Exciting news for manga fans: a brand-new series titled Akujo Ranking (Villainess Ranking) is set to debut in the next issue of Monthly Dragon Age on March 9, 2026. The project pairs writer Shinya Murata with artist Wakata Wakuta — Murata handling the story and Wakuta providing the illustrations. The announcement was confirmed by Wakata on their X (Twitter) account on February 9, 2026, and fan anticipation is already building for what this villainess-themed entry will bring to the table.
今日発売のドラゴンエイジ様に告知が載っております🙇♀️
「悪女ランキング」作画担当させていただきました。
どうぞよろしくお願いします。 pic.twitter.com/lZzYZFaymL— 和久田若田 (@hvn_sz) February 9, 2026
Wakata Wakuta’s announcement on X (February 9, 2026).
Table of Contents
What We Know So Far
Official details remain deliberately minimal: the launch date is confirmed for the March 9, 2026 issue of Monthly Dragon Age, Shinya Murata is credited as the author, and Wakata Wakuta is credited as the artist. Beyond the announcement tweet and the magazine notification, plot specifics and character reveals have not been released yet. Given the title, however, the series will almost certainly explore the popular “villainess” trope — a character labeled the antagonist within an otome/reincarnation-style story who may be reimagined, redeemed, or satirized.
Creators’ recent work and experience
Shinya Murata has been active in light novel and manga circles; most recently Murata worked with a collaborator named Sumita on the series Saikyō Skill “Inochigoi” de Kuyashii kedo Musō Shichau Moto Ōsama no Sekai Seifuku Katsudō, which launched on Comiplex in June 2023. That title’s long, whimsical premise suggests Murata is comfortable with high-concept, genre-savvy narratives — a promising fit for a villainess-centered story that could blend comedy, romance, and meta-commentary.
Wakata Wakuta, who will handle the artwork, shared the announcement on X on February 9, 2026. While concrete samples of the new series’ art have not been published yet, Wakuta’s involvement hints at a visually engaging approach. Fans will be watching the first chapter closely for character design choices, panel composition, and how the art supports any subversive or comedic beats the story might pursue.
Why a “Villainess Ranking” Concept Resonates Now
The villainess/misunderstood-antagonist trend has been a major force in manga and light novel publishing for several years. Stories that reframe the so-called villain as sympathetic, crafty, or secretly heroic tap into readers’ appetite for character-driven inversion and subversive humor. A title like Akujo Ranking promises immediate hooks: a ranking implies competition, social standing, or reputation mechanics, which can be fertile ground for serialized gags, romantic tension, and evolving power dynamics.
Possible directions and narrative hooks
- Ranking system as a plot engine: The series could use public rankings to create obstacles, rivalries, and episodic stakes.
- Satire of otome/isekai conventions: Expect teasing riffs on tropes such as predestined romances, doomed heroines, and fate-bound villains.
- Character growth and redemption arcs: Many villainess stories redeem their leads by revealing misunderstandings or giving them agency — a satisfying emotional throughline for readers.
What to Expect from the First Chapter
Debut chapters often establish tone, stakes, and the main cast. For Akujo Ranking, look for:
- A clear introduction to the ranking system or social structure that drives the premise.
- Strong character visuals and a distinctive lead design from Wakata Wakuta to anchor the series.
- Humor or meta-commentary that signals whether the story will be light-hearted, satirical, or dramatically subversive.
Because both the writing and art credits are already public, early reactions will hinge on how quickly the creators define the world and present an original take on the villainess archetype.
Where and When to Read
The new series will appear in the March 9, 2026, issue of Monthly Dragon Age. Fans who follow the magazine or purchase digital issues should be able to read the opening chapter on or shortly after that date. For those who want to follow the creators directly, Wakata Wakuta’s announcement was posted on X on February 9, 2026. You can preview the magazine’s official announcement and the artist’s post via the magazine site and the original X post (both linked as nofollow for reference).
Monthly Dragon Age announcement (magazine site) • Wakata Wakuta’s X post (February 9, 2026)
How This Fits Current Market Trends
Villainess and otome-adjacent stories continue to be attractive to publishers because they appeal to both romance readers and fans of genre-savvy comedy. A new entry with an intriguing title like Akujo Ranking could attract quick serialization interest, merchandise potential, and — if it gains a solid audience — cross-media adaptation possibilities. The pairing of a writer experienced in playful, high-concept premises with a visible artist who announced the project publicly is a classic setup for early buzz in online communities.
Fan engagement and expectations
Early social media chatter will likely focus on character reveals, favorite tropes executed well (or subverted), and predictions about the ranking mechanics. If the creators release character sketches or sample pages ahead of March 9, that will significantly shape first-week reception and online discussion.
Final Thoughts
Akujo Ranking (Villainess Ranking) is shaping up to be one of the spring’s more intriguing new manga launches. With Shinya Murata’s storytelling paired with Wakata Wakuta’s art, the series has the creative ingredients to play with the villainess trope in fresh ways. Mark your calendar for March 9, 2026, and keep an eye on Monthly Dragon Age for the debut chapter. Whether you’re here for sharp satire, heartfelt redemption arcs, or stylish character design, this title looks poised to be a must-read for fans of subversive romance and genre-aware comedy.
