In a bold move to broaden its readership, Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine is launching a digital manga magazine, ARTEMIS by sirius, specifically aimed at women. The digital magazine will launch on May 29, 2025, commemorating Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine’s 20th anniversary. This marks a significant step for the shonen magazine, traditionally targeted at a young male audience, as it ventures into content tailored for women.
A New Chapter for Shonen Sirius
Monthly Shonen Sirius, published by Kodansha, has been a staple in the manga world since 2005, known for its fantasy-themed series and its appeal to young male readers. Some of its notable serializations include “Yozakura Quartet”, “Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken” (“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”), and “Shingeki no Kyojin: Before the Fall” (“Attack on Titan: Before the Fall”).
Recognizing the diverse audience interested in manga, Shonen Sirius is expanding its reach with ARTEMIS by sirius, a digital magazine designed to cater to female readers. This strategic move acknowledges the growing female presence in the manga community and aims to provide content that resonates with their interests.
ARTEMIS by Sirius: What to Expect
ARTEMIS by sirius will offer a variety of genres, ranging from fantasy to “bromance,” ensuring a diverse selection to attract a wide female readership. The digital magazine will feature both ongoing manga series and new titles, providing a mix of familiar favorites and fresh content.
Launch Titles
The digital magazine will launch three new manga series on May 29:
- Sen-nen no Hanayome (Millennium Bride) by Ema Toyama: Toyama is known for her shojo manga works, making this a highly anticipated title for fans of the genre.
- Otto no Furin Aite wa Watashi ni Naritai Kaisha no Ano Ko (My Husband’s Affair Partner Is That Girl From the Company Who Wants to Be Me) by Aika (original story), Akira Akabane (art): This manga delves into complex relationship dynamics with a focus on drama.
- 100-nichi Go ni Otto wo Suteru Tsuma no Hanashi (The Story of the Wife Who Abandons Her Husband After 100 Days) by Aika (original story), Kei Aoishi (art): This series explores themes of marriage, betrayal, and personal liberation.
Ongoing Manga Series
ARTEMIS by sirius will also publish thirteen ongoing manga series:
- The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride (Kizumono no Hanayome) by Midori Yūma (original story), Mamenosuke Fujimaru (art): A fantasy romance about a bride and an ayakashi hunter.
- Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Akujiki Reijō to Kyōketsu Kōshaku: Sono Mamono, Watashi ga Oishiku Itadakimasu!) by Kanata Hoshi (original story), Peperon (original character design), Chika Mizube (art): A dark fantasy about a lady who consumes monsters.
- Sekokechi Gimai ga Subete o Ushinatta Hanashi (The Story of How My Stingy Sister-in-Law Lost Everything) by Aika (original story), Meshiko Iida (art): A story about family drama and financial downfall.
- Because I, the True Saint, was Banished, that Country is Done For! (Shin no Seijo de Aru Watashi wa Tsuihō Saremashita. Dakara Kono Kuni wa Mō Owari Desu) by Shikiso Utsuzawa (original story), Pukyunosuke (original character design), Mokuba Matsu (art): A fantasy series about a banished saint.
- Minazuki-ke no Iinazuke: 16-sai no Tanjōbi, Honke no Tōshu ga Mukae ni Kimashita. (The Minazuki Family’s Fiancee – On Her 16th Birthday, the Head of the Family Came to Pick Her Up.) by Midori Yūma (original story), Mai Hanamura (original character design), Chika Mizube (art): A historical romance.
- Anata no Otto, Kaeshite Kudasai- (The Case of My Husband’s Childhood Friend Who Was Toxic -Give Me Back Your Husband, Please-) by Aika (original story), Yuiji (art): A drama about a toxic relationship and betrayal.
- Mounting Celeb Tsuma no Kareinaru Tenraku (The Spectacular Fall of a Mounting Celebrity Wife) by Aika (original story), Ruru Eijjō (art): A story about the downfall of a celebrity wife.
- Kaigai Chūzaizuma no Hikari to Yami: Shitazuma to Sarezuma to Sarekaketa Tsuma (The Light and Darkness of an Expat Wife – The Cheating Wife, the Being Cheated On Wife, and the Cheated On Wife) by Aika (original story), Reach Asō (art): A drama focusing on the lives of expat wives and their struggles.
- Other titles include “The Bride of the Scar,” and “The Gluttonous Lady and the Vampire Duke.”
Availability
ARTEMIS by sirius will be updated on the 30th of every month and distributed through online bookstores.
Monthly Shonen Sirius: More Than Just Shonen
While Monthly Shonen Sirius primarily targets a young male demographic, it has also published manga that appeal to a broader audience. The launch of ARTEMIS by sirius signifies a conscious effort to create content specifically for women and address the diverse tastes within the manga community.
Understanding Manga Demographics
Manga magazines are typically categorized into five demographics:
- Kodomo: Aimed at young children.
- Shonen: Aimed at boys.
- Shojo: Aimed at girls.
- Seinen: Aimed at young adult men.
- Josei: Aimed at young adult women.
However, these categories are not always strict, and many readers enjoy manga outside their designated demographic. Shonen manga, traditionally focused on action and adventure, can also include various genres like comedy, sports, romance, and even horror.
Other Ventures by Shonen Sirius
In addition to ARTEMIS by sirius, Monthly Shonen Sirius is also launching “Biblio Sirius”, a manga site for children’s book fans. “Biblio Sirius” distributes manga versions of children’s books such as “Hinata and Hikari” and “The Girl the Dragon Read.” The service has already started, and the latest chapters of each work are available for free.
Embracing a Wider Audience
The launch of ARTEMIS by sirius and Biblio Sirius is a strategic move by Monthly Shonen Sirius to diversify its content and cater to a broader audience. By offering content tailored for women and children, the magazine aims to solidify its position in the manga market and attract new readers.
As the manga industry continues to evolve, initiatives like ARTEMIS by sirius demonstrate a willingness to adapt to changing demographics and provide content that resonates with a diverse readership. This new digital magazine is poised to become a significant platform for female-oriented manga, offering a space for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work and connect with readers.