We’re coming to the end of a truly phenomenal year in terms of manga: Sales are booming, and they are showing no signs of letting up. This week, Netflix announced a dozen new anime offerings and several live-action series with links to manga (see “Netflix Announces New Anime, Live Action Titles”), which are likely to spur continued interest. And more is on the way, including a Chainsaw Man anime, which should give even more juice to that best-selling series. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the most promising new manga coming out in January 2022.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba—Stories of Water & Flame
Publisher: Viz
Release Date: January 5, 2022
Price: $9.99
Creators: Koyoharu Gotouge and Ryoji Hirano
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781974728381
Age Rating: Teen

What It’s About: This volume contains two complete stories set in the universe of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Why It’s a Pick Hit: Demon Slayer is one of the top selling manga of 2021, and the Demon Slayer movie that came out this summer was the top movie in U.S. theaters in its second weekend of release; it is now available for streaming (see “Funimation Gets ‘Demon Slayer’ Feature”). The manga series has ended, so this extra volume will be an additional treat for fans.

Bomba!
Publisher: Vertical Comics
Release Date: January 12, 2022
Price: $14.95
Creator: Osamu Tezuka
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781647290566
Age Rating: Not rated

What It’s About: Tetsu is a teenager whose quiet exterior conceals inner torment. Bomba is the ghost of a horse that Tetsu’s father cared for during World War II. When Tetsu is overcome with anger, Bomba appears and violence ensues, so the teen must learn to overcome his most passionate feelings in order to bring equilibrium to his life (see “Kodansha to Publish Osamu Tezuka’s ‘Bomba!’”).

Why It’s a Pick Hit: Osamu Tezuka is revered as the godfather of manga, and this book, first published in Japan in 1970, has never been published in English before. Vertical is well known for their high-quality editions of Tezuka’s Buddha and Black Jack, making this title even more tempting for lovers of classic manga.

Daily Report About My Witch Senpai, Vol. 1
Publisher: Seven Seas
Release Date: January 12, 2022
Price: $12.99
Creator: Maka Mochida
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1648277849
Age Rating: Teen (13+)

What It’s About: This story is a workplace rom-com with a magical twist: Hard-working Misono gets by with a little help from his senpai (senior colleague) Shizuka, who is a witch. While he appreciates the help, he also worries about her, and his feelings are becoming more than just platonic.

Why It’s a Pick Hit: A mortal man in love with a witch is a classic setup (think Bewitched), and this book, with its charming cover art, promises to be a fun, relaxing read, just right for chasing away the winter blues.