Exciting news for fans of Kaoru Mori's intricate artistry and compelling narratives! Her beloved manga, A Bride's Story (Otoyome-Gatari), is set to unveil a brand new volume, Otoyome-Gatari Zoku no 1 (A Bride's Story Continues 1). This highly anticipated release is part of a series of announcements indicating a flourishing future for Mori's works, following her transition to new publishing avenues.
A Bride's Story Zoku no 1: Details Revealed
The new volume of A Bride's Story is scheduled for a winter debut. It will feature three entirely new chapters, encompassing approximately 80 pages of Mori's signature detailed artwork. Readers can anticipate a unique experience as the volume will be printed in a larger A4 size, enhancing the visual journey into the Central Asian setting. Yukiwarisō (Hepatica, Inc.), the same new publisher responsible for the third volume of Shirley, will be releasing this new installment. Notably, these chapters will not be serialized in a magazine prior to their volume release, presenting fresh content directly to readers.
Future Plans and Publishing Shifts
Kaoru Mori's vision for A Bride's Story extends further, with plans already underway for at least a 16th volume once a sufficient number of chapters are completed. From the 16th volume onward, Kadokawa will take over the digital publication of the manga, ensuring its continued accessibility in the evolving digital landscape. This news arrives after a significant shift in Mori's publishing journey. Following a renewal of Kadokawa's Aokishi magazine in February 2025, it was announced that both Mori and manga creator Aki Irie would no longer publish their works there. The magazine had previously stated Mori's intent to "search for a new form of publication," a path now clearly unfolding. A Bride's Story had originally moved to Aokishi from Harta magazine, illustrating Mori's dynamic approach to bringing her stories to readers.
Shirley and Emma Receive Updates
The excitement extends beyond A Bride's Story. The third volume of Kaoru Mori's Shirley (Shirley Medison), which marked its first new release in 12 years, also brought additional news. The first and second volumes of Shirley will receive new editions, updated to match the style and new "Shirley Medison" title of the recently released third volume. Furthermore, fans of Mori's earlier work, the acclaimed Victorian maid manga Emma, can look forward to a planned collector's edition release, celebrating this beloved series with a special presentation.
English Releases for Global Readers
International fans can continue to enjoy Kaoru Mori's works through Yen Press, which handles the English release of A Bride's Story. The 15th compiled book volume shipped in Japan in November 2024, with Yen Press making the English edition available in December 2025, ensuring that readers worldwide can keep up with the enthralling adventures and romances. The future looks bright for Kaoru Mori's universe of compelling stories, with new volumes and editions on the horizon for her dedicated readership.
