J-Novel Club shared a packed slate of announcements during its Anime Expo 2026 industry panel, revealing nine new digital licenses, thirteen upcoming print releases, and the return of its JNC Original Light Novel Contest. The publisher’s latest additions include seven light novels and two manga series now available digitally, while the newly announced print editions are scheduled to launch between November 2026 and February 2027.
Sorry Darling, but You Won’t Kill Me Again!
By: Tsuta Sonehara
Illustrator: Lemon Natsume
A young queen is murdered by the husband she trusted, only to awaken five years in the past with a chance to rewrite history. As Queen Etoile works to prevent the betrayal that destroyed her kingdom, she discovers others also remember the previous timeline. Sorry Darling, but You Won’t Kill Me Again! joins the J-Novel Heart label, with Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 available now digitally.
A Young Maiden’s Growing Pains: I Reincarnated and All I Got Was This 100X Stat Buff!
By: Yuno Yozakura
Illustrator: Nimoshi
After dying in an unusual accident, Saki is reborn as Satie and quickly realizes her wish for a different life did not go exactly as planned. Instead of gaining the appearance she wanted, she receives overwhelming combat abilities and learns she is trapped by a curse of eternal youth. Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 are available now through J-Novel Club.
Father, Have You Sinned? An Assassin in Priest’s Robes
By: Kennoji
Illustrator: Reita
Former legendary assassin Zach has left his violent life behind to serve as a rural priest while raising orphaned children. Peace doesn’t last long after one of his former students returns carrying dangerous secrets, forcing Zach to step back into the shadows to investigate. Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 are now available digitally.
God Sleeps in Seafoam
By: Nora Yasuda
Illustrator: Arutera
Born without a spirit in a land where they define one’s status, Akira lives as an outcast until hidden abilities begin to emerge. His talents soon attract the attention of an awakening deity, setting him on a collision course with an ancient threat. Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 are available now on J-Novel Club.
Genius in the Library: This Bookish Rookie Will Save the Day!
By: Misa Aoi
Illustrator: Yoh Hihara
Martina earns a government position for one reason: access to the royal library. Instead of a quiet career surrounded by books, she finds herself dealing with escalating monster attacks where her photographic memory and extensive knowledge become valuable assets. Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 are now available digitally.
A Wicked Lady’s Guide to Accidentally Saving the Kingdom
By: Manzi Mazi
Illustrator: Yuuya
Lady Lettie believes she’s the perfect villain, even if her actions consistently benefit those around her. Her peaceful life changes after she learns one of her subjects is the kingdom’s exiled prince, pulling her into a campaign to reclaim the throne despite her insistence that she’s only acting in her own interests. Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 are available now.
I’ll Become an Elegant Villainess! Time to Enjoy My Second Life to the Fullest
By: Shusui Hazuki
Illustrator: kururi
After regaining memories of a lonely previous life, Mitia decides to model herself after the fictional villainesses she admired. Armed with only modest household magic, she sets out to challenge the corrupt nobility ruling Elmia in her own way. The series joins the J-Novel Heart label with Volume 1 Parts 1 and 2 available now.
Last Summer Sparkle
By: Long Utsumi
This coming-of-age manga follows lifelong friends Kyohei and Eiji during their final summer before graduation. As both struggle with uncertain futures and unspoken feelings, they begin confronting the changes that will shape their lives beyond high school. The J-Novel Knight title launches digitally with Volume 1 Chapter 1 available now.
Reset / Reboot
By: Ichi Ichikawa
Touma confesses his feelings to his longtime friend Sou, beginning a secret romance that gradually exposes the unhealthy dynamics within their relationship. As emotions become increasingly complicated, Touma questions what love really means while trying to protect both himself and Sou. Chapter 1 of Reset is available now, with the story continuing into Reboot.
New Print Releases Announced
J-Novel Club also confirmed thirteen titles heading to print between late 2026 and early 2027:
- From Villainess to Healer (Manga) — Volume 1 (November 2026)
- It’s Tough Being a Necromancer — Volume 1 (November 2026)
- Min-Maxing My TRPG Build in Another World — Volume 1 (November 2026)
- A Livid Lady’s Guide to Getting Even: How I Crushed My Homeland with My Mighty Grimoires — Volume 1 (November 2026)
- From Villainess to Healer (Light Novel) — Volume 1 (December 2026)
- The Despicable Duke Settles His Affairs — December 2026
- Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ — Volume 1 (December 2026)
- The Frontier Lord Begins with Zero Subjects: Tales of Blue Dias and the Onikin Alna (Manga) — Volume 1 (January 2027)
- What’s with the Bag, Kamiyama-san? — Volume 1 (January 2027)
- A Cave King’s Road to Paradise: Climbing to the Top with My Almighty Mining Skills! (Manga) — Volume 1 (January 2027)
- Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon (Manga) — Omnibus 1 (February 2027)
- All Eyes on Nekoyashiki-kun! Notice Me, Not My Characters — Volume 1 (February 2027)
- D-Genesis: Three Years after the Dungeons Appeared — Volume 1 (February 2027)
JNC Original Light Novel Contest Returns for Year 3
J-Novel Club also confirmed the return of the JNC Original Light Novel Contest for its third year. Submissions open on September 1, 2026, and close on December 30, 2026, with the submission portal launching alongside updated rules and guidelines.
The contest will once again offer publication opportunities alongside cash prizes. The Grand Prize winner can receive $15,000 plus publication by J-Novel Club and KADOKAWA in Japan. Up to five First Prize winners will receive $3,000 and publication, while up to five Runner-Up winners will receive $1,000 and publication. The BOOK☆WALKER Prize also returns, offering $2,500, publication, and an exclusive bonus chapter with an illustration.
New for this year, all prize winners may also be considered for a potential KADOKAWA Comicalization Prize, which would give selected works the opportunity to receive a manga adaptation.
What do you think of J-Novel Club’s latest round of announcements? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Noisy Pixel for more Anime Expo 2026 coverage and publishing news.
