Manga Up! Global, Square Enix’s international manga service, has significantly expanded its digital catalog with the addition of three new manga series: The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story, The Magic Swordsmith, and A Starlit Darkness. These titles became available to readers throughout late July 2025, offering a diverse range of genres from historical mystery to dark psychological drama and fantasy. The platform also added Dimension W on Friday.
The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story Delves Deeper into the Imperial Court
Fans of the popular The Apothecary Diaries series can now experience a new perspective with the spin-off, The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Gaiden: Xiaolan Kaisōroku). This manga, released on Thursday, July 24, offers the beloved story through the eyes of Xiaolan, Maomao’s close friend. Written by the original series author, Natsu Hyūga, and adapted by Itsuki Nanao (who also illustrates one of the main Apothecary Diaries manga adaptations), this spin-off is considered canon and provides deeper insight into Xiaolan’s backstory, her life in the Imperial Palace, and her aspirations. The original The Apothecary Diaries light novel began serialization in October 2011 and has since inspired an anime adaptation, which premiered its second season in January 2025 with a sequel already green-lit.
The Magic Swordsmith Forges a Tale of Craft and Destiny
Released on Saturday, July 26, The Magic Swordsmith (Isekai Tōshō no Maken Seisaku-gurashi) introduces readers to a compelling fantasy narrative centered on the art of sword-making. The story, based on Kazuma Ogiwara’s original novel series with character designs by Carimarica, follows Lutz, an obscure blacksmith who creates a masterpiece by chance. However, without his unique mark, he struggles to gain recognition. The manga adaptation, drawn by MotoKiyo, launched on Square Enix’s Gangan Online in January 2024.
A Starlit Darkness Explores a Psychological Abyss
Rounding out the new additions, A Starlit Darkness became available on Sunday, July 27. This series, created by Yuu Toyota (Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!), is a historical, supernatural, and literary psychological drama set in early 20th century Japan. It follows Subaru Karasuma, a struggling writer burdened by debt and dashed ambitions, whose life takes a dark turn after an encounter with the charismatic and talented novelist Geppo Yagira.
Manga Up! Global’s Growing Reach
Manga Up! is a digital manga service owned by Square Enix, which launched its international English-language version in July 2022. The platform hosts numerous manga series, including original works and adaptations of other media like light novels and video games. This latest wave of additions further diversifies the offerings for global readers, building on a catalog that includes popular titles and hidden gems across various genres.
