene. Three of the newly added series come from Manga Mavericks Books, while one is from Star Fruit Books.
From Manga Mavericks Books: A Trio of Engaging Stories
Manga Mavericks Books contributes three distinct titles, each offering a unique premise:
- ALTERNATIVE[SELF LINER NOTE] by Chiaki Yagura: This series delves into the world of music and creative struggles, exploring themes of self-worth and artistic legacy through the eyes of an entertainer grappling with their 28th year and the “27 Club” phenomenon. Beyond Azuki’s subscription service, this title is also available in print and as a DRM-free digital purchase directly from Azuki.
- BONDS by ZENZO: An alternate take on the classic “Journey to the West,” this manga follows Son Goku and Sanzo as their nascent trust is tested early in their arduous journey. The story questions whether adversity will solidify or shatter their bond. Similar to ALTERNATIVE[SELF LINER NOTE], BONDS can also be acquired in print from Manga Mavericks Books and as a DRM-free digital edition via Azuki.
- Zigoku’s Foreman by 9banta: This supernatural-comedy introduces Mizuchi, a former human turned unruly demon and foreman in hell. Armed with a magic sword and super strength, Mizuchi and his eccentric crew navigate the challenges of hellish construction work, often finding ways to avoid it. This title is also available for print purchase from Manga Mavericks Books and as a DRM-free digital download through Azuki.
From Star Fruit Books: A Vampire Hunter’s Tale
Star Fruit Books adds a compelling fantasy series to Azuki’s library:
- Treime by Gamu-Chan: This manga centers on Arglont Von Byron, a top-tier vampire hunter fueled by an intense hatred for the bloodsucking creatures, despite never being directly harmed by one. His resolve is tested when he finally confronts Abraham, a 500-year-old vampire who has eluded his clan’s eradication efforts.
Azuki’s Growth in the Digital Manga Landscape
Azuki, co-founded in 2019, has steadily expanded its library since its launch in 2021, featuring titles from various publishers including Kodansha International, Kaiten Books, Futabasha, Micro Magazine, and ABLAZE. The platform aims to provide a wide array of manga with a focus on professional localization and diverse subject matter. The new additions further diversify Azuki’s offerings, which include both subscription-based access and individual chapter sales for select series. Fans can access these new titles, along with thousands of other manga chapters, through an Azuki Premium subscription.
