Yen Press has unveiled a new wave of manga and light novel acquisitions, with prominent titles such as Kei Ichikawa’s A Long & Short Love Story and Dowman Sayman’s Dungeons That Surely Slaughter Adventurers leading the list. The announcement, made on Friday, revealed nine manga series and one light novel set to debut in February 2026. The publisher’s Ize Press label also confirmed upcoming print releases for webtoons.
Diverse Lineup of Upcoming Titles
The newly licensed titles span various genres, from romantic comedies to dark fantasy and slice-of-life, catering to a wide range of readers.
A Long & Short Love Story by Kei Ichikawa
This manga explores the evolving relationship between childhood friends Ibuki and Kippei. Having grown up as next-door neighbors, their bond is tested and transformed after Ibuki shares a kiss with Kippei. The series delves into the complexities of their friendship as it shifts into something more.
Dungeons That Surely Slaughter Adventurers by Dowman Sayman
A unique take on the dungeon fantasy genre, this manga follows the struggles of Eine and Nacht, two reincarnated individuals who find themselves working as dungeon staff instead of living out typical “isekai” fantasies. Tired of cleaning up adventurer corpses, they decide to transform their workplace into a deadly deathtrap to achieve some peace and quiet. The series promises a dark, comedic look at the grim realities of dungeon management.
Other Notable Manga Acquisitions
Yen Press‘s announcement includes several other intriguing manga series:
- Keyaki Shopping District’s Sakura Bathhouse by Waka Kakitsubata (art) and Yuzu Tsubaki (original story): This slice-of-life manga centers on Tatsumi Azuma, a sociable high school student who, after an accident, is made to work at his stoic classmate Shunpei Eguchi’s family bathhouse.
- The Idol’s Escape: This series follows Ainosuke, a gay man longing to be as beautiful as his idol, Karen. His life takes a dramatic turn when Karen, on the run from an exploitative producer, suddenly appears before him, leading to a journey of escape and unexpected romance.
- The Fake Alchemist: While details are scarce, the acquisition of The Fake Alchemist has been met with anticipation by fans eager for a fluent English translation.
- Once Upon a Witch’s Death by Kenu Amearare (manga adaptation) based on Saka’s novels: This manga adapts the light novel series, allowing readers to revisit Meg’s quest to escape a death curse by collecting a thousand tears of joy to create a Seed of Life.
- Demi-Human Sharehouse by Norito Asazuki: This story introduces Kei, an introverted corporate worker who moves into a share house only to discover his new housemates are demi-human girls.
- [OSHI NO KO] TV Anime 1st Season Guidebook: First Report by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari: This guidebook provides an in-depth look into the first season of the [Oshi no Ko] anime, featuring detailed character and story information, art from the anime’s production, and interviews.
New Light Novel and Ize Press Webtoons
In addition to the manga, Yen Press is also expanding its light novel catalog and its Ize Press webtoon offerings.
Moscow 2160 (Light Novel) by Kumo Kagyu
From the author of Goblin Slayer, Kumo Kagyu, comes Moscow 2160, a novel set in a dystopian 2160 where the Cold War persists between the United States and the Soviet Union. The story follows Danila Kragin, a flesh-and-blood mercenary known as a “janitor,” as he navigates a city where freedom and truth are scarce, fighting to return home.
Ize Press Webtoon Releases
The Ize Press label will release print editions of popular webtoons, including A-jin, DOYOSAY, and Lemon Frog’s Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story in February 2026.
These newly announced licenses are scheduled for release in February 2026, promising a fresh selection of titles for manga and light novel enthusiasts.
