Kodansha’s K Manga service has confirmed it will be adding Battan’s latest manga series, Fatale Game, as a simulpub starting November 25. The highly anticipated series, which debuted in Kodansha’s Kiss magazine in Japan on May 23, will now be accessible to English-language readers simultaneously with its Japanese release. Kodansha released the first compiled volume of Fatale Game on October 10.
Delving into Fatale Game‘s Intriguing Premise
Fatale Game centers on Seri Tainaka, a manga artist who has experienced only one significant success in her career. Her professional life takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned a new editor, Sumire Futami. Sumire, who professes to be a fan of Seri’s work, quickly establishes a unique and somewhat mysterious management style that both surprises and intrigues Seri.
The series is described as a josei, romance, and shōjo-ai title, exploring themes of love, homosexuality, and the LGBT+ experience. It delves into the dynamics of the relationship between a mangaka and her editor, with Sumire often crossing professional boundaries and exhibiting a manipulative streak towards the artists she oversees. The title itself alludes to both an in-universe “Fatale manga app” and the concept of a “femme fatale,” strongly suggesting Sumire embodies the latter.
Battan’s Acclaimed Works and Storytelling Style
Battan is a popular manga creator known for her strong female leads and emotionally rich storytelling. Her previous works have garnered a solid fanbase both in Japan and internationally.
Notable Past Series
- Kemutai Ane to Zurui Imōto (Annoying and Cunning Sisters): This series, which ran in Kiss magazine from 2021, was highly successful and inspired a live-action TV drama adaptation in October 2023. Its fifth and final volume was released in October 2023.
- Run Away With Me, Girl (Kakeochi Girl): A yuri manga that ran in Kodansha’s now-defunct Hatsu Kiss digital magazine from October 2018 to February 2020. Kodansha USA Publishing released the English version, with the final volume out in May 2023.
- Soshite Heroine wa Inaku Natta (And Then There Were No Heroines): Debuted on the Torch website in 2021, later re-serialized on Web Comic Action in May 2024, concluding on April 15 with its 21st chapter. The fourth and final volume was released in April 2024.
Fatale Game is anticipated to continue Battan’s tradition of character-driven narratives, this time set within the intriguing world of the manga industry itself.
K Manga’s Growing Simulpub Library
K Manga, Kodansha’s dedicated English-language manga distribution service, launched in May 2023. The platform was established to provide U.S. readers with direct access to Kodansha’s extensive catalog, including many simulpub titles. The service was created to replace previous simulpub agreements with other platforms like Crunchyroll and Azuki.
Upon its launch, K Manga featured approximately 400 titles, with 70 series available as simulpubs. The platform operates on a ticket and point-based system, offering daily free tickets for some chapters and options to purchase points for additional content. Kodansha has consistently added new series and simulpub titles to the service, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its offerings for international readers. The addition of Fatale Game further strengthens K Manga’s lineup of concurrent Japanese and English releases.
