The November edition of Monthly Dragon Age revealed that celebrated mangaka Inaba will debut a brand‑new series titled Nukedashi ~Renai Kinshi no Kotō de Ore wa Ajin Joshi to Chome Chome Suru~ (roughly “Break Free ~Doing This and That With Demi‑Human Girls on a Lonely Island Where Romance Is Forbidden~”). The work is slated for the 37th issue of Young Dragon Age, which hits stands on October 26.
Inaba, whose portfolio spans a variety of comedy‑driven titles, first entered the spotlight with his manga adaptation of writer Teniwoha and artist Riichu’s Killed Again, Mr. Detective? light novel series. The adaptation launched on Kadokawa’s digital platform Dra Dra Flat in July 2022 and wrapped up with its second compiled volume in March 2024.
The light‑novel source material itself earned a swift overseas push. Yen Press released the first English volume in August 2025, and the concluding volume followed on January 20, 2026, as confirmed in a license announcement. The success of the novels spurred an anime adaptation that premiered on April 20, 2026, with worldwide streaming handled by Crunchyroll. The series’ debut was highlighted in a news piece about the upcoming TV anime, and a later update revealed the opening theme in a video teaser. Crunchyroll simultaneously announced its streaming schedule in a separate release later that month.
“Nukedashi” translates loosely to “break free,” a fitting description for a premise that mixes absurd humor with a hint of supernatural romance. The story follows a hapless protagonist stranded on an isolated island where demi‑human girls—half‑human, half‑otherworldly—are forbidden from forming romantic ties. As the title suggests, the main character will both “chome chome” (playfully tease) and navigate the complex social rules governing these unique inhabitants.
Publishing the new series in Young Dragon Age underscores Kadokawa’s strategy of using its sister magazines to target distinct demographics. While Kadokawa oversees a broad slate of light novels, manga, and multimedia projects, Young Dragon Age is positioned as a platform for edgier, experimental titles that appeal to a slightly older teen and young adult readership.
For fans of Inaba’s previous work, the new series promises a blend of his signature comedic timing with a fresh setting that pushes the boundaries of typical romantic comedy tropes. The involvement of veteran illustrator Riichu on the cover art—though not officially confirmed as the series’ artist—has already sparked speculation on social media, with many pointing to the detailed character designs showcased on the Young Dragon Age website as a teaser of what’s to come.
Industry observers note that the timing of the launch aligns with a broader push by Kadokawa to capitalize on the momentum generated by the “Killed Again, Mr. Detective?” anime. By introducing a new property shortly after the anime’s broadcast window, the publisher can leverage heightened brand visibility and cross‑promotional opportunities, potentially setting the stage for future adaptations—be they anime, game, or live‑action projects.
Overall, Inaba’s upcoming manga adds another intriguing entry to Kadokawa’s 2026 lineup, offering readers a quirky adventure that blends supernatural elements with tongue‑in‑cheek romance. As the October issue approaches, anticipation builds not only among existing fans but also among newcomers eager to explore a world where love is literally prohibited, yet hilariously pursued.
Featured image: © Kadokawa
Source: Anime News Network