We’re in the second quarter of 2025, so it’s time for a Square Enix Manga Minis Spotlight! This publisher has been putting out some amazing titles, and I’ve been slacking on checking them out, so here’s a few reviews of Square Enix Manga goodness.
Dragon and Chameleon Volume 2 (Square Enix Manga)
Looking to improve his craft in the body of Shinobu Miyama, Garyo Hanagami heads to the Serialization Boot Camp. Competing against five other stellar rookie mangaka, this event is held in a secluded mansion with a top prize at stake. A televised reality show, the cameras roll with a proposition: Whoever becomes the top dog here will get a full serialization with a guaranteed anime adaptation!
However, there’s a catch: The mangaka with the lowest score will be blacklisted from publishing in Shonen Wonder permanently. This, coupled with the drives of each character, makes this high-stakes serialization camp thrilling!
This volume pulls off something immense and gives almost every new character a developed arc. It’s only a few scant chapters, but the whole slate of characters changes their ideals through Garyo’s infectious personality. Other than one character, each of them gets some spotlight chapter time with Garyo as he tries to motivate them to become better creators. This happens while we get more insight into the prestigious Shonen Wonder, as well as how Shinobu-as-Garyo is holding up.
Of course, this wide-eyed optimism and desire to help everyone has some realistic consequences, which this volume demonstrates. I had a few endings in my head as to how this arc would end, but the actual finisher shocked me. It’s a volume that has a ton of twists and turns and cemented my opinion as being one of the best manga I’ve read in the past few years.
Rating: 5 out of 5 UwUs
The God-Slaying Demon King Volume 1 (Square Enix Manga)
I’m not into dark fantasy (mainly due to my general bias against isekai), but I’m trying my best to get used to the setting. The first volume of The God-Slaying Demon King was not one on my radar, but an interesting surprise for sure.
A beloved demon king in his land, Hiram goes toe-to-toe with the demon god due to disagreements with a recent sacrificial edict. Unfortunately for Hiram, he succumbs to a fatal attack by the demon god and needs to reincarnate as a human. However, with his history of magic and training intact, he has a few tricks up his sleeve.
After finding out his reincarnation took hundreds of years, he’s determined to defeat his divine enemy in a new land. Armed with this knowledge, he befriends the dragon Jorm and the elf princess Lumiere on his journeys. Will his friendship with a hero affect his drive to take over the land and defeat the demonic god?
This series does include tropes that I’m not on board for, which is an edgy overpowered protagonist that feels proficient after his first unsuccessful battle. We’ve also got the cute dragon and oblivious female deuteragonist that’s way out of her element. If you’re looking for a cliché cast of characters, here you go!
However, there are a few things that made me intrigued with the story. Elves discriminate against humans in this land, which means Hiram is up against that disadvantage. It also means that Lumiere isn’t as well-loved with those of other races (though she doesn’t actively engage in this discrimination). The action sequences are well-done, and there’s enough to have me looking forward to the next volume. If you’re looking for a different flavor of dark fantasy, this story might pique your interest!
Rating: 3 out of 5 UwUs
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten Volume 3 (Square Enix Manga)
Now, this review would have been better for a January manga minis, but I’ve saved it for the Square Enix Manga Spotlight. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is a fun time, and a cute little slice-of-life romance that I’ve enjoyed.
In this volume, we have Amane’s proposal to spend Christmas with Mahiru. However, a snag in the system comes up with the appearance of best friend Itsuki and his girlfriend Chitose. When the duo finds out that the angel next door is literally next door, how will the four navigate through this situation? Afterwards, Amane and Mahiru spend some time together during Christmas and New Year’s, with some slow relationship buildup between the two.
This was a nice little development between the cast, as the cat’s out of the bag for two more characters. I think this is a great progression for the story to open, as now Amane needs to monitor Itsuki and Chitose’s big mouths. It’s a nice little low stakes conflict that makes this a fun run, even if the end of the arc is predictable. I also enjoy that Amane’s gaming skills come in handy as he teaches Mahiru how to play a variety of different titles during Christmas.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming romance series, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is a great title for those looking for a sweet, innocent tale.
Rating: 4 out of 5 UwUs
Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You Volume 3 (Square Enix Manga)
And finally, for those that want to have a more mature romance series, we have something for you! The budding relationship between middle-aged salaryman Sasaki and cashier Yamada (and Tayama, her down-to-earth alter ego), continues throughout the holidays.
In keeping with the “Christmas/New Year’s” theming, this volume of Sasaki and Yamada/Tayama’s adventures include the classic miscommunication story; is Sasaki married? The supermarket crew investigates, and Tayama gives Sasaki the smoker’s cold shoulder. It’ll take a miracle to patch up the relationship! (Well, or a heartfelt conversation, at the very least.) In the meantime, the festivities are all around as Sasaki assists supermarket employee Obata with an errand. (And he’s a smoker too!)
However, the main crux of this volume is how both main characters deal with some personal issues in their lives. Yamada falls ill during the holidays and wishes to overexert herself. She learns the importance of rest through Sasaki’s advice. However, Sasaki also needs to deal with his personal past as well as he plans to meet his former boss. These two stories highlight the progressing development of both protagonists, and there’s an emotional depth here that isn’t seen that often in stories like these.
If you’re looking for a mature yet sweet romance series, it’s high time to check out Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You!
Rating: 4 out of 5 UwUs
Looking for the latest reviews from other publisher releases? Don’t worry, we’ll have another Manga Minis column later this month with some choice picks! Stay tuned for more manga and anime reviews here on Miso!