Nana
San Diego, CA – July 24, 2026 – In a significant announcement reverberating through the anime and manga community, Ize Press has revealed plans to bring two highly anticipated boys-love (BL) webcomics, Codename: Anastasia and Mignon, to English-speaking audiences in print. The news, delivered during Ize Press’s industry panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 on Friday, marks a pivotal moment for these popular digital titles, promising to expand their reach and solidify their presence in the international market. The publisher’s strategic move underscores the growing global demand for diverse narratives within the manga and anime landscape.
The Strategic Acquisition: Expanding the BL Frontier
Ize Press, a burgeoning force in English-language manga publishing, has demonstrated a keen understanding of the market’s evolving tastes. Their decision to license both Codename: Anastasia and Mignon signals a commitment to catering to the dedicated fanbase of boys-love stories. This acquisition is not merely about bringing existing content to new platforms; it represents an investment in the future of BL literature and its potential for mainstream recognition. By securing the English print rights, Ize Press is poised to introduce these narratives to a broader audience, transcending the digital confines where they have already garnered substantial followings. The move is expected to stimulate further growth within the BL genre, encouraging more creators and publishers to explore its rich storytelling possibilities.
"Codename: Anastasia": A Thrilling Espionage Saga Comes to Print
The first of the two licensed titles, Codename: Anastasia, penned by Boyseason and brought to life with the striking illustrations of Han, is a gripping espionage thriller that has captivated readers on digital platforms. The webcomic plunges into the shadowy world of international intelligence, centering on the compelling character of Taekjoo Kwon. As an agent of South Korea’s elite National Intelligence Service, Taekjoo is dispatched on a perilous mission to Russia. His objective: to unravel the mystery behind a weapon of unprecedented power, codenamed "Anastasia." This intricate plot, steeped in geopolitical intrigue and personal stakes, has already resonated deeply with audiences, evidenced by its impressive traction on Tappytoon, where it currently boasts over 2 million views.
The English print edition of Codename: Anastasia is slated for release in March 2027. This forthcoming publication will offer fans a tangible and immersive experience, allowing them to delve into the meticulously crafted world of espionage without the interruptions of digital interfaces. The anticipation surrounding this print release is palpable, as it provides an opportunity for existing fans to own a physical artifact of their beloved series and for new readers to discover its compelling narrative. The detailed artwork and suspenseful plot are expected to translate seamlessly to the printed page, promising a captivating read for both seasoned BL enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.
"Mignon": A Special Box Set Promises Unprecedented Content
Perhaps the most striking announcement from Ize Press concerns Mignon, a BL romance from the creative mind of Bboungbbangkkyu. The publisher has unveiled plans for a "Mignon: Special Box Set w/USB," a comprehensive package designed to offer fans an unparalleled deep dive into the series. This deluxe edition will not only include both print volumes of the webcomic, allowing readers to experience the tender and passionate romance between an underground boxer and a vampire doctor in a tactile format, but also a collection of exclusive photocards.
The true showstopper, however, is the inclusion of a USB drive containing a wealth of animated content. This USB will house the complete, uncensored hour-long animated film adaptation of Mignon, a feature that promises to bring the emotional depth and visual flair of the webcomic to life in a dynamic new medium. Furthermore, the USB will include an exclusive 11-minute side-story animation, offering fans an intimate glimpse into untold narratives and further enriching their understanding of the characters and their world. This commitment to providing such extensive bonus content sets a new benchmark for BL releases in the English market. The Mignon Special Box Set is scheduled to hit shelves in January 2027, preceding the Codename: Anastasia release, and is expected to be a highly sought-after item among collectors and fans alike.
Chronology of Releases: A Planned Rollout for Enthusiasts
Ize Press has strategically planned the release of these two significant titles, offering a staggered approach that allows fans to anticipate and enjoy each publication.
- January 2027: The Mignon: Special Box Set w/USB is set to be the first to arrive, offering an immediate and substantial content experience with its print volumes, photocards, and extensive animated features. This early release allows the publisher to capitalize on the holiday season and generate initial buzz for their BL initiatives.
- March 2027: Following the Mignon box set, the English print edition of Codename: Anastasia will be made available. This provides a distinct offering, focusing on the espionage thriller genre, and allows for dedicated marketing efforts for each title.
This carefully orchestrated release schedule suggests a deliberate strategy to build momentum and cater to different fan preferences. By spacing out the launches, Ize Press can ensure that each title receives adequate attention and marketing support, maximizing their impact on the market.
Supporting Data: Digital Success Paving the Way for Print Dominance
The decision by Ize Press to invest in the English print publication of Codename: Anastasia and Mignon is strongly supported by their proven success in the digital realm.
- Codename: Anastasia: This webtoon has already achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 2 million views on Tappytoon. This metric is a powerful indicator of its broad appeal and the established interest of a large readership. The consistent engagement on a major digital platform validates the narrative’s strength and its potential to thrive in a physical format. The active community surrounding the webtoon suggests a pre-existing demand for merchandise and collector’s items, which the print edition will undoubtedly fulfill.
- Mignon: While specific view counts for Mignon on Lezhin are not provided in the announcement, its selection for a deluxe box set featuring an hour-long animated film and an exclusive side-story animation speaks volumes about its popularity and the publisher’s confidence in its marketability. The creation of such extensive animated content implies a substantial investment based on the webtoon’s significant fanbase and its perceived potential for wider commercial success. The availability of the digital version on Lezhin, a prominent platform for BL content, further underscores its established presence and appeal within the genre.
The success of both titles in their original digital formats provides a solid foundation for their transition to print. This data-driven approach minimizes risk and maximizes the likelihood of strong sales and sustained interest from dedicated fans who have already demonstrated their commitment to these narratives.
Official Responses and Publisher’s Vision
While specific direct quotes from Ize Press representatives regarding these announcements were not included in the provided text, the actions themselves speak volumes about the company’s strategic vision. The decision to acquire and publish these BL titles in English print signifies a proactive approach to market expansion and a clear intent to cater to underserved segments of the readership.
Ize Press’s commitment is further underscored by the inclusion of substantial bonus content with the Mignon box set. This indicates a desire to offer added value and to create premium collector’s items that go beyond the standard print edition. By investing in animated adaptations and exclusive side stories, Ize Press is not just publishing books; they are building comprehensive multimedia experiences around their licensed properties.
The choice to announce these acquisitions at San Diego Comic-Con, a premier global event for comic and pop culture enthusiasts, highlights the publisher’s ambition to make a significant impact on the international market. This strategic platform allows for maximum exposure to industry professionals, media, and a passionate fan base.
Implications for the Market and the BL Genre
The licensing of Codename: Anastasia and Mignon by Ize Press carries several significant implications for the broader manga and anime market, particularly within the boys-love genre.
- Increased Visibility and Accessibility: The English print editions will undoubtedly bring these popular webcomics to a wider audience than their digital counterparts. This increased visibility can lead to greater mainstream acceptance and appreciation of BL narratives, fostering a more inclusive and diverse manga landscape.
- Validation of the BL Market: The substantial investment by Ize Press in these titles serves as a strong validation of the growing economic power and creative potential of the BL genre. This could encourage other publishers to explore similar licensing opportunities and to invest in original BL content.
- Rise of Premium Collector’s Editions: The Mignon box set, with its extensive bonus content, sets a new precedent for BL releases. This emphasis on premium, value-added editions may become a trend, encouraging publishers to think beyond standard publications and offer more comprehensive fan experiences.
- Bridging the Digital-to-Print Gap: The success of these titles in the digital space and their subsequent transition to print demonstrate a viable pathway for popular webcomics to expand their reach. This model can serve as a blueprint for other digital-first series looking to enter the print market.
- Diversification of Manga Offerings: As the manga market continues to mature, the demand for diverse genres and narratives is increasing. The inclusion of titles like Codename: Anastasia and Mignon contributes to this diversification, offering readers a wider array of stories and themes to explore.
In conclusion, Ize Press’s announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 is more than just a news item; it is a strategic maneuver that promises to reshape the English-language BL market. By bringing Codename: Anastasia and Mignon to print with such ambitious special editions, Ize Press is not only satisfying existing fan demand but also actively cultivating new enthusiasts, further cementing the vibrant and growing presence of boys-love narratives in the global entertainment sphere. The January and March 2027 release dates are eagerly awaited, marking a significant step forward for both these beloved webcomics and the genre as a whole.
Iffa Jayyana
Nana Wu
