Square Enix Manga & Books announced eight new licenses during their panel at Anime Expo. Below are the announcements that were made:
A Starlit Darkness
Yū Toyota
Japan, early 20th century. Subaru Karasuma, an aspiring writer with dashed ambitions, neck-deep in loans he has no hope of paying back, decides it’s time to draw the curtain on his miserable life. Before he can follow through on his dark intent, he’s diverted by the spectacle of a neighbor working frenetically with his literary group to meet the deadline for a work commissioned by Geppo Yagira, a rich and famous novelist. When the devilishly handsome, fiercely talented Geppo lays his eyes on Subaru, the latter’s life is set on a new course. But the new path he’s now treading seems to lead ever deeper into the darkness…
Release Date: May 2026
Betrothed to a Fox Demon
Anju Hino
For a thousand years, the exorcists of the Kyogane clan have dedicated their lives to eradicating the demonic specters that haunt Japan. Kuro Kyogane, the current clan head, has no interest in getting married and producing an heir at his age. But once his family arranges a suitable bride in the bright and optimistic Fuyu, he agrees to fulfill his obligations. What Kuro doesn’t know yet is that his wedding ceremony conceals a dark secret—and once Fuyu is declared his wife, she may never be safe from harm again…
Release Date: April 2026
The Prince’s Keeper
Oto Nagatsuki
Himako Neko
Miranda is a reclusive apprentice witch who runs a shop selling magical potions and enchanted trinkets in a quiet corner of the capital city. One day, she receives an invitation to a tea party at none other than the royal palace itself. There, she meets the third prince, only he’s been cursed and turned into a cat! Ordered to serve as Prince Heinrich’s “keeper,” Miranda suddenly finds herself the caretaker of a royal feline! What happens when a handsome prince becomes a witch’s pet?
Release Date: April 2026
A Cat Is a Cat in Any Life (Two-in-One Edition)
Ema Toyama
A fateful encounter kicks off an adventure for a cat reborn in a world with no cats! Tragedy strikes a kitty in our world, and she gets a second chance at life in a fantasy world. A hero, heading home after battling a demon king, crosses paths with a mysterious creature. What is this fluffy new friend, and should she pet the belly?
An array of fantasyland adventurers learn about snack time, toe beans, and that (eye)balls can be toys. When the knight captain’s folded-eared cat meets the hero’s cat, paw-to-paw combat breaks out between the fuzz balls! Then, the hero winds up working part-time at a cat café with…the demon king?! Cuddle up with a four-legged companion and enjoy this once-in-a-reincarnated-lifetime furry fantasy!
Release Date: May 2026
Otaku x Gal
Souchu (art)
138 Neko (story)
Teased for his nerdy hobbies in middle school, Koichi Otakura has entered high school with every intention of blending into the background. But when Yua Narumi, the popular girl who sits behind him in class, discovers his hidden talents, she begs him to help her keep up with the latest fashion trends! After all, aren’t the skills required to draw anime fan art and paint plastic models totally applicable to designing nails and styling hair?! Who says otakus and gals can’t get along these days?!
Release Date: February 2026
My Favorite VTuber Is Scary IRL
Riyo Yorima
Being a delivery boy for “Delivery Eats” in a rural town isn’t so bad, but one regular customer is a BIG challenge. She’s a scary lady who looks intimidating and glares at the delivery boy every time he shows up at her door. Being an introvert, he can’t help but run away as soon as the job is done. But one day, the scary lady finally speaks… Wait, is that the voice of his favorite VTuber?!
Release Date: February 2026
A Howl of the Heart
Ayato Miyoshi
Uru and Tenyo are two elite soldiers with a bond that runs deeper than blood. Living together and fighting side by side has only heightened their affection for one another…but in a world ravaged by war, connections can be severed in an instant. When Uru loses his life, he leaves Tenyo behind with nothing but a final kiss goodbye.
After two years of mourning, Tenyo sneaks into the enemy general Kakezuki’s territory with the intent of finishing him off, as promised to Uru. But when he gets there, he finds that the enemy looks exactly like his dearly departed brother-in-arms! There’s no way Uru is still among the living…or is there?
Release Date: March 2026
Final Fantasy IX Picture Book
The company will also release the Final Fantasy IX Picture Book in May 2026, the NieR Poster Collection in November 2025, and the full-color hardcover Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Material Ultimania book in July 2026.
Source: AnimeNewsNetwork