Yen Press has announced four new acquisitions ahead of its Anime NYC 2026 industry panel. The lineup includes the manga series The Goblin Samurai and My Crush’s Crush, alongside audiobook adaptations of The Boy and the Beast and Rise of the Lowborn: Ascending the Ranks by Crushing Incompetent Nobles. The two audiobook releases will join the Yen Audio imprint.
The Boy and the Beast Audiobook
By: Mamoru Hosoda
Illustrator: Not specified
Mamoru Hosoda’s The Boy and the Beast is receiving an audiobook adaptation through Yen Audio. The story follows Ren, a grieving boy in Tokyo who unexpectedly finds himself in Jutengai, a land inhabited by beasts. After taking the name Kyuta, he becomes the apprentice of Kumatetsu, a bear swordsman with problems of his own.
Kyuta begins training under Kumatetsu while the pair gradually learn from each other. His arrival in Jutengai also creates a threat affecting humans and beasts alike, forcing the two to confront dangers beyond their training.
Rise of the Lowborn: Ascending the Ranks by Crushing Incompetent Nobles Audiobook
By: Kosaka Hanane
Illustrator: Kurogiri
Rise of the Lowborn: Ascending the Ranks by Crushing Incompetent Nobles is also receiving an audiobook adaptation through Yen Audio. The fantasy series recently joined Yen Press’ Yen On light novel lineup.
The story follows Hazen Heim, a newly appointed imperial military officer whose lack of noble connections sends him straight to the front lines. His new posting puts him under supervisors who take credit for others’ work, leaders who abuse their authority, and senior officers with little experience making difficult decisions.
Hazen has an advantage they do not know about. In his previous life, he spent decades as a legendary mage. He uses that experience to challenge the military hierarchy and deal with the people abusing their positions.
The Goblin Samurai
By: kikurage
Illustrator: Not specified
The Goblin Samurai is one of two newly announced manga acquisitions joining the Yen Press imprint. The fantasy manga follows a nameless goblin swordsman from a low-ranking tribe who travels as a wandering warrior.
He is missing an eye and has no command of magic, but his swordsmanship has earned him a reputation as an exceptional fighter. The series follows his travels and the battles he encounters along the way.
My Crush’s Crush
By: Sekina Aoi and Ryo Tsuzura
Illustrator: Not specified
My Crush’s Crush is the second manga acquisition announced by Yen Press. The romance series begins when Sora Akizuki confesses his feelings to Miya Fuwa and is immediately rejected.
Miya has feelings for Asahi Suzukaze, the president of the mysterious Clinical Trials Club. Sora joins the club to learn more about Asahi, only to find out that she also has a crush on someone else. The series follows the increasingly complicated chain of feelings connecting the group.
What do you think of Yen Press’ latest manga and audiobook acquisitions? Let us know which releases have your attention, and stay tuned to Noisy Pixel for more news from Anime NYC 2026.
