Acclaimed manga creator Kaoru Mori is expanding her celebrated historical catalog with a brand-new volume of her beloved epic A Bride's Story (Otoyome-Gatari). The announcement arrived via the long-awaited third volume of Mori's companion series Shirley (Shirley Medison), marking a major turning point for the author's publication methods following her departure from Kadokawa's Aokishi magazine earlier this year.
A New Editorial Path
Titled Otoyome-Gatari Zoku no 1 (A Bride's Story Continues 1), the upcoming release is scheduled to debut this winter. Rather than following traditional magazine serialization schedules, this special publication will feature three brand-new chapters totaling approximately 80 pages. To showcase Mori's characteristically intricate inkwork and meticulous architectural designs, the volume will be printed in an oversized A4 format.
Independent publisher Yukiwarisō (Hepatica, Inc.) is handling the release, mirroring their acquisition of the third Shirley volume. Alongside this new continuation, the publisher is preparing matching editions for the first two volumes of Shirley under its updated title, as well as a dedicated collector's edition of Mori's earlier Victorian maid masterpiece, Emma.
Looking Toward Volume 16
While the winter release bypasses standard serialization, Mori intends to eventually compile enough chapters to publish a proper 16th compiled volume of the main series. Kadokawa has confirmed it will retain digital publishing rights for the manga starting from volume 16 onward, ensuring fans have multiple avenues to collect the sweeping narrative of 19th-century Silk Road brides.
