Kara Dennison
February 26, 2025 
A new month is just around the corner, and with a new month comes new manga! Kodansha has lots of new titles coming your way, including two new first volumes and a standalone paranormal romance. And we’ve got reviews of these three new Kodansha manga so you can see what’s on the way!
DEAD ROCK Vol. 1
Hiro Mashima is back in this new Kodansha manga release! DEAD ROCK takes readers to the world of demons, where students are vying for the role of demon lord at a new school. Whoever becomes the next demon lord will be given control of the human world by… well, by God. After passing the rigorous (and deadly) entrance exam, young demon Yakuto starts working on his goal; but it’s not at the same as everyone else’s.
Yakuto sees all sorts of flaws in the way things work. Rather than ruling over humans, he plans to kill God. And considering he’s wielding a source of power believed to be extinct, he might just have a chance. How will he fare? Why is his goal so lofty? Start reading and find out!
DEAD ROCK Vol. 1 goes on sale March 4.
23:45
Amidst the running series coming out and continuing this month, Kodansha manga is also releasing 23:45. This single-volume story by Ohana is an unconventional romance about a college freshman named Iku who has a run-in with the friendly Mimori. This new acquaintance moves into his house, plays his video games, and reads his manga. There’s just one problem: Mimori is a ghost, and he’s lured to the site of his tragic accident every night at 11:45 pm.
Before long, Iku learns the truth of Mimori’s accident. But helping him move forward may break them apart. What happened? Why did it happen? And what will guiding Mimori to happiness mean for the two? This sweet story is wrapped up in a single volume, and it’s well worth a read!
The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride Vol. 1
Speaking of paranormal romance, Kodansha manga is launching the first volume of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride. This historical fantasy romance centers on Nanao, a loving woman from a family whose women are teeming with spiritual energy. But after an encounter with an ayakashi, she’s left scarred. Forced to wear a monkey mask and live outside the family, she loses her betrothal to Reito. But the noble ayakashi hunter Yako is more than happy to sweep her off her feet.
This noble engagement enrages Nanao’s family, while also making Reito realize what he was missing by rejecting her. Meanwhile, Nanao learns what being Yako’s bride entails. It’s a much bigger, stranger responsibility than she ever imagined. Packed with beautiful art, dramatic romance, and fascinating character designs, this is a strong beginning to an exciting series.
The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride Vol. 1 goes on sale March 25.
