Alien Books Announces Three New Manga Licenses: Badducks, Akatsubaki, and Kill Logger Are Coming to English
Alien Books, known for bringing niche and high-quality works in the manga world to the Western market, has announced the acquisition of English licenses for three new series. According to the official statement, Badducks and Akatsubaki by Toryumon Takeda, along with Arata Iri's Kill Logger series, will hit shelves in the final quarter of 2026. According to the release schedule, Kill Logger will be released first on October 20, followed by Akatsubaki on November 17, and Badducks later in the autumn.
Among these licenses, Badducks, in particular, draws attention with its structure that blends science fiction and crime drama. Serialized in Kadokawa's prestigious Monthly Comic Beam magazine and consisting of four volumes in total, this series tells the story of the struggle for survival between Morgan, who has an illegal chip implanted in his body, and Lisa, who is seen as a "creature." Toryumon Takeda's unique, dynamic drawing style and emotional depth quickly made the series a cult favorite in Japan. The author's other work, Akatsubaki, invites readers into a different atmosphere by combining historical textures with supernatural elements.
The psychological thriller and mystery Kill Logger was penned by Arata Iri. Also published under the Comic Beam banner, this work offers a dark and immersive story revolving around a character who can somehow "record" or see the murders committed by people. Alien Books' choices once again prove the publisher's mission to introduce high-artistic-value and story-driven manga outside the mainstream to English-speaking audiences. In particular, the fact that Comic Beam magazine hosts experimental and original productions allows all three of these series to step outside standard manga molds.
For manga lovers, this announcement means not only new stories but also greater international recognition for rising talents like Toryumon Takeda. Since Alien Books is known for its high paper quality and careful translations in its physical prints, collectors are eagerly awaiting these new editions. With cover designs and pre-order details expected to be clarified in the coming months, the community's interest in these original productions is expected to increase even further.
