Article

New on Shoujo Shelves – March 2016

February 29, 2016

Do you feel lucky? It’s that time again, and it looks like we’re getting some spiffy new titles this month. Princess Jellyfish is finally out, and Matsuri Hino’s new series Shuriken and Pleats begins this month. Let’s see what other shoujo and josei manga are coming out or continuing in the month of March:

Bloody + Mary, vol. 2

Maria never knew he possessed the Power of Exorcism, which can kill vampires, but with Mary’s help, his research unearths the “Red Memories” that he has suppressed for so long. At the same time, the door to Mary’s own missing memories is thrust forcefully open. Where do Maria’s Red Memories and Mary’s past intersect… and what truths await them? Find out in volume 2 of Bloody Mary.

Story and art by Akaza Samamiya.

Release Date: 3/1/16

A Centaur’s Life, vol. 8

Himeno is a sweet, shy girl, who, like many teens her age, struggles with the trials and tribulations of attending high school. The difference is she’s a centaur; but she’s not alone. In fact, all of her classmates are supernatural creatures, sporting either horns, wings, tails, halos, or some other unearthly body appendage. Yet despite their fantastical natures, Himeno and her best friends-the dragon-winged Nozomi, and Kyoko with her spiraled horns-are down-to-earth, fun-loving teenagers who grapple with issues of life and love in a mostly normal daily school setting. The mythical journey continues in volume 8 of A Centaur’s Life.

Story and art by Kei Murayama.

Release Date: 3/29/16

Demon From Afar, vol. 6

At long last… the final showdown is nigh…

When he realizes that his erstwhile friend has become warped enough to use his own daughter as a pawn to further his own aims, Sorath resolves to fight Garan. From Kiyora, the tortured living sacrifice of the great Lord of Terror’s seal to the traitorous Leice to the imprisoned Nonoha–many fates hang in the balance as a century of resentment and intrigue comes to a head in the climactic battle at the Ziggurat, the gateway to the netherworld!

The black-magic fantasy, Demon From Afar, peaks with explosive intensity in its final volume!

Story and art by Kaori Yuki.

Release Date: 3/22/16

Give to the Heart, vol. 6

To save Sooyi’s life, Lord Ganok confronts Lord Chio in an epic battle that destroys large portions of Dara City. Frail, puny mortals flee the fury of the Demon Kings. And Sooyi finds herself forced to continue on to the one place that holds the final answers to life itself – the Dead City.

Story and art by Wann.

Release Date: 3/2/16

He’s My Only Vampire, vol. 6

“Forgive me. I can no longer love you prettily……”

After Kana regains her memories at Tsubakiin Manor, her feelings for Aki become colored by their shared past. Meanwhile, Aki offers Mishio a certain “deal” in order to rescue Kana. Where will Kana and Aki’s rapidly developing destiny lead them?!!

Story and art by Aya Shouoto.

Release Date: 3/22/16

Hollow Fields, vol. 4

With the menace of Miss Weaver’s reign of terror supposedly behind them, the students of Hollow Fields can look forward to a more peaceful curriculum run by her ethically-minded successor, Principal Bleak. But there’s one problem-rebuilding the school after Miss Weaver’s reign has left Hollow Fields broke! If the school can’t scrape together the cash to pay its staff or maintain its grounds, the Board of Unprincipled Mad Science Education will have it shut down and use the student body for scientific experiments.

Not wanting to be separated from her new friends, Lucy stumbles upon a chance for Principal Bleak to save Hollow Fields. All they have to do is win the inter-school mad science competition and along with it, a hefty cash prize. But just what kind of things go on at a mad science fair?!

Story and Art by Madeleine Rosca.

Release Date: 3/29/16

Idol Dreams, vol. 2

In volume 2 of Idol Dreams, Chikage has debuted as the 15-year-old Akari, but now she must compete with Yuko to have Hibiki produce her CD. Tokita, the only one who knows Chikage’s secret, continues to help her while trying to atone for the past…

Story and art by Arina Tanemura.

Release Date: 3/1/16

Kiss of the Rose Princess, vol. 9 **Final Volume**

The identity of the Silver Rose is revealed, and Anise learns that her father has been captured by the Society. In order to rescue him, Anise must confront her true enemy and choose her fate!

Story and art by Aya Shouoto.

Release Date: 3/1/16

Komomo Confiserie, vol. 3

Komomo, in the throes of first love, doesn’t understand the feelings she’s having for Seto. She asks Natsu about feeling giddy, and he tells her that she’s simply experiencing a head cold. But when Komomo finds out Seto’s heart belongs to another, will Natsu be there to comfort her?

Story and art by Maki Minami.

Release Date: 3/1/16

Princess Jellyfish, vol. 1 **New Series**

Tsukimi Kurashita has a strange fascination with jellyfish. She’s loved them from a young age and has carried that love with her to her new life in the big city of Tokyo. There, she resides in Amamizukan, a safe-haven for girl geeks who regularly gush over a range of things from trains to Japanese dolls. However, a chance meeting at a pet shop has Tsukimi crossing paths with one of the things that the residents of Amamizukan have been desperately trying to avoid—a beautiful and fashionable woman! But there’s much more to this woman than her trendy clothes! This odd encounter is only the beginning of a new and unexpected path for Tsukimi and her friends.

Collects volumes 1-2 in omnibus format.

Story and art by Akiko Higashimura.

Release Date: 3/22/16

Shuriken and Pleats, vol. 1 **New Series**

When the master she has sworn to protect is killed, Mikage Kirio, a skilled ninja, travels to Japan to start a new, peaceful life for herself. But as soon as she arrives, she finds herself fighting to protect the life of Mahito Wakashimatsu, a man who is under attack by a band of ninja. From that time on, Mikage is drawn deeper into the machinations of his powerful family. Follow her story in volume 1 of Shuriken and Pleats.

Story and art by Hino Matsuri.

Release Date: 3/1/16

Skip Beat!, vol. 36

Kyoko’s time in Guam is coming to an end, and with it her role as Setsu. She’s sad that she won’t have an excuse to be near Ren anymore, but unbeknownst to her, Ren is even more affected by their parting than she is! Facing his demons finally let him believe in the bright future Kyoko represents. But back in Japan, her dark past is rearing its ugly head. Will it get in the way of Kyoko’s hopes of a happily ever after?!

Story and art by Yoshiki Nakamura.

Release Date: 3/1/16

I’ve already scarfed down my volumes of Skip Beat! and Idol Dreams. I can’t wait to get my copy of Princess Jellyfish later this month.