Today Yen Press held their industry panel at Anime Expo and of course there were several announcements that were made. Both for Manga and Light Novels, which is becoming more and more an important part of the industry as a whole. Yen Press however, began the panel with a few giveaways. Namely some rather nice posters from Dimension W, No Game No Life, and Akame ga Kill Zero. With that done the announcements began.
First was The Isolator by Reki Kawahara which will be a Manga release. If that name seems familiar it’s because it’s from the same author that brought us both Sword Art Online and Accel World. The story will revolve around Minoru Utsugi who suddenly finds himself with the power of “The Solitude” and partaking in a battle he does not wish to fight. Next was an original manga called Reindeer Boy.
Reindeer Boy is by Cassandra Jean and is a love story that revolves around a boy who has antlers on his head, and yes everyone can see them. The story was described as more of a sweet and mellow slice of life manga. While certainly target towards the Shoujo demographic, the fact that this is an original work is certainly very intriguing. Next, however was a title that may be familiar to people who have been watching the Spring 2016 Anime Season, Big Order.
Big Order is by Sakae Esuno and follows Hoshimiya Eiji. When given the ability to wish for something as a child, he wished to take of the world. However, as soon as he makes this wish a massive series of disasters occur and the young Eiji believes he’s responsible for this cataclysm. At the same time other people who gained power through the wishes appear and are known as “Orders.” Ten years pass and Eiji is just trying to live life, when he’s finally discovered as the Order who brought about the end of the world. The book with be out in early 2017 according to Yen Press, that wasn’t the only surprise however as they had an announcement which involved Square Enix of all things. Murciélago.
Murciélago follows Koumori Kuroko who was raised to be a mass murdered in fact she’s murdered 715 in the past. However even a mass murderer can fight for justice and Koumori does so by being the “Killer of other Killers.” As if that’s not enough the book may also contain a bit of Yuri as Kuroko seems to enjoy chasing quite a few skirts. Look forward to this in early 2017. Next up was Smokin’ Parade.
Smokin’ Parade follows Kakujou Youkou and takes place in a world where medical technology can replace any organ. Insert your own obvious joke here. As if this wasn’t too good to be true, well turns out it is as the tech can take over someone and turn them in vicious killers. Enter Jackalope, who fights against these abominations, and you have the plot of Smokin’ Parade. Finally there was another announcement that may sounds very familiar, Rokka – Braves of the Six Flowers.
Rokka – Braves of the Six Flowers is written by Ishio Yamagata and takes place in a world where the Demon Lord has awakened. The Goddess of Fate chooses six heroes to combat this, however when they meet they suddenly find there’s seven of them. Which means one is a spy. The series will follow Adlet Mayer, and self proclaimed “Strongest Man in the World” and his search for the answers. Both the Manga and the Light Novel will be coming in 2017. With that the panel moved into a short Q&A and then concluded.
As you can see there’s quite a lot coming from Yen Press in the next year. Do any of these titles excite you and will you be picking any up? Any thoughts on the face that Yen Press is publishing original content as well? Let the know at their Twitter or Facebook, and let us know of course in the comments below.
