LINE Manga has launched byUs, an AI-powered feature that lets readers chat with manga characters and create personalized stories based on selected comic franchises. Announced on October 22, 2026, the service introduces interactive storytelling to one of Japan’s major digital comics platforms.
According to the announcement reported by PR TIMES, the characters and intellectual properties available through byUs have been approved by their respective authors. Some creators have also contributed original stories designed specifically for the experience.
BYUS OFFERS OFFICIAL STORIES AND USER-CREATED FAN FICTION
The platform divides its content into two categories. Official Stories feature scenarios supplied by the original creators, using established characters and settings from their works. After completing an introductory prologue, readers can converse with characters and develop their own scenarios.
Fan Stories focus on user-generated content, giving readers more freedom to explore new situations, relationships, and storylines. Users can also share their creations and discover stories written by other fans.
The initial LINE Manga rollout includes Joy and Esther from Job Change Log by Woo Si-mok, alongside Ren Tachibana and Reo Momotani from Operation True Love by kkokkalee.
The feature previously launched on South Korea’s NAVER WEBTOON platform in June 2026. According to LINE Digital Frontier’s official announcement, byUs recorded 14 million conversations during its first 10 weeks. The company also reported a 67% increase in views for participating comics and a 105% rise in new users when comparing the week before and after launch.
LINE Manga plans to introduce more titles and characters over time. Users access byUs through the LINE Manga app, with daily login rewards providing free conversation tickets and additional usage available through in-app Manga Coins.
The Japanese launch expands the platform’s interactive storytelling options by allowing readers to participate in stories rather than simply read them.
