What to Expect in December 2023

With the year coming to an end, Viz Media has announced a list of major releases for the month of December 2023. This includes new manga series along with the return of beloved stories. At the same time, there are several tie-ins to your favorite anime and video game.

All works can be purchased through Viz Media or authorized vendors. Below is a breakdown of all the major releases from Viz Media during December 2023.

Series Debut

• Neighborhood Story, Vol. 1 – Peppy and Mikako want nothing more than to make it as a fashion designer. When she enters art school alongside her lifelong friend Tsutomu, she becomes distracted by his sudden popularity. Despite her feelings, Mikako forms a club with Tsutomu as a means to sell their creations at a local flea market. While the group is out scouting, discord arises between members, and things quickly turn sour.
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu Academy, Vol. 1 – A comedy spin-off to the acclaimed series follows Tanjro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu having to endure life at school.
• Protect Me, Shugomaru!, Vol. 1, 2, and 3* – Sanagi is ready for a fresh start at a new school, but her status as a famous heiress makes this difficult. Thus, she is assigned an unlikely bodyguard, a ten-year-old named Shugomaru. Not only does his presence make it hard for Sanagi to be a regular student, but he’s also a danger to himself and anyone in his path. *All three volumes will be released as Digital Only.

Anime Tie-Ins

• Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Vol. 18 – Boruto may have survived his dance with death, but the trouble is just beginning. When Code and Eida show up at the Konoha Village, even Naruto and Sasuke may be outclassed.
• Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 27 – Kaguya is racing to get to the airport in time to say goodbye to Miyuki. First, she must make one last attempt to repair the rift between the Shinomiya and Shijo families. Meanwhile, Miyuki plots what to do with the leftover money, Miko tries to bridge the distance between her and Yu, and Chika leads everyone in one of her signature games.
• Chainsaw Man, Vol. 13 – Denji is desperate to tell the world that he’s Chainsaw Man. Meanwhile, Asa has made a friend, but this new friend may be hiding a dark secret.
• And more!

Video Game Tie-Ins

• Pokémon: Sword & Shield, Vol. 8 – During a confrontation with the two Trainers, Henry and Casey receive assistance from Piers, the Gym Leader of Spikemuth. After discovering that someone they already know is working behind-the-scenes with the two rivals, they head to Rose Tower to discover the truth.
• Persona 5, Vol. 11 – The Phantom Thives dive into the palace of Kunikazu Okumura, who is Haru’s father and the CEO of the Okumura Foods megacorp. Haru joins them as the battle reaches its climax. Will Haru’s father be able to escape the chains of greed that bind him?
• And more!

New Releases

• Blade of the Moon Princess, Vol. 2 – Stranded on the Tainted, Princess Kaguya strives to find a way to honor her promise. Alongside Imperial Guard cadet Mikuni, she travels to a base that is supposed to offer salvation.
• Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love, Vol. 8 – Miria is staying overnight at Noda’s place. She wonders if she’s ready for what might come next in their relationship. Meanwhile, Yagyu and Satomi are feeling a little awkward after a big fight.
• And more!

Novels

• Spy x Family: Family Portrait – A collection of stories that follows the adventure of the Forger family. Anya attempts to make friends with her target Damian during an Eden Academy camping trip. Yuri spends his day off babysitting his niece. Franky seeks Loid’s help in winning the heart of a blind opera singer. Then, when the family sits for a portrait painting, Yor is terrified that her secret could be exposed.

VIZ Media is the largest publisher and distributor of manga in North America. They are also the biggest distributor of anime on home media. Besides their business, they are also active in the fandom community with their support for anime conventions. 8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.