Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit: October's manga releases include Vol. 7 of Chainsaw Man, a title that is selling in quantities that can only be described as bonkers. Just last month, the first volume topped the July BookScan Top 20 (see “July 2021 NPD BookScan”), and the next three volumes are totally sold out (see “The Great Manga Shortage of 2021”). Then there’s that Demon Slayer box set (see “‘Demon Slayer’ Box Set”), and Vol. 34 of Attack on Titan, the final volume in that series (see “‘Attack on Titan’ Manga to End”). Marvel fans will want to pick up the Marvel Meow hardcover (see “Marvel and Viz Team Up for ‘Marvel Meow’ and ‘Deadpool: Samurai!’”).

That’s all stuff that people know about, though. If you’re looking for some brand-new series, here are three that will appeal to very different audiences.

Burn the Witch, Vol. 1
Publisher: Viz Media
Release Date: October 6
Price: $19.99
Creator: Tite Kubo 
Format: Slipcased paperback
ISBN: 978-1974723591
Age Rating: Teen

What It’s About: Two young witches fly around a supernatural Reverse London, hunting rogue dragons.

Why It’s a Pick Hit: Tite Kubo is the creator of Bleach, and this story, while different, is set in the same world. It was made into an anime film, which is available in three episodes on anime streaming sites. And it’s already available in Viz’s Shonen Jump app, which means it has built up an audience. This volume is a complete story, which is a good thing as Kubo has yet to add any new chapters.

Boy Meets Maria
Publisher: Seven Seas
Release Date: October 20
Price: $13.99
Creator: Peyo (Kousei Eguchi)
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1648276453
Age Rating: Older Teen (15+)

What It’s About: A high-schooler joins the drama club and immediately becomes enamored with the beautiful Maria. He is shocked to learn that Maria is a boy, but things get even more complicated in this one-volume story about love and personal expression.

Why It’s a Pick Hit: The art is lovely and the story takes on a delicate subject without being exploitative. Peyo was a rising star in Japan before they died last year at the age of 23.

The Walking Cat: A Cat’s-Eye View of the Zombie Apocalypse
Publisher: Seven Seas
Release Date: October 6
Price: $24.99
Creator: Tomo Kitaoka
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1648276118
Age Rating: Older Teen (15+)

What It’s About: After the zombie apocalypse, a young man rescues a cat and together they wander through the perilous landscape, searching for his missing wife.

Why It’s a Pick Hit: Oh come on, it’s got zombies and a cat! It’s also a good deal, as the story is complete in this hefty, 552-page omnibus.