Manga Planet, a growing platform for accessing a diverse range of manga in English, has recently announced the acquisition of licenses for more Boys’ Love (BL) titles for print release. This exciting news means that fans will soon be able to hold physical copies of beloved stories in their hands.
New Titles on the Horizon
Manga Planet is bringing four new BL titles to print under the futekiya imprint, which is dedicated to Boys’ Love stories. These titles include:
- The Farthest Love in the World 1 by Mitsuaki Asou (creator of Re:BIRTH)
- KOH-BOKU by Sonoo Michiru
- Here and There and Us (New Edition) Volumes 1 and 2 by Thanat
These titles will be available exclusively through Kinokuniya USA for their initial release.
What to Expect from the New Titles
The Farthest Love in the World 1
The Farthest Love in the World 1 tells the story of Ayumu Isuzu, who lives in a world without sound. He encounters a musician named Touka, who is beaten up, and decides to take him in. The manga explores the relationship between Ayumu and Touka, and how they influence each other’s lives through music and understanding.
KOH-BOKU
KOH-BOKU follows Tasuku Kashiwagi and Kyu Imamiya, two public servants working for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Imamiya wants Kashiwagi to find a lover and friends, but Kashiwagi seems content with doting on Imamiya. The story explores their evolving relationship and the dynamics of their professional and personal lives.
Here and There and Us (New Edition) Volumes 1 and 2
Here and There and Us revolves around Majima, a popular student, and Sonoki, an introverted classmate. Majima becomes intrigued by Sonoki and starts reaching out to him, hoping for a reaction. As Sonoki starts to open up, Majima finds himself falling in love. However, their journey takes a turn when they are no longer in the same class. This new edition promises a fresh look at their heartwarming story. The series is celebrated for its slice-of-life feel and slow-burn romance, appealing to those who appreciate character development and subtle storytelling.
What is Manga Planet?
Manga Planet started in 2012 as a joint project between FANTASISTA, INC. and Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. to research how manga is read worldwide. In 2019, Manga Planet launched the Boys’ Love (BL) subscription service futekiya Library, followed by the multi-genre Manga Planet Library in the same year. Both libraries merged into one Manga Planet in April 2023. Manga Planet aims to provide affordable access to officially licensed English-language manga through its subscription plan, as well as options to purchase or rent individual titles.
About futekiya
futekiya is Manga Planet’s BL-exclusive imprint. It focuses on providing a curated collection of Boys’ Love manga to fans worldwide. By releasing titles under this imprint, Manga Planet ensures that BL fans have a dedicated space to find and enjoy their favorite stories.
Why Print Releases Matter
While digital manga has become increasingly popular, print releases still hold a special place for many fans. There’s a unique joy in holding a physical copy of a manga, admiring the artwork, and adding it to a collection. Print releases also provide an opportunity for fans to support their favorite creators and the manga industry directly.
The Growing Manga Market
The manga market has seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by both digital and print sales. According to a report by Blackbox JP, the Japanese manga market reached ¥704.3 billion (approximately $4.7 billion) in 2024, with digital sales accounting for over 70% of the total market. Despite the dominance of digital, print manga continues to hold its value, especially for collectors and fans who appreciate the tangible experience of reading a physical book.
GlobeNewswire reports the Manga Market size is expected to reach USD 66,238.6 Million by 2033 at a CAGR of 18.2%. Manga is a type of Japanese comic book & graphic novel, holds a significant place in Japanese pop culture and enjoys widespread international appeal. The manga market consists of the creation, publishing, & global distribution of Japanese comic books and graphic novels which is Integral to Japanese pop culture. It spans diverse genres, appealing to broad audiences both in Japan and internationally.
The Shift to Digital
The manga industry has seen a significant shift from print to digital formats. Digital manga accounted for 73% of Japan’s domestic manga sales in 2024. This shift has prompted publishers to explore new revenue streams, including international markets and intellectual property development. While digital sales continue to grow, print sales remain an important part of the market, driven by collectors and fans who prefer physical copies.
How to Access Manga Planet’s Content
Manga Planet offers several ways to access its content:
- Subscription: A subscription plan starts at US$1.99 per week, providing access to a wide range of titles.
- Individual Purchases: Users can purchase or rent individual titles, allowing them to enjoy specific series without a subscription.
- Free Content: Manga Planet offers free previews of selected chapters, allowing readers to sample different series before committing to a purchase or subscription.
Where to Buy the Print Editions
The print editions of The Farthest Love in the World 1, KOH-BOKU, and Here and There and Us (New Edition) Volumes 1 and 2 will be available exclusively through Kinokuniya USA for their initial release. Keep an eye on Kinokuniya USA’s online store for pre-order and release information.
Other Recent Manga Planet Print Releases
Manga Planet has been actively releasing print editions of various titles. Recent releases include:
- Be My Buddy by Nayuta Nago
- Even If You Close Your Eyes, You Can See The Light by Maki Marukido
- City Lights Birthday by Chika Hongo
Final Thoughts
Manga Planet’s continued efforts to bring more manga to English-speaking audiences in both digital and print formats are a boon for fans worldwide. The recent licensing of new BL titles for print release is particularly exciting, offering fans the chance to own physical copies of these beloved stories. As the manga market continues to grow and evolve, Manga Planet remains a key player in bridging the gap between international fans and the Japanese manga industry. Whether you’re a long-time manga enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese comics, Manga Planet offers a diverse and accessible platform to explore and enjoy a wide range of titles. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels for more updates on new releases and announcements.
