The popular manga series “My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked” (Ibitte Konai Gibo to Gishi) by Otsuji is officially receiving a TV anime adaptation, slated to premiere in 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, alongside the unveiling of a teaser visual, main cast details, and staff information.
Anime Adaptation Details and Production Team
The upcoming anime series will be produced by studio NEWON. Leading the production is director Keisuke Inoue, known for his work on series such as My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! and Ao-chan Can’t Study! Nanami Hoshino will be handling the series composition, and Mutsumi Sasaki is credited with character design. As of the initial announcement, Kujira has been confirmed to voice the stepmother, Teru Kounokura. The anime’s official platforms also shared a commemorative illustration from original mangaka Otsuji, featuring Miya, Teru, and her stepsisters Marika and Arisa.
The Story of “My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked”
The manga, created by Otsuji, began its serialization on Ichijinsha’s Comic Pool section of the Pixiv Comic website in November 2020. Seven volumes have been compiled as of December 2024, with the eighth volume expected to be released in July 2025. Seven Seas Entertainment licenses the manga in English.
The series offers a comedic and heartfelt twist on the classic Cinderella narrative. The story centers on Miya, an illegitimate child from a prominent family. Following her mother’s death, Miya is brought into her father’s household. She anticipates a life of hardship and mistreatment at the hands of a “wicked” stepmother and stepsisters. However, upon meeting them, she discovers that her new family members are, contrary to her expectations, sweet and caring. The humor often stems from Miya’s anthropophobia, leading her to frequently misunderstand their genuinely kind intentions. The manga explores themes of family, acceptance, and overcoming preconceived notions.
Manga’s Critical Acclaim and Reception
Before its anime announcement, “My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked” garnered significant recognition. The series was nominated for the seventh Next Manga Awards in the web category in 2021, ranking seventh out of 50 nominees. It also secured the seventeenth spot in the 2022 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook, which highlights the best manga for female readers. Furthermore, the series, alongside Fushiashikumo’s The Great Snake’s Bride, won the Men’s Comic Prize at Comic Solmare’s “Minna ga Erabu!! Denshi Comic Taishō 2023” competition. This acclaim suggests a strong foundation for the upcoming anime to build upon, appealing to both existing fans and new viewers.
