Summary
Beloved publisher Scholastic is publishing two new manga titles,Hikaru in the LightandMecha-Ude: MECHANICAL ARMS. The two manga come hot off the success ofScholastic’s Osamu Tezuka adaptationUnico, proving that the acclaimed publisher of books for all ages is investing more and more in manga. With titles as diverse asUnico,Hikaru, andMecha-Ude, Scholastic is clearly signaling a commitment to manga that should impress readers of all ages.
Under their Graphix imprint and in collaboration with manga publisher Azuki,Scholastic is publishing Mai Matsuda’sHikaru in the Lightvolume 1 in March 2025, followed by Yoshino Koyoka and TriF’sMecha-Ude: MECHANICAL ARMSvolume 1 in April 2025. Each series will span four volumes that will be published every four months and will be published in full color while still retaining the traditional right-to-left seen in most manga.
The manga are being published in collaboration with digital manga publisher Azuki, meaning fans should be able to obtain the new titles both in physical editions and digitally through Azuki. To celebrate the announcement of these two incredible manga, Scholastic has shared a series of sneak peak pages from both new series that offer some insight into what these new series will look like.
Hikaru In The Light Is An In-Depth Look At What It Takes To Become A Pop Idol
The Manga Will Be A Good Entry Point For Fans Interested In Pop-Idols
Following the thrilling world of idols,Hikaru in the Lightfollows a girl named Hikaru who is famous for her singing capabilities. Hikaru’s world is turned upside down when a friend who is a former member of an idol group invites Hikaru to join an idol survival camp that will truly put her through her paces. In the preview pages provided by Scholastic, readers see Hikaru unsure of what to do with herself when asked to take a job questionnaire, hinting that Hikaru may be unsure of herself before being given the opportunity to join the survival camp.
World’s Most Popular Virtual Idol Hatsune Miku Gets Anime Movie
The ever-so-popular Hatsune Miku is set to star in an all-new anime film produced by P.A. Works which will be releasing this Winter 2025.
Idol anime is a huge market, with thebest idol animeportraying the fun and empowering side of being a pop sensation. Given this, it only makes sense for the idol genre to come over to the world of manga, andHikaru in the Lightseems like a great starting point for readers with a passion for singing, dancing, and manga.
Mecha-Ude Brings A Burgeoning Franchise To The World Of Manga In Fantastic Fashion
The Manga Comes Right As Anticipation For The Anime Builds
Based on theMecha-Ude: MECHANICAL ARMSfranchise that began life with a Kickstarter Campaign, the manga will follow a boy (also named Hikaru, ironically enough) who gains the power of an amnesiac mechanical being known as a Mecha-Ude. Named Alma, the mechanical arm works with Hikaru to uncover the mysteries of its past and prevent other Mecha-Ude from being used for evil.
UnlikeHikaru in the Light,Mecha-Udeappears to be a high-octane action series that wouldn’t look out of place among a lineup of classic shonen stories. TheMecha-Udefranchise is getting its first full anime series in October 2024, meaning fans hungry for more of the series should look forward to the manga’s April 2025 release. Any reader looking for a thrilling story and creative use of powers can’t go wrong withMecha-Ude.
10 Best Fights From Shonen Jump Manga History
Shonen Jump manga are famous for their incredible action, and some memorable fights have come out of the magazine over the years.
It’s easy to see the appeal of bothHikaru in the LightandMecha-Udefor older audiences as well, with their exciting premises and characters appealing to a wide range of readers
With thebest-selling manga of 2024 easily reaching a million salesat a minimum, it certainly makes sense for Scholastic to invest more in manga. The medium is huge and is certain to be a nice feather in the cap of an already successful publisher like Scholastic. Though they are definitely aimed at younger audiences, it’s easy to see the appeal of bothHikaru in the LightandMecha-Udefor older audiences as well, with their exciting premises and characters appealing to a wide range of readers outside of what may be considered their target demographic. Readers can look forward to Scholastic and Azuki publishing volume 1 ofHikaru in the Lightin March 2025 and volume 1 ofMecha-Ude: MECHANICAL ARMSin April of 2025.
Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms
Cast
Middle school student Hikaru Amatsuga encounters Alma, a mysterious mechanical life form resembling an arm. Alma attempts to bind with Hikaru but ends up attaching to his hoodie instead. Together, they face threats from a corporation seeking to exploit the Mecha-Udes and an organization determined to free them.
