Here are the light novel series making their debut in English during the month of May, 2020. Out of the five new light novels, there are two which are digital pre-releases, one one-shot, and another that is a spin-off from a super popular manga series. And shockingly, not a single one of these new series is from J-Novel Club! But don’t worry, they have a few new series coming out in June!
So let’s get started…
First up, we have the spin-off title. This one serves as the backstory for a popular character from the One Piece manga series, Ace! It’s being released by Viz, who also releases the manga in English.
One Piece: Ace's Story Volume 1
Adventure on the high seas continue in these stories featuring the characters of One Piece!
Get the backstory on Luffy's brother Ace!This volume contains the origin story of Luffy's adopted brother Ace, and tells of his of his thrilling quest for the legendary One Piece treasure.
Washed up on the shores of a deserted island at the edge of the East Blue Sea, two men from different backgrounds unite in their shared thirst for adventure. One of them, Portgaz D. Ace, will follow in his infamous father's footsteps as the fearless captain of a pirate crew. The other, Masked Deuce, becomes the reluctant first member of Ace's Spade Pirates. Survival is not enough for these seafaring buccaneers, as together they seek treasure, excitement, and a route to the New World.
One Piece: Ace's Story Volume 1 (paperback)
Amazon -- Barnes and Noble -- Book Depository -- Rightstuf
Releasing May 05, 2020 -- ISBN-13: 978-1974713301
Next up we have a new series debuting from Seven Seas. This is a digital advance release. The print release will arrive in late June. It’s also been recently announced to have an anime in the works!
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
Stronger Than The Average Bear!
A dedicated gamer and antisocial shut-in downloads an update to her favorite fantasy RPG–only to find herself sucked into the game world for real. Reset to level one and equipped with only a cute bear onesie that grants her impressive abilities, Yuna sets out to explore her new reality–even though the fact that she can’t seem to take the bearsuit off gives her paws, er, pause!
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Volume 1 (eBook)(print will release later)
Amazon -- iBook -- Kobo -- Google Play -- Bookwalker
Released May 07, 2020 -- ASIN: B0866J1DWY
The next title is a one-shot from Cross Infinite World. It’s another entry into a growing trend in light novels, a girl reincarnated as a villain! Even though she’s not all that villainess.
The Weakest Manga Villainess Wants Her Freedom!
Oh, crud, I just realized that I've been reincarnated into my favorite manga as the first boss defeated by the heroine at the start of the story! Worst yet, it turns out my fiancé is the strongest of the Four Grand Magi and the very villain who slanders my character as a disgrace on her deathbed! I'm outta here!
This is the story of the weakest manga villainess who seeks out the slow life instead of the villain life.
The Weakest Manga Villainess Wants Her Freedom! (eBook)
Amazon — Apple — Bookwalker
Released May 22, 2020 -- ASIN: B0871DYDXH
Next is a release from Yen On (Yen Press). This one is not only notable for its play on a famous Japanese historical figure, but also because it’s from the author of I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level!
A Mysterious Job Called Oda Nobunaga
In this world, on the day that they reach adulthood, everyone visits the temple to receive their life’s calling. Many will become warriors or magic users. But when the frail younger brother of a minor feudal lord named Arsrod goes in for his job, he comes out with…Oda Nobunaga?! Not only has that job never been heard of, not a single person can even figure out what it’s supposed to mean. But when this young man inherits the experience, tactics, and prowess in war of the great Sengoku strategist Nobunaga, his very destiny will change!
A Mysterious Job Called Oda Nobunaga Volume 1 (paperback, ebook)
Amazon -- Barnes and Noble -- Book Depository -- Rightstuf
Releasing May 26, 2020 -- ISBN-13: 978-1975305567
Our final series debut is another digital advance release from Seven Seas. This is a novelization of an anime that came out several years ago. In the typical style of its celebrated director, it was odd, quirky, and poignant.
Penguindrum
The novels for the supernatural anime by acclaimed director Kunihiko Ikuhara (Sailor Moon, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Sarazanmai). And don't miss the manga, also from Seven Seas!
Brothers Kanba and Shoma adore their terminally ill little sister, Himari, and aren't prepared to lose her. They're definitely not prepared for a family trip to the aquarium, source of many of Himari's fondest memories, to suddenly turn tragic when Himari collapses and dies. What happens next, however, is beyond the siblings' wildest imaginations―as Himari miraculously returns from the dead, sporting a penguin-shaped hat, and accompanied by some magical new friends!
Penguindrum Volume 1 (eBook)(print to release later)
Amazon -- iBook -- Kobo -- Google Play -- Bookwalker
Released May 26, 2020 -- ASIN: B0866H9K96
So those are your series debuts for May, 2020! Are any of these books you’re excited for? Let us know in the comments!
And as always, if you’re interested in seeing all the light novels releasing during the month of May, check out the Preorders Page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Justus R. Stone has been running a light novel dedicated YouTube channel since 2014. He’s also the founder of the Light Novel Podcast, one of the first English language podcasts dedicated to Light Novels. In addition to his love of Japanese light novels, he is also the author of his own light novel-inspired series, The Bleeding Worlds.
