Young Ace Apologizes for Unauthorized Use of Ieri Komen's Character Designs
The editorial department said it proceeded after a vague reply from Kadokawa Horror Bunko stating original designs were "probably also fine to use."
The Young Ace editorial department has apologized for using Ieri Komen's character designs without permission in Kei Natsumi's manga adaptation of Rokakoen's Pitch-Black Infatuation, according to Anime News Network.
The unauthorized designs included the characters Rumi Sasaki and Yukiyoshi Aoyama, as well as Ishigami, Emi Shimamoto, and a background location.
The editorial department said it mistakenly proceeded after a vague reply from Kadokawa Horror Bunko stating it was "probably also fine to use original character designs." Young Ace stated that neither Rokakoen nor Kei Natsumi bear responsibility for the mistake.
Ieri Komen contacted the department after the first compiled volume of the manga was published.
Publication Timeline
Kei Natsumi's pre-production on the Pitch-Black Infatuation manga began in August 2025, and Natsumi launched the manga adaptation in Young Ace on March 4, 2026. Kadokawa released the manga's first volume on August 4, 2026.
Rokakoen published the original Pitch-Black Infatuation novel in February 2022 under Kadokawa Horror Bunko, and Yen Press published it in English in August 2025. Rokakoen also published Festival of Heresies in May 2021 under Kadokawa Horror Bunko, with Yen Press releasing it in English in November 2024.
Quick answers
What characters were involved in the unauthorized design use?
The unauthorized designs included Rumi Sasaki, Yukiyoshi Aoyama, Ishigami, Emi Shimamoto, and a background location.
Who is responsible for the mistake according to Young Ace?
Young Ace stated that neither Rokakoen nor Kei Natsumi bear responsibility for the mistake.
When did Ieri Komen contact the editorial department?
Ieri Komen contacted the department after the first compiled volume of the manga was published.