Two New Manga on April 24: A Romantic Demon King and a 'Discarded' Saint Hit the Shelves
The manga world in Japan became active as of April 24 with the release of the first volumes of two new series. The good news for readers looking for both romance and a peaceful fantasy (slow life) was announced via Natalie and other sources. These new works approach the themes of "escaping an unwanted fate" and "a new beginning," which have become particularly popular in recent years, from different angles.
The first major release of the day was Suenagaku Yoroshiku Douzo Maou-sama! ~Saraware Hime wa Maou no Saiai~, adapted from the original story by Anko and illustrated by Yomomo. The story follows an innocent princess on the eve of an unwanted marriage who is kidnapped by a demon king that very night. However, this is not a classic kidnapping story; we are presented with a "pure romance" story that will warm hearts, taking place between a rather clumsy Demon King and a princess who is oblivious to the world. The first volume of the series introduces the reader to this sweet and funny dynamic between the characters.
On the other hand, for those looking for fantasy and peace, Gomibako Gurashi no Seijyo-sama (The Saint Living in a Trash Can), published under Hifumi Shobo's Nova Comics label, stands out. Adapted from Tomato Fuji's popular light novel and illustrated by Mizu Kurage, this manga tells the story of a saint who is abandoned by her church and literally thrown into a trash can. Our protagonist, Mio, tries to build a new and peaceful life for herself by repairing ancient magical tools and healing exiled adventurers. This work is a candidate to be one of the most unique examples of the popular "slow life" genre of recent times.
The release of these two series on the same day also highlights the diversity in the manga industry. Works like Gomibako Gurashi no Seijyo-sama, in particular, prove how powerful genres born from platforms like Shousetsuka ni Narou, which allow readers to escape their daily stress, have become. On the other hand, Suenagaku Yoroshiku Douzo Maou-sama! blends classic fantasy elements with a modern romantic comedy sensibility. Both series have entered the radar of collectors with their physical prints following their success on digital platforms.
If you also enjoy unconventional romance or stories of characters who leave everything behind to start a new life, you can give these two new series a chance. Depending on the success of the series, it is quite likely that we will hear news of English localization or digital releases in the future. For now, physical sales figures in Japan will give us a clearer idea about the future popularity of these series.
