Square Enix’s Manga UP! Global has quietly expanded its English lineup with two notable additions: Marumikan’s romantic-comedy manga My Pampering Turned the Cool Goddess Into a Clumsy Spoiled Girl (Cool na Megami-sama to Issho ni Sundara, Amayakashi Sugite Ponkotsu ni Shite Shimatta Ken ni Tsuite) and a new edition of the classic Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick (Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō) manga by Chiaki Kawamata and Kamui Fujiwara. Both titles bring very different flavors to the platform — one fresh and fluffy, the other steeped in RPG legacy — and they’re worth a closer look for fans of romance, slice-of-life, and game-inspired fantasy alike.
Table of Contents
My Pampering Turned the Cool Goddess Into a Clumsy Spoiled Girl — romantic comedy done right
Premise and tone
This series centers on Haruto Akihara, a high schooler who suddenly finds his “icy goddess” classmate, Rei Mikoto, moving in with him. At first, Rei maintains her glacial, aloof persona, but Haruto’s earnest care and small acts of kindness chip away at her defenses until she becomes adorably clumsy and openly affectionate. The setup is a classic slow-burn romance with plenty of ecchi-tinged comedic beats, a popular formula that succeeds when executed with charm — which Marumikan delivers through deft character moments and expressive art.
Publication history and where to read
Marumikan launched the manga on Square Enix’s Gangan Online in September 2023, and Square Enix published the first collected volume in March 2024. The series has continued to build a following, and its fifth compiled volume was released on February 12 (as announced by the publisher). The original novel that inspired the manga was serialized on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō user novel site — you can view the novel’s entry on Shōsetsuka ni Narō (note: external link opens in a new tab). Read the Shōsetsuka ni Narō original.
Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick — a classic RPG manga revival
Why this series matters to RPG and manga fans
Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick is a cornerstone of game-adjacent manga. Originally serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan from 1991 to 1997, the story follows Prince Arus — a descendant of the legendary hero Erdrick — as he responds to a new threat that rises after a long age of peace. The narrative combines traditional fantasy adventure with the lore and iconography that made the Dragon Quest franchise beloved: heroic lineage, traveling companions, and quests that build toward a larger confrontation with darkness.
Legacy and adaptations
The original manga spawned a 45-minute anime film in 1996 (which remained unreleased in North America), and the series has continued to be revisited by creators over the years. Junji Koyanagi and Kamui Fujiwara later published related side stories — including Emblem of Roto Returns — and special side stories appeared in Young Gangan in 2022. That long-running relationship between the franchise and manga artists keeps the title relevant for anime and JRPG enthusiasts.
English releases and availability
Square Enix Manga and Books handles English physical releases of the series; the company plans staggered volume releases for English-language readers, with a forthcoming fourth volume scheduled for release on June 23 (check your local retailer or Square Enix Manga & Books for specific availability). If you’re building a Dragon Quest collection, this official English publication is the most reliable way to get high-quality translated editions of the classic story.
Comparing the new additions — why both matter
At first glance, these two additions to Manga UP! Global couldn’t be more different. Marumikan’s romantic comedy is contemporary, character-focused, and aimed at readers who favor slice-of-life romance with a playful twist. Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick, by contrast, is franchise-driven fantasy with deep ties to a major JRPG legacy. Together, they showcase Manga UP! Global’s range: the service is expanding beyond strictly shōnen action titles to include niche romance hits and heritage fantasy manga that appeal to older fans and newcomers alike.
Who should read each series?
- My Pampering Turned the Cool Goddess Into a Clumsy Spoiled Girl — ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven romcoms, slow-burn relationships, and the “cool tsundere turned soft” trope done with humor and warmth.
- Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick — best for JRPG fans, fantasy readers, and anyone curious about classic game-inspired manga storytelling with rich lore and adventurous pacing.
Where Manga UP! Global fits into the English manga landscape
Manga UP! Global has steadily grown its catalog by adding both current web-serial adaptations and classic licensed works. By localizing titles like Marumikan’s romcom and reintroducing Dragon Quest’s manga legacy to English readers, the platform strengthens its appeal to a wider audience — from readers searching for new romantic comedies to older fans tracing the lineage of their favorite game franchises.
Tips for readers
- Follow Manga UP! Global’s release updates to catch new chapters as they arrive.
- If you’re interested in the original web novel roots of Marumikan’s series, the Shōsetsuka ni Narō entry is a useful reference. Original novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō.
- Collectors who prefer physical volumes should pre-order the Square Enix Manga & Books English releases for Dragon Quest to ensure they don’t miss the June 23 volume release window.
Final thoughts
Manga UP! Global’s additions reinforce that the platform is intent on offering variety: from heartwarming romantic comedies to storied fantasy epics connected to gaming history. Whether you’re in the mood for the gentle comedy of a “cool goddess” melting into a lovable goof or eager to revisit a classic Dragon Quest narrative in English print, these two titles are worthy additions. They highlight the continuing cross-pollination between web novels, manga adaptations, and game-based storytelling — and they’re both solid picks for readers exploring new corners of the manga world.
