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New English Releases on Manga UP! Global: Venus in December and Paranormal Agent Adashino
Manga UP! Global has expanded its English catalog with two very different but equally compelling titles: Haru Ogawa’s Venus in December and Kiri Wazawa’s Paranormal Agent Adashino. One is a tender cohabitation BL about two creatives learning to heal one another; the other is a supernatural action series following an agent who contains otherworldly phenomena. Both launches highlight Manga UP! Global’s growing commitment to bringing diverse Japanese manga to English-speaking readers.
Venus in December — Synopsis and What Makes It Stand Out
Venus in December introduces readers to Kei, a 29-year-old illustrator who quits his job to rethink life and career choices. When an editor asks Kei to move in with reclusive novelist Hijiri Saionji—both to keep the writer on schedule and to draw his portrait—Kei finds himself face-to-face with a prickly, socially awkward genius. What begins as a contractual cohabitation slowly transforms into a delicate exploration of vulnerability, creative burnout, and emotional recovery.
Why this BL resonates
This story succeeds because it balances character-driven drama with quiet, tender moments. The “opposites attract” dynamic—an insecure illustrator versus an aloof novelist—creates natural friction, but the heart of the series is in watching both characters grow through everyday interactions. Fans of slow-burn BL and slice-of-life emotional arcs will find Venus in December especially rewarding.
Art and tone
Haru Ogawa’s art emphasizes subtle facial expressions and domestic details, which suits a cohabitation drama where interior life matters more than spectacle. Panels linger on small gestures—a glance, a messy breakfast, the drawing of a portrait—so the emotional beats land gently rather than with melodrama.
Paranormal Agent Adashino — Premise and Appeal
Paranormal Agent Adashino centers on Adashino Abi, an agent tasked with containing curses, spirits, and other paranormal phenomena. Each chapter brings a new case—mysterious hauntings, malevolent apparitions, and cryptic occult events—while threading a larger narrative about the nature of the supernatural. The manga combines sharp action sequences with investigative beats and moments of emotional resonance.
What sets it apart
Kiri Wazawa blends episodic paranormal cases with an overarching sense of escalation: the threats keep growing, and Abi begins to uncover that these phenomena are connected to something deeper. Readers who enjoy series like supernatural procedural dramas or character-focused horror will appreciate the pacing and the balance between mystery and action.
Art style and influences
Wazawa’s panels are dynamic and atmospheric, using shadow and composition effectively to build tension. For readers familiar with Wazawa’s previous work, such as The Morose Mononokean (which inspired two anime seasons), Paranormal Agent Adashino continues a pattern of blending folklore, humor, and heartfelt character moments within a supernatural framework.
Author Spotlights: Haru Ogawa & Kiri Wazawa
Both creators bring strong, recognizable voices to these new English releases. Haru Ogawa leans into intimate, character-based storytelling that finds emotional truth in quiet domestic scenes. Kiri Wazawa, already known for The Morose Mononokean, demonstrates an ability to craft supernatural tales that balance scares with warmth. For readers looking to explore more work by either author, these English releases are an excellent jumping-off point.
Publication History & Volume Information
Venus in December was launched in Square Enix’s Manga UP! in March 2024. According to publisher notes, the series concludes in two compiled volumes, with the second and final volume shipped on March 21. Paranormal Agent Adashino began serialization in Square Enix’s Shonen Gangan magazine in July 2024; the series compiled its third and final volume, which shipped on January 9. These concise series make both titles approachable choices for readers who prefer complete stories without long waits between volumes.
Target audience and reading recommendations
- Venus in December: Best for BL fans, readers of character-driven romance, and anyone who enjoys slow-burn cohabitation stories with realistic emotional arcs.
- Paranormal Agent Adashino: Ideal for fans of supernatural action, episodic mystery, and folklore-infused manga with an emotional core.
Where to Read (and a couple of helpful links)
Manga UP! Global is the official English platform releasing both titles. If you want to explore their catalog or confirm availability in your region, check the Manga UP! Global site. For readers interested in the original Japanese serialization and magazine details, Square Enix’s Shonen Gangan provides publisher info and series listings.
Manga UP! Global (official site)
Shonen Gangan (Square Enix magazine)
Why these releases matter
Both Venus in December and Paranormal Agent Adashino showcase the breadth of contemporary manga storytelling: intimate, emotion-first BL on one hand, and high-stakes supernatural procedural on the other. Their relatively short lengths make them accessible to new readers, while the quality of writing and art ensures they’ll satisfy more seasoned manga fans. For English-language readers, these localized releases help close the gap between what’s available in Japan and what’s legally accessible overseas.
Final thoughts
Manga UP! Global’s recent English releases of Venus in December and Paranormal Agent Adashino offer two distinct reading experiences that highlight the versatility of modern manga. Whether you’re drawn to tender, character-driven romance or atmospheric supernatural action, both series are worth checking out—cleanly packaged, complete, and presented with strong creative voices behind them. If you’re building a weekend reading list, add these two to the rotation: one for quiet, heartfelt moments and the other for sharp, eerie thrills.
