Indonesian publisher Phoenix Gramedia has announced a major acquisition of popular light novel and manga titles for local release, bringing several buzzy series — from romcoms to survival thrillers and shy-hero fantasy — to new readers. Below we break down each license, the story hooks that make them standouts, their publication history, and current anime and manga adaptations to watch.
Table of Contents
Make Heroine ga Ooisugiru! (Too Many Losing Heroines!) — Romantic Comedy with a Competitive Twist
Also known in English as Too Many Losing Heroines!, this light novel series by Takibi Amamori with illustrations by Imigimuru has become a fan-favorite for its blend of romantic comedy, meta-humor, and heroine overload. The novels debuted in 2021 under a major light novel imprint and quickly gained recognition — including a notable light novel award — that helped push it into wider attention.
Why it’s worth reading
The central conceit plays with the tropes of harem and romantic comedies: a main character surrounded by a rotating cast of “losing heroines,” each with distinct quirks and emotional beats. Fans praise the series for balancing humor with character moments and for its sharp, self-aware take on genre expectations.
Publication & adaptations
The series has multiple novel volumes and a manga adaptation serialized since 2022. A television anime adaptation premiered in July 2024 and a second season has been announced, making this a comfortable gateway title for readers who like to follow a story across formats.
Shibō Yūgi de Meshi o Kuu (Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table) — Dystopian Survival with Dark Satire
Premise
Yūshi Ukai’s series imagines a warped entertainment industry where vulnerable girls are forced into televised death games for public amusement. The story follows Yūki, a girl who doubts she can survive the outside world and instead sets her sights on surviving 99 games. The concept mixes grim survival stakes with social commentary about exploitation and media spectacle.
Accolades and media
First published in 2022 after winning an excellence award in a prominent newcomer contest, the light novels climbed reader rankings, including a top spot in a “New Title” category of a respected annual light novel guide in 2024. A manga began serialization in 2023, and an anime premiered on January 7 (with international streaming by Muse Asia). A new film tied to the franchise — a limited theatrical release — is scheduled for a summer screening run, expanding the series’ presence beyond TV.
Secrets of the Silent Witch — A Shy Prodigy and Soft Fantasy Comedy
About the story
This series centers on Monica Everett — the Silent Witch — famed as the only practitioner of “Voiceless Magic.” Despite her heroics, Monica is painfully shy and only took up her magic to avoid public speaking. The novels mine the comedy and tenderness of a powerful protagonist who just wants fewer social interactions while still protecting others.
From web novel to anime
Originally published on a popular web novel platform in 2020, the story was picked up for print publication and later adapted into manga and a television anime (which premiered in July 2025). The series’ combination of gentle humor and fantasy worldbuilding has made it a comfortable pick for fans of character-driven slice-of-life fantasy.
Replica Datte, Koi o Suru (Even a Replica Can Fall in Love) — A Tender Look at Identity and Love
Story hook
Harunadon’s prize-winning novel explores the life of a replica — someone designed to fill in for another person — who unexpectedly falls in love. The emotional core asks what it means to be “borrowed” versus having an authentic self, and it leans into tender, character-led romance rather than melodrama.
Recognition & anime
The series won a grand prize at a major novel competition in 2022, resulting in print publication and subsequent manga and anime adaptations. The TV anime premiered in early April and has been drawing attention for its heartfelt take on identity and love.
I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class — Sweet, Low-Key Romance
Plot summary
Takata’s romcom follows Maki Maehara, a loner at school who unexpectedly forms a friendship with Umi Asanagi — the popular “second prettiest” girl. Their slow-burn connection, built around shared niche interests like B-grade movies, develops into a warm, relatable story about friendship, belonging, and quiet romance.
Publication path
The story began on a web novel site and won a romantic-comedy prize before being published in print. A manga adaptation followed, and an anime adaptation premiered on April 7, giving readers and viewers a charming, character-focused romcom to enjoy this season.
What this licensing move means for Indonesian readers
Phoenix Gramedia’s licensing spree brings a mix of genres — romcom, survival thriller, shy-protagonist fantasy, and tender romance — into one consolidated announcement. For local readers, that means more legal, translated editions with official artwork, plus easier access to manga volumes and light novel arcs that previously required import purchases or fan translations.
Several of these series already have anime adaptations or upcoming films, making this an excellent moment for new readers to pick up source material and follow along across mediums. Streaming partners like Aniplus Asia and Muse Asia have carried some of the anime adaptations, so readers who watch the shows can deepen their enjoyment by reading the original novels and manga.
For official publisher updates and release schedules, check the Phoenix Gramedia announcement on their social feed. View the announcement (nofollow). For more context about regional releases and reporting, this local media roundup is also helpful. Regional coverage (nofollow).
Final thoughts
Phoenix Gramedia’s new licenses offer something for a wide range of readers — from those who love cozy, character-driven romances to fans of darker speculative premises. With several titles already adapted into anime and active manga runs, Indonesian readers will have multiple entry points to enjoy these stories. Whether you’re after a heartwarming romcom or a tense survival drama, this batch of titles promises fresh favorites for the bookshelf and the watchlist alike.
