Futabasha’s Web Action site revealed two new manga launches slated for February from established creators Tomo Serizawa and Koomori. Both series promise distinct tones: Serizawa’s entry centers on music, craftsmanship and a young pianist’s coming-of-age, while Koomori’s Start Over takes a quieter, slice-of-life angle focused on small-town bonds and a culture clash with a transfer student from Tokyo. Below we break down what we know so far, the creators’ prior work, where readers can catch these titles, and what to expect from Web Action’s latest slate.
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Official announcements and release timing
Web Action confirmed that Tomo Serizawa and Koomori will each launch a new manga on the site in February. Koomori’s Start Over is explicitly scheduled to debut on February 20. Futabasha’s digital platform continues to build a varied lineup by pairing established creators with new projects that lean on character-driven storytelling and emotional stakes.
Tomo Serizawa’s new manga — premise and creative background
The unnamed Serizawa title (image alt reads “ottava”) follows Eito, a young man who grows up working in his family’s Hokkaido workshop that produces wood for pianos. When news arrives that a pianist he admires will play a major performance, Eito—whose hands have finally grown large enough to span an octave—takes to the stage. The premise suggests a story that blends artisan craft, regional setting, and musical ambition, a natural fit for readers who enjoy quiet but emotionally resonant character arcs.
Why this project matters for Serizawa’s career
Tomo Serizawa has an established track record with emotionally focused shojo and josei-leaning works. Western readers may know Serizawa from titles previously published in English, including Snow Fairy and White Liar (Tokyopop) and the Scarlet Secret series (previously distributed by Tokyopop before distribution changes in 2024). Manga Planet also released Serizawa’s Color Collection, showing the creator’s international footprint. Serizawa’s new series on Web Action continues this trajectory, leaning into a mature, atmospheric tone with musical themes that could appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Koomori’s Start Over — synopsis and previous works
Start Over centers on freshman Aki Hayami, who cherishes the small-town life of Shūgoyamachi. Her routine is disrupted when Riichi Tokinaga, a transfer student from Tokyo, joins her class. Aki is tasked by their teacher to help Riichi settle in, but he remains aloof—setting the stage for a slow-burn exploration of trust, belonging, and the clash between metropolitan and rural sensibilities. The setup indicates a soft drama with everyday stakes and human moments rather than sensational plot twists.
Koomori’s recent track record and English releases
Koomori previously serialized Our Aimless Nights (Yoru no Manimani) on Web Action from July 2022 through April 2024. The series received digital English distribution via Azuki in 2024, increasing the author’s visibility among English-speaking readers. Additionally, Random House’s Ink Pop imprint announced a print release of the manga in hardcover and paperback editions for summer 2026, indicating strong enough interest to justify physical publication in North America. Koomori’s Start Over will be closely watched by readers who enjoyed Our Aimless Nights’ character-driven sensibilities.
For readers who want to check out Koomori’s earlier work online, Azuki’s digital platform carried Our Aimless Nights; you can visit Azuki for more details (external site, rel=”nofollow”) here.
What to expect from these Web Action launches
Both series emphasize mood, setting, and interpersonal growth. Serizawa’s piano-centered story is likely to combine aesthetic details about instrument making and performance with a protagonist overcoming personal limits. Koomori’s Start Over will probably favor the small, quiet moments that define modern slice-of-life manga—new friendships, local customs, and the subtle tensions of integrating into a small community.
From an editorial perspective, Futabasha’s Web Action has been curating titles that resonate with readers who prefer thoughtful narratives over high-concept premises. These two launches fit that pattern and may attract readers who appreciate grounded fiction, well-crafted character work, and the slow-build emotional payoff typical of josei and seinen slice-of-life stories.
Where and how to read them
Both manga will run on Futabasha’s Web Action platform. Koomori’s Start Over has a clear launch date of February 20 on Web Action. For English-language readers, previous works by both creators have seen releases through services like Azuki, Tokyopop (earlier distributions), and Manga Planet—so it’s worth keeping an eye on those platforms for possible licensing announcements or digital availability in English and other markets.
Final thoughts
Futabasha’s double announcement signals more of what fans of thoughtful, character-first manga already love: quiet premises with rich emotional textures. Tomo Serizawa’s piano workshop story looks to explore artistry and personal growth, while Koomori’s Start Over promises the warm, observant storytelling readers enjoyed in Our Aimless Nights. Mark your calendars for February—especially February 20 for Start Over—and watch Web Action for the official launch pages and chapter updates. Both series are worth monitoring if you enjoy intimate dramas set against distinct, lovingly rendered backdrops.
