TOKYOPOP has had a very long and…shall we say interesting history. Fans of manga from the late ’90s to early 2000s will recognize their signature brand on many of their favorite manga titles from that era. Alas, those same manga fans will recall that the company completely shut down its North American operations in 2011 after declaring bankruptcy. Thus, the company disappeared from the manga scene entirely. That situation didn’t change for the next 7 years.

Not until 2018, when TOKYOPOP announced the release of 3 new manga titles: Konohana Kitan, Futaribeya: A Room for Two, and Hanger. Thus, the company gained new life. Don’t believe me? Then how do you explain them announcing even more manga for February 2024? And just in time for Valentine’s Day too?

TOKYOPOP Valentine’s Day Promotion: Details

Star Crossed promo cover.
And as you can see: they also have LGBTQ+ romances too.

TOKYOPOP is proud to announce a bunch of new manga series inbound for February 2024. This is not a coincidence, by the way. This specific slate of manga releases is specifically for a 2024 Valentine’s Day promotion. As befitting this romantic holiday, every single one of these new manga will be a romance story. Even better: a majority of these new romance manga feature LGBTQ+ couples. It seems that the company is returning to its roots for this slate of releases. It’s 2018 roots, that is. They did launch their revival with a slate of Yuri manga, after all.

But that’s enough out of me. Here’s the full list of romance manga TOKYOPOP has in store for February 2024. You can purchase them at TOKYOPOP’s official website. As for the manga themselves, you can check them out below:

CAPTAIN LASERHAWK: A BLOOD DRAGON REMIX – CRUSHING LOVE

CAPTAIN LASERHAWK: A BLOOD DRAGON REMIX - CRUSHING LOVE cover art.
When you want some BL with your ’80s cheesy sci-fi action story.

Dolph Laserhawk, the once powerful and illustrious super-soldier stationed under the oppressive Eden mega-corporation, evolved from a mindless killing machine to a rebel outcast on the run. But before he can finally be free of the manipulative forces surrounding him, he must relive the best and worst moments of his life. Using Marcus Holloway’s VR technology, he walks through his memories of living as a penniless deserter and meeting the love of his life, Alex Taylor. Reflecting on his passionate and tumultuous love affair with the ruggedly handsome criminal mastermind, he will eventually come to terms with the truth behind this crushing love.

Immerse yourself in the first-hand accounts of Captain Laserhawk’s tragic past through this introspective manga adaptation featuring all-new scenes that explore Dolph’s conflicting thoughts and motivations leading up to the most memorable moments in his life.

WE CAN’T JUST DO PLAIN LOVE, VOLS. 1-3

WE CAN’T JUST DO PLAIN LOVE Vol. 1 cover art.
You have to wonder why this is so hilarious tiny.

Devoted office worker Sakura Yuino has been transferred to work under a new supervisor: the handsome, gentlemanly Tatsuki Kiritani. From the outside, the two of them seem very put-together — but they’re both hiding troublesome personal issues. Sakura has a scent fetish, and Tatsuki can’t be around women without… getting aroused.

To help him out, dedicated subordinate Sakura proposes “special training” to help Tatsuki get over his issues with women (bonus: she can indulge her scent kink). What could possibly go wrong?

This book contains explicit sexual content and is intended for an audience aged 18 years and up.

STAR CROSSED

STAR CROSSED cover art.
Going from sci-fi BL straight to fantasy BL.

This is a story about a king and his knight…

Polaris is king of the stars; with his celestial paintbrush, he breathes life into constellations, which protect his kingdom. Yildun is his loyal knight, ever at his side, but always in shadow as his station dictates him to remain unseen. Together, they will face a battle for the throne from Polaris’ brother — as well as their own conflicting feelings. A love story written in the stars! 

THE PRINCE IS IN THE VILLAINESS’ WAY, Vol. 1

THE PRINCE IS IN THE VILLAINESS’ WAY, Vol. 1 cover art.
I can see that the mangaka is going for full shojo with the art.

Iris, the “Wise Princess Who Never Smiles,” has just remembered her past life as Fiona, a Warrior Princess from the neighboring kingdom. In this lifetime, however, the events that lead to Fiona’s death have yet to happen, and Iris becomes determined to use the knowledge from her reincarnation to stop the person she suspects is behind her murder: Fiona’s cousin, Prince Alvin.

In disguise, Iris moves to the neighboring country and becomes the princess’ educator. But when she meets Prince Al, he turns out to be a cool-headed flirt, who, most shockingly of all, is actually very sweet with Fiona… Can Iris figure out the truth in time to save Fiona from her fate?

WHY I ADOPTED MY HUSBAND

WHY I ADOPTED MY HUSBAND cover art.
For if you want an in-depth look into the LGBTQ+ culture in Japan.

As a gay couple living in Japan (where gay marriage is not yet legal), Yuta and Kyota found a unique loophole to live together and support one another financially, legally, and medically; Kyota adopted Yuta. This nonfiction manga depicts how they met, lived together, had discussions with their parents, and their future anxieties and determination as they strive for independence and equal rights under Japanese law.

Yuta Yagi is a self-described otaku living in Japan with his partner, Kyota. He is best known for his autobiographical manga, WHY I ADOPTED MY HUSBAND.