New anime releases December 2025 and manga release schedule December 2025 are here with the final major drops before New Year's 2026. This week's North American manga releases 2025 include highly anticipated titles across multiple publishers, making it an essential week for collectors and readers alike.
The most significant anime home video release of this week is the Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II Blu-ray box set from Aniplex of America, shipping on December 23, 2025, with a suggested retail price of US$164.98. This complete collection brings the second season of the popular spin-off series to physical media, offering fans a premium viewing experience with high-quality video and audio.
Weekly manga ship list December 21-27 features an impressive lineup of print and digital releases. Major manga volumes shipping this week include That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Vol. 28 from Kodansha USA (US$12.99 print, US$10.99 digital), continuing the beloved isekai series that has captivated readers worldwide. Beast Complex Vol. 4 from Viz Media (US$14.99 print, US$10.99 digital) expands the universe of the popular Beastars series, while The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All Vol. 3 from Yen Press (US$20.00 print, US$6.99 digital) continues the acclaimed romance series.
One of the most highly anticipated releases this week is H.P. Lovecraft's The Shadow Out of Time from Dark Horse Comics, adapted by acclaimed manga artist Gou Tanabe. This literary horror manga adaptation (US$21.99 print, US$12.99 digital) brings Lovecraft's cosmic horror masterpiece to life through Tanabe's distinctive artistic style, making it a must-have for horror manga enthusiasts and Lovecraft fans alike.
Viz Media new manga December 2025 includes several notable titles. Beast Complex Vol. 4 continues the anthology series set in the Beastars universe, while My Name Is Shingo: The Perfect Edition Vol. 6 (hardcover, US$25.00 print, US$23.99 digital) presents Kazuo Umezu's classic horror manga in a premium format. The Moon on a Rainy Night Vol. 8 (US$12.99 print, US$10.99 digital) continues the emotional yuri romance series.
Kodansha USA digital manga releases December include a diverse selection. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Vol. 28 leads the pack, alongside Bless Vol. 6 (US$13.99 print, US$10.99 digital), A Condition Called Love Vol. 16 (US$10.99), and Senpai is an Otokonoko: My Crossdressing Classmate Vol. 4 (US$15.99). Snow & Ink Vol. 5 (US$13.99 print, US$10.99 digital) and You Can't Bluff the Sharp-Eyed Sister Vol. 2 (US$13.99 print, US$8.99 digital) also ship this week.
Seven Seas Entertainment brings multiple series this week, including Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon: My Party Tried to Kill Me, But Thanks to an Infinite Gacha I Got LVL 9999 Friends and Am Out For Revenge Vol. 10 (US$13.99 print, US$9.99 digital), The Barbarian's Bride Vol. 5 (US$14.99 print, US$9.99 digital), and The Dungeon of Black Company Vol. 13 (US$13.99 print, US$9.99 digital). The Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 20 (US$13.99 print, US$9.99 digital) continues the popular isekai political drama, while Kageki Shojo!! Vol. 15 (US$13.99 print, US$9.99 digital) advances the acclaimed performing arts series.
Yen Press releases include The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All Vol. 3, a standout romance series that has gained significant popularity. Super Ball Girls Vol. 2 (US$15.00 print, US$6.99 digital) also ships this week, offering sports manga enthusiasts another volume to enjoy.
Light novel releases this week feature Too Many Losing Heroines! Vol. 6 from Seven Seas (US$15.99 print), continuing the series that has seen success following its anime adaptation. There's No Freaking Way I'll Be Your Lover! Unless... Vol. 7 (US$15.99 print) also ships from Seven Seas. Digital novel releases include Hell Mode Vol. 11 from J-Novel Club (US$7.99), The Mythical Hero's Otherworld Chronicles Vol. 13 (US$7.99), and several other titles from J-Novel Club and Seven Seas.
Tokyopop introduces Touched by Twilight Vol. 1 (US$14.99 print, US$9.99 digital), a new series making its debut this week. Square Enix Manga releases Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick Vol. 2 (US$24.99 print, US$15.99 digital), continuing the adaptation of the beloved video game series.
As this is the final full week of December 2025 leading into New Year's Day 2026, many physical retailers may experience shipping delays due to holiday logistics. Fans ordering from online vendors should check USPS Service Alerts and retailer shipping notices. For those seeking immediate access, digital releases are available simultaneously with print releases, offering instant gratification for eager readers.
The combination of major franchise continuations, highly anticipated adaptations, and new series debuts makes this week an essential period for anime and manga collectors. Whether you're looking for the latest volume of a long-running series or discovering new titles, the December 21-27 release schedule offers something for every fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major anime releases for December 21-27, 2025?
The most prominent release is the Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II Blu-ray box set from Aniplex of America. Other releases include adult-oriented titles from Kitty Media, such as Insatiable: Tale of An Immoral Wife and Learning the Hard Way.
What is the Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II Blu-ray release?
This is the premium Blu-ray collection for the second season of the SAO spin-off. It released on December 23, 2025, with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $164.98. It follows the protagonist LLENN in the high-stakes "Squad Jam" battle royale within the virtual reality game Gun Gale Online.
What manga volumes are releasing this week?
Several high-profile volumes arrived on December 23, including: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Vol. 28, Beast Complex Vol. 4, The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All Vol. 3, Akira (Hardcover) Vol. 5, Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow Vol. 4, and A Condition Called Love Vol. 16.
What is H.P. Lovecraft's The Shadow Out of Time manga adaptation?
This is a manga adaptation of Lovecraft's classic cosmic horror tale, illustrated by the acclaimed artist Gou Tanabe. Published by Dark Horse, Tanabe is well-known for his realistic and eerie art style which has previously adapted At the Mountains of Madness and The Shadow Over Innsmouth.