Square Enix Manga & Books used its Anime Expo 2025 panel to unveil a ten-strong spring 2026 slate for English-language release, featuring seven brand-new manga series alongside three game tie-in art books. On offer includes the psychological drama A Starlit Darkness from the bestselling creator of Cherry Magic!, a whimsical cat-themed two-in-one omnibus, and the comprehensive FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH: Material Ultimania. Pre-order windows and pricing details for each volume have been announced, with titles rolling out between February and July 2026.
A Starlit Darkness, Vol. 1 transports readers to early twentieth-century Japan, where struggling writer Subaru Karasuma encounters the enigmatic novelist Geppo Yagira just as he’s on the brink of despair. When Geppo takes an interest in Subaru’s fate, the young man is drawn into a world of literary ambition and creeping darkness. This psychological drama from the bestselling creator of Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! debuts in English in May 2026 at $14.99 USD and is available for pre-order beginning 15 August.
Betrothed to a Fox Demon, Vol. 1 sees the reluctant Kyogane clan head Kuro Kyogane bound by duty into marriage with the bright-spirited Fuyu—only to discover a sinister secret hidden within their ceremony. As the thousand-year legacy of exorcists collides with demonic intrigue, Fuyu’s safety hangs in the balance. The first volume arrives in April 2026 at $12.99 USD, with pre-orders opening 18 July.
The Prince’s Keeper, Vol. 1 introduces Miranda, a reclusive apprentice witch whose quiet life is upended when she is summoned to the royal palace and tasked with caring for Prince Heinrich—turned into a cat by mysterious magic. Tasked with feline stewardship, Miranda must navigate palace intrigue and a royally charming companion. English readers can claim this whimsical tale in April 2026 at $12.99 USD when pre-orders go live 18 July.
A Cat Is a Cat in Any Life (Two-in-One English Edition) follows a cat reborn in a fantasy realm where cats simply do not exist. From battles over toe beans to part-time work in a demon king’s cat café, this fluffy reincarnation adventure blends slapstick and sentiment across two original Japanese volumes. The omnibus arrives in May 2026 at $19.99 USD, with pre-orders available 22 August.
Otaku x Gal, Vol. 1 pairs introverted hobbyist Koichi Otakura with popular classmate Yua Narumi, who taps his anime-art and model-building skills to master the latest fashion trends. As otaku know-how meets gal aesthetics, the duo discover surprising common ground. This romantic comedy launches in February 2026 at $12.99 USD, with pre-orders beginning 6 July.
My Favorite VTuber Is Scary IRL, Vol. 1 casts a rural delivery boy into comedic terror when his routine drop-offs to an intimidating client reveal her to be his beloved (yet fearsome) VTuber. As he races to finish his shifts, unexpected friendship and virtual fandom collide. Readers can dive into this slice-of-life manga in February 2026 at $14.99 USD, available for pre-order 6 July.
A Howl of the Heart, Vol. 1 chronicles Tenyo’s vow of vengeance after the death of his comrade Uru, only to find his sworn enemy bearing his friend’s visage. Torn between grief and suspicion, Tenyo must unravel whether his brother-in-arms truly lives on. The first volume premieres in March 2026 at $14.99 USD, with pre-orders opening 6 July.
FINAL FANTASY IX Picture Book offers an original tale of Vivi and Grandpa Quan, blending heartwarming storytelling by event designer Kazuhiko Aoki with illustrations from character designer Toshiyuki Itahana. This full-colour hardcover adds new layers to the beloved RPG’s lore. English editions arrive in May 2026 at $17.99 USD, and pre-orders open 22 August via the Square Enix Store and major retailers.
NieR Poster Collection commemorates the series’ fifteenth anniversary with 32 large-format, full-colour art prints hand-picked by creator Yoko Taro. Printed on press-varnished cardstock, the collection spans Replicant, Automata, Re[in]carnation and related stage and music events. Available from November 2025 at $34.99 USD, the posters can be pre-ordered now from the Square Enix Store and from 6 July at major booksellers.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH: Material Ultimania delivers an exhaustive gallery of production and CG art: character models, environments, weapons, enemies, paired with staff commentary, storyboards and development sketches. This full-colour, jacketed hardcover celebrates one of gaming’s most anticipated RPG sequels. English volumes launch July 2026 at $39.99 USD, with pre-orders available now at the Square Enix Store and from 17 October elsewhere.
