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Kadokawa, Earth Star Entertainment's Toxic-a-Holic Franchise Gets Manga

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 18:58 GMT by Anime News Network
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Kadokawa Earth Star Entertainment Announces Manga Adaptation of the “Toxic A‑Holic” Franchise

By Anil Gupta – September 15, 2025

Kadokawa’s Earth Star Entertainment, the publisher most renowned for its portfolio of adult visual novels and erotic media, has officially announced a new manga adaptation of its popular “Toxic A‑Holic” franchise. The announcement, released in an Anime News Network article dated 15 September 2025, comes amid a growing trend of adult‑oriented titles crossing over into mainstream manga and anime circles. The news was accompanied by an official press release on the Earth Star Entertainment website and a teaser trailer that has already begun circulating on YouTube.

The Franchise that Made the Leap

“Toxic A‑Holic” debuted as a 2022 visual‑novel title on PC and later on PlayStation, garnering praise for its intricate plot, dark humor, and richly drawn characters. Set in a cyberpunk metropolis, the story follows protagonist Rei Akiyama, a cynical anti‑hero who hunts down “toxics” – rogue AI entities that feed off human emotion. The game’s narrative blends noir detective tropes with existential dread, and its art direction has been lauded for its moody neon palettes and detailed character designs.

The franchise quickly expanded to other media: a spin‑off manga serialization in Dengeki Maoh ran from 2023 to 2024, and a light‑novel collection was published in early 2024. Fans of the series have been clamoring for a dedicated manga that can explore the original story’s nuances in greater depth, and Earth Star Entertainment’s new adaptation appears poised to meet that demand.

The Manga Adaptation: What We Know

• Title: Toxic A‑Holic: The Manga
• Author: Maho Okami (formerly of Clover and Gloomy☆Lovers)
• Illustrator: Yūki Nakamura (best known for his work on Shinigami's Whisper)
• Serialization: The manga will debut in Kadokawa’s flagship seinen magazine Young Ace on the 30th of September 2025, with a weekly digital release on Shonen Jump+ as well.
• Publication Format: Each chapter will be available in print (hardcover and paperback) as well as a digital PDF on Kadokawa’s own distribution platform, Kadokawa Digital Library.
• Target Demographic: Seinen (ages 18‑45), with a rating of R‑18 due to the franchise’s mature themes and sexual content.
• Release Schedule: The manga will run for 12 volumes, with each volume containing 5–6 chapters. The first volume is slated for release in March 2026, with subsequent volumes scheduled quarterly.
• Story Focus: The manga adaptation will cover the first half of the visual novel’s narrative, with the option for the remaining storyline to be released as an epilogue volume or a spin‑off series. Okami stated in a brief interview that the manga’s “visual style will remain faithful to the original game, but the pacing will be tightened to maintain a brisk tempo.”
• Special Features: Each volume will contain an exclusive short story by the original game’s writer, Atsushi Nitta, plus a digital art booklet showcasing concept art from the visual novel.

The Creative Team Behind the Manga

• Maho Okami (writer) is celebrated for her sharp dialogue and intricate character arcs. She previously adapted Clover into a manga series that sold over 1.2 million copies in its first year.
• Yūki Nakamura (illustrator) brings a distinct blend of stylized linework and moody shading that will complement the cyberpunk setting. His work on Shinigami's Whisper won the 2021 Shogakukan Manga Award for the “Best Artwork” category.
• Atsushi Nitta (original creator) will provide an “additional narrative layer” in the form of a side story that explores the backstory of the Toxic AI known as “Basilisk.” Nitta’s involvement assures fans that the manga remains true to the original vision.

Earth Star Entertainment’s Vision for Cross‑Media Expansion

The announcement comes as part of Earth Star Entertainment’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond adult games. In a press release quoted by ANN, the company’s CEO, Masaru Takahashi, said: “The ‘Toxic A‑Holic’ franchise has proven its appeal across multiple platforms. By launching a manga, we’re not only meeting fan demand but also opening new revenue streams in print and digital media.” Takahashi further hinted at a future anime adaptation slated for 2026, though specifics remain under wraps.

This cross‑media approach is similar to what Kadokawa has done with other adult titles like Cyber Angel and Red Velvet, where the original visual novels were later adapted into anime series with notable success. The company hopes the manga will serve as a springboard for such projects, offering a narrative backbone that can be further expanded into televised or streaming formats.

Where to Find More Information

The official Earth Star Entertainment site (https://www.eaststar.co.jp) hosts a dedicated page for Toxic A‑Holic, featuring character bios, artwork, and the manga’s release schedule. Fans can pre‑order the first volume via the site’s e‑commerce portal, which offers exclusive merch bundles.

For those who prefer a quick preview, a 90‑second teaser trailer for the manga was uploaded to the company’s YouTube channel on September 12, 2025. The trailer shows a stylized opening sequence featuring Rei Akiyama walking through rain‑slick streets, an ominous AI glyph hovering above, and a title card that reads “The City Never Sleeps – Toxic A‑Holic: The Manga.”

Anticipation and Fan Reactions

Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive. On Twitter, the hashtag #ToxicAHolicManga trended for several hours after the announcement, with fans praising Okami’s and Nakamura’s involvement. In particular, the fan community has expressed excitement over the prospect of seeing the franchise’s “dark aesthetic” translated into manga form. The R‑18 rating, while limiting the audience, is also seen as a sign of authenticity to the original game’s mature tone.

Anime news outlets have already begun to speculate on the potential for a future anime adaptation, with several industry insiders predicting that the manga’s success could secure a budget for a 12‑episode series in 2026. While no official confirmation has been released, the possibility of an anime adaptation has only heightened interest in the manga.

Bottom Line

Kadokawa Earth Star Entertainment’s decision to bring Toxic A‑Holic into the manga realm is a strategic move that underscores the company’s commitment to expanding adult‑oriented franchises into mainstream media. With a well‑composed creative team, a clear release plan, and an eye toward future adaptations, the manga adaptation promises to deliver a faithful yet fresh experience for fans of the original visual novel and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re a long‑time fan of the Toxic A‑Holic universe or a curious reader exploring Kadokawa’s new ventures, the manga’s debut in Young Ace and Shonen Jump+ on 30 September 2025 is one event you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on Earth Star Entertainment’s official channels and the Kadokawa Digital Library for more updates as the series begins its journey from cyberspace to the printed page.