If you’re a frequent reader of my comic book articles here or elsewhere, then you’re aware how I’m a huge fan of the magical girl genre. Originating in Japan in the 1960s with manga and anime such as The Secret of Akko-Chan and Sally the Witch, it established staples such as the magical girl witch archetype and the magical transformation sequence.
Through other anime and manga such as Cutie Honey, Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, the magical girl genre evolved and influenced a new generation of creators and fans worldwide. In particular, the powerful female leads, LGBTQ characters and themes, and the soft, sparkly aesthetics resulted in newer magical anime such as Kira Kira Pretty Cure! and Western comic books such as Magical Boy.
This summer, I noticed a handful of newer magical girl comic books being published in Japan and in the United States. Check them out below.
Grand Slam Romance Book 2: Major League Hotties by Ollie Hicks and Emma Oosterhaus
This book is the second in the Grand Slam Romance series that focuses on softball, gay magical girls and sexy hookups. When this book begins, Astra and Mickey are celebrating the Belle City Broads’ epic victory over their archrivals, the Gaiety Gals. But the party is cut short when their nemesis, Jasmine Von Schitz, reveals the shocking truth: Now that Mickey’s magical girl powers have been revealed, they can’t play softball until they obtain a Magical Girl license! Too bad there’s only one place to get it: the Magical Girl DMV in Switzerland!
If you haven’t read Grand Slam Romance Book 1, I highly recommend you do so before reading this book. The first book sets up Astra and Mickey and their complicated relationship to each other, while the second book picks up where the first left off. With fantastic artwork, diverse, messy lesbians and sex scenes that are spicy highlight reels, this series is unlike anything I’ve ever read. If you enjoy Grand Slam Romance 1 and 2, be on the lookout for Book 3 in 2025.
Buy Grand Slam Romance Book 2: Major League Hotties here.
24/7 Magical Maiden Mimi by Mira Ong Chua
Lonely, unpopular middle schooler Milo has a secret: He’s actually Magical Maiden Mimi, the plucky heroine who protects the city from the cuddly-yet-vicious aliens that threaten the peace!
When a magical slip-up leaks his identity to the public, Milo finds himself with the fame and admiration he’s always dreamed of, but embracing his new popularity might push him away from the things that matter most.
I’d been looking forward to Mira Ong Chua’s newest magical girl graphic novel since it was first announced last year. I’d been a fan of their other magical girl series Goodbye Battle Princess Peony, so I wanted to check out this book as well. 24/7 Magical Maiden Mimi is a sweet story about self acceptance, identity and presentation that gave me comfort during Pride Month as a genderqueer person who sometimes doesn’t feel genderqueer enough.
HoverGirls by Geneva Bowers
Originally published on Webtoon, this print and ebook edition of the comic — a ComicsXF Staff Pick the week it was released — features revised art and an expanded storyline. Jalissa and Kim Vasquez are cousins who move to the city of Los Aguaceros together. Kim dreams of becoming a famous model and fashion designer, while Jalissa is just trying to hold herself together after a breakdown the year before.
When a curious incident on the beach leaves them with supernatural powers and monsters start attacking the city, Kim decides using their powers to stop them is the perfect way for them to become famous. But being heroes isn’t as easy as it seems, and Los Aguaceros is in more danger than they imagine.
While I haven’t read this book yet, I am looking forward to it as a fan of Geneva Bowers’ art. I originally found their work when they did cover art for the sci-fi fantasy literary magazine FIYAH, and they’ve been one of my favorite Black illustrators ever since.
Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. Vol. 1 by Sekka Iwata and Yu Aoki
Are you looking for something new? Something challenging? Something very highly paid? Exterminating monsters is an exciting, fast-paced field that will get you out from behind a desk and into the action. With over 500 magical girl companies now in operation, you’re sure to find a position — and a uniform — that fits. Start your career as a magical girl today!
Kana Sakuragi is an excellent candidate for the job. Any job! She’s motivated and organized, and has a fantastic memory. So why has she interviewed at over 15 companies without receiving a single offer? She’s trying to keep a positive attitude, but it seems like her bad luck is only getting worse when a monster crashes her latest interview. As havoc ensues, she finds herself helping the magical girl who comes to their rescue and ends up with more than just her life in return. Meet the newest magical girl at Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc.!
While I usually don’t read ongoing manga series, sometimes I may get a Vol. 1 if the premise intrigues me enough. I am looking forward to reading it because the premise is creative and fun. It’s also not often that I see a magical girl manga with an adult protagonist, so that’s intriguing. This manga will soon have an anime adaptation that will premiere Oct. 4 on Amazon Prime, and I’m hoping it does well enough that most of the series will be adapted.
Buy Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. Vol. 1 here.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, ComicsXF may earn from qualifying purchases.
Latonya Pennington is a freelance contributor whose comics criticism can be found at Women Write About Comics, Comic Book Herald, Newsarama and Shelfdust, among others.
