Yen Press has revealed four new acquisitions ahead of its Industry Panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, giving manga and light novel fans an early look at what is coming to its growing catalog.
The announcements, shared on the publisher’s official social media channels on July 23, include one audiobook adaptation, two new light novel licenses, and a fantasy romance manga. The additions span the Yen Audio, Yen On, and Yen Press imprints, continuing the publisher’s effort to bring more Japanese stories to English-speaking readers.
The reveals arrive just one day before the company’s San Diego Comic-Con Industry Panel on July 24, where additional announcements are expected.
According to Yen Press, the newly licensed titles include Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki, Let’s Begin, a Battle Without the Hero, The Weakling Who Died a Million Times, and The Dragon Prince’s Ill-Mated Betrothal.
Wolf Children joins Yen Audio alongside three brand-new licenses
Leading the announcement is Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki, the acclaimed story by filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda. Originally released as the 2012 anime film directed by Hosoda and produced by Studio Chizu, the heartfelt family drama later received both novel and manga adaptations that have long been part of Yen Press’ catalog. Now, the publisher is expanding the franchise once again by bringing the novel to its Yen Audio imprint.
The story follows Hana, a college student who falls in love with a man who secretly belongs to a family of wolves. After his tragic death, Hana must raise their two children alone while helping them navigate their identities as both humans and wolves. The emotional coming-of-age story has earned worldwide praise for its themes of family, parenthood, and self-discovery, making it one of Hosoda’s most celebrated works.
Yen Press described the addition as an important milestone, noting that it is
“with great satisfaction that Yen Audio welcomes this beloved tale to its lineup.”
The publisher also expanded its Yen On light novel lineup with two fantasy adventures offering very different takes on heroic storytelling.
Let’s Begin, a Battle Without the Hero by Taiga Hattori follows Tsugumichi Takahashi, an isolated young man who unexpectedly inherits the legacy of humanity’s greatest hero after her final battle against monstrous cosmic enemies. Rather than portraying an experienced champion, the series focuses on an unlikely protagonist forced into extraordinary circumstances despite having little confidence or experience.
Meanwhile, The Weakling Who Died a Million Times by yononaka centers on an anonymous criminal whose unusual ability allows him to respawn each time he dies. Although trapped in the life of a disposable henchman, he dreams of becoming a true hero, even if it means sacrificing countless lives in pursuit of that goal. The premise combines dark fantasy with humor while exploring redemption from an unconventional perspective.
Completing the quartet is The Dragon Prince’s Ill-Mated Betrothal, a fantasy romance manga by Sango Sansan based on the original story by Nanaki Ichinose with character designs by Noco Sugimachi. The story begins when Adeline, the daughter of an earl, is selected to marry the third prince of the Dragonkin Realm because of their tradition of finding destined “Mates.” However, what appears to be a royal engagement quickly unfolds into a dangerous conspiracy. The narrative later jumps 250 years into the future as history begins repeating itself, uncovering new mysteries tied to the original tragedy.
Founded in 2006 as a joint venture between Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group, Yen Press has become one of North America’s leading publishers of manga, light novels, and Japanese literature. Its Yen On and Yen Audio imprints have helped introduce many bestselling Japanese series to English-language audiences, and these latest acquisitions further strengthen that catalog ahead of one of the publishing industry’s biggest convention weekends.
Yen Press has also encouraged fans to watch its San Diego Comic-Con Industry Panel for additional announcements, suggesting more licenses could be revealed during the event.
