Two New Series Start in Gangan JOKER Magazine: Water Spirit Rom-Com and Witch Sisters' Food Fantasy
One of the most exciting manga news this month came from Japan: Square Enix's beloved magazine Gangan JOKER introduced two brand-new series to readers on June 22. These two series, completely different in flavor, once again showcase the magazine's usual diversity.
The first series, 'Kimi to Sumitai Undine' (I want to live with you, Undine). This romantic comedy from the pen of Yunamaro centers on the unexpected cohabitation of a high school student and a water spirit (undine). Handling the classic 'living with a supernatural being' formula with a warm and humorous tone, the series stands out especially for its blend of comedy and romance. Yunamaro is known for short works like 'Shimekiri no Sonogo wa', and this series marks his first long-form manga.
The second series is 'Rosenburg no Shimai-tei' (Rosenburg Sisters' House – Full title: 'Rosenburg no Shimai-tei: Otoko ni Modorenai Otome-tachi no Majo Ryōriten'). Written and illustrated by Takase Asuka, this fantasy-cooking series is about two sisters who have lost their magical powers and open a restaurant. The story depicts the struggle of characters cast out of the magical world to build a new life through cooking. While the 'food + fantasy' genre has gained great interest in recent years, Takase Asuka, known for previous works like side stories of 'Mahōka Kōkō no Rettōsei', is an experienced artist that adds extra confidence to the series.
Gangan JOKER magazine is a platform known for innovative and popular works, having hosted cult series like 'Kakegurui', 'Rokka no Yūsha', and 'Akame ga Kill!'. Both new series appeared with their first chapters in the magazine's current issue (July 2024 issue). Readers can also access these chapters, published in Japanese, through digital platforms. Although international licensing agreements have not been announced yet, we know that Gangan JOKER series are often translated into English and other languages in a short time.
These two series bring a fresh breath to the enduringly popular supernatural rom-com and culinary fantasy genres in the manga world. In particular, the 'Undine' series explores relationships between water spirits and humans, while 'Rosenburg' offers a warm narrative combining sisterly bonds, food, and magic. It is certain that fans will eagerly anticipate the progress of these series and possible translation news in the coming months. New chapters will continue to be published each month in the pages of Gangan JOKER.
