Cells at Work! Lady — the female-focused spin-off of the hit educational comedy Cells at Work! — is coming to print this spring via Kodansha Print Club. Fans of the franchise can soon hold the vibrant, biology-meets-slice-of-life manga in their hands after its digital-only English release. Below we break down everything readers need to know about the print announcement, the creative team behind the series, what to expect from the story, and where to find official releases.
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Overview: Cells at Work! Lady print release explained
Originally launched in Morning two in January 2020, Cells at Work! Lady (Hataraku Saibō Lady) is a collaboration between writer Shigemitsu Harada, artist Akari Otokawa, and original creator Akane Shimizu. The manga ran through September 2022 and was released digitally in English by Kodansha starting in September 2023. Now Kodansha has confirmed that the title will be printed as part of its Kodansha Print Club program, which focuses on turning digital-first manga into physical editions for collectors and new readers alike.
Release details and what “print this spring” means for collectors
The announcement states the print edition will arrive “this spring.” While exact street dates and format (single volumes, omnibus, or special edition) were not specified in the initial announcement, the Kodansha Print Club often uses standard trade paperback formats for previously digital-only series. Expect a standard English language print run that will be sold through major retailers and Kodansha’s distribution channels.
Where to buy and how to pre-order
Official pre-order links and retailer listings typically appear closer to the title’s ship date. For the most reliable updates, check Kodansha’s official social accounts and the Kodansha Print Club announcements. You can view the original announcement on Kodansha’s Instagram (nofollow). Kodansha Instagram announcement.
About the creators: Harada, Otokawa, and Shimizu
Cells at Work! Lady brings together experienced manga creators. Shigemitsu Harada provides the series’ writing — known for his ability to blend humor with dramatic beats — while Akari Otokawa handles the artwork, adapting Akane Shimizu’s original concept that made the Cells at Work! universe so beloved. Akane Shimizu’s original Cells at Work! established the formula: anthropomorphic personifications of cells and microbes acting out real biological processes with humor and heart. Lady takes that same approach and places it squarely inside the female body, exploring topics unique to female health through the lens of workplace comedy.
Story and themes: What makes Cells at Work! Lady unique
Cells at Work! Lady focuses on the daily life of cells in the female body — everything from menstrual cycles and pregnancy to hormonal changes and immune responses. The series keeps the franchise’s educational backbone while centering experiences that are often underrepresented in mainstream biology education. Expect a compassionate, informative, and often funny portrayal of how macrophages, killer T cells, helper T cells, and other immune workers handle “lady life.”
Educational value with emotional resonance
One of the strengths of the Cells at Work! franchise is its ability to explain complex biological phenomena through character-driven vignettes. Lady continues this tradition by using relatable scenarios to teach readers about reproductive physiology, immune defense, and the ways the body adapts across different life stages — all while treating sensitive topics with respect and a gentle sense of humor.
Relation to the wider Cells at Work! franchise
Kodansha USA has been actively publishing multiple Cells at Work! spin-offs and related books in English. The main Cells at Work! manga and several spin-offs (including titles that explore bacteria, platelets, infants, and alternate takes such as Code Black) have broadened the franchise’s reach and shown the adaptability of its concept to various settings and tones. Cells at Work! Lady adds an important female-centered perspective to the growing family of titles.
Recommended reading order
Cells at Work! Lady is accessible as a standalone spin-off, so new readers do not need to have read the main series. That said, longtime fans of the original will appreciate recurring character archetypes and the established worldbuilding. If you’re new to the franchise, starting with the main Cells at Work! manga or the Kodansha USA print editions of other spin-offs can provide helpful context.
Kodansha Print Club: why this matters
Kodansha Print Club is Kodansha’s program for giving print life to previously digital-only manga. Launched in December 2024, the initiative aims to satisfy collector demand and reach readers who prefer physical editions. Printing Cells at Work! Lady under this program signals Kodansha’s confidence in the title’s popularity and its commitment to expanding accessibility for English-speaking readers.
Final thoughts
Cells at Work! Lady is a welcome addition to any fan’s shelf — especially for readers who appreciate educational manga that approaches health and biology with empathy, humor, and clarity. The upcoming print release via Kodansha Print Club should make the series easier to collect and share, while bringing attention to stories centered on female bodily experiences. Keep an eye on official Kodansha channels for exact release dates and pre-order information, and prepare to enjoy another lively tour through the microscopic workplace that keeps us all moving.
Source: Announcement on Kodansha’s Instagram (nofollow).
