Kara Dennison
November 2, 2024 
Earlier this year, Titan Manga unleashed a whole raft of announcements for the end of 2024. In addition to Kamen Rider Kuuga Vol. 8, there are four new releases getting underway. Plus, the publisher is releasing a stand-alone classic from manga legend Osamu Tezuka! Read on for our takes on the new series coming next month.
Working for God in a Godless World Vol. 1
Have you ever wondered about the origins of KamiKatsu: Working for God in a Godless World? The weird (and very NSFW) isekai was originally a manga by Aoi Akashiro and Sonsho Hangetsuban. And soon it will be available in English from Titan Manga! The series follows Yukito, a crazed cult leader’s son who wishes to be reincarnated into a world without gods or religion. He gets his wish, with one caveat: Mitama, the god of his cult, has followed him.
Working for God in a Godless World has interesting insights into how a world with no concept of religion might find other ways to cope. Don’t expect that to be the driving force of the series, though. It’s largely slapstick with a side of speedrunning civilization—and this first volume is only a small taste of how chaotic the series as a whole gets.
Working for God in a Godless World Vol. 1 goes on sale December 24.
I.L
Titan Manga is diving all the way back to 1969 for I.L, a classic stand-alone volume by Osamu Tezuka. This surreal, sexy story focuses on the “death of the fantastic.” Daisaku, a failed film director, receives a gift from a certain vampire: I.L, an alive-ish female mannequin who can take any form. Together, they “direct” real life, handling everything from tragic romances to international conflict.
If you’re unfamiliar with Tezuka’s more adult work, I.L will be something of a surprise. This buried treasure does have some “of its time” depictions, but is otherwise a magnificent anthology series. Best of all, later chapters begin to characterize I.L and her longing for love and an identity. If you’re a fan of classic manga, this is a must-read.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol. 1
You’ve seen the anime on Crunchyroll—now read the source material from Titan Manga! Somali and the Forest Spirit follows a nameless golem as he wanders a world of magical beings with his young charge. While other fantastical creatures may assume Somali is a minotaur, she’s a human. And that’s a dangerous thing to be in a world where humans are hunted for food and sport. With less than two years of life remaining, the golem hopes to reunite Somali with her parents.
This manga is a must for lovers of slow-paced, cozy fantasy. Yako Gureishi’s art is lovely, and the worldbuilding is slow-paced but interesting. There’s a lot to unearth in this series, from the truth behind the recent war to the nature of the many creatures occupying this world. And of course, if you enjoyed the anime, this is a must-read.
Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol. 1 goes on sale December 24.
Corpse Blade Vol. 1
Titan Manga presents Corpse Blade, a new manga from Ga-Rei and Tokyo ESP creator Hajime Segawa. In this zombie epic, Tokyo has been taken over by the walking dead. Tsuranuki Tsutsuki just wants to get to his family’s bunker, but ends up crossing paths with Karina Karina. (Yes, that’s her actual name.) She’s from a family of skilled zombie hunters… and now, she’s infected.
Even if you’re sick to death of zombie stories, Corpse Blade offers something fresh. The first volume hints at a unique world where the threat of the undead is realer than anyone realizes. The zombie designs are extremely cool (especially the beautiful and terrible Well Guardian), and the ending of the first volume will leave you hungry for more.
Corpse Blade Vol. 1 goes on sale December 31.
The Elegant Courtly Life of the Tea Witch Vol. 1
Titan Manga keeps bringing cozy titles this December with The Elegant Courtly Life of the Tea Witch. Set in a fantasy world in peacetime, the series follows Remy, a mage whose powers allow her to make the perfect cup of tea. While she attempts to keep her head down, the young princess Stella insists on being Remy’s friend. Despite Remy’s best intentions, she’s pulled into all sorts of political intrigue. And before long, it becomes clear that her talents extend beyond tea-making.
This is a delightful cozy fantasy series that’s as lovely to look at as it is fun to read. No character is quite as they seem, in particular Remy. And it’s the perfect read for tea lovers, as the various infusions and accompanying menus are named and discussed in each chapter.
The Elegant Courtly Life of the Tea Witch Vol. 1 goes on sale December 31.
