Beloved Shojo Classic Gets a Sequel—and an English Debut
In a surprising and welcome announcement, Titan Manga has secured the English-language rights to The One: Later On, the highly anticipated sequel to Nicky Lee’s cult-hit shojo series The One. Set for release in February 2026, this marks the first time fans in English-speaking regions will officially gain access to the continuation of the glamorous, emotionally intense fashion industry drama that captivated readers across Asia in the 2000s.
Here’s a breakdown of the new manga, what returning fans and new readers can expect, and why this release matters in the modern shojo landscape.
Story Synopsis
The One: Later On picks up years after the events of the original The One, a story that followed Lele Cane, an orphaned Taiwanese girl who rises through the cutthroat fashion world. In the original, Lele’s journey intertwined with the enigmatic twins Eros and Angus, two top male models with tangled pasts, forging a love triangle filled with glamour, rivalry, and emotional turmoil.
Now in Later On, the narrative fast-forwards to adulthood. Lele, once an aspiring model, is now an industry veteran navigating the complex reality of success, aging, and identity in a high-pressure environment. As past relationships resurface and new ambitions emerge, readers are drawn into a more mature, introspective version of the dazzling world they once knew. Nicky Lee’s evolution as an artist is evident in the sequel, which brings deeper themes of self-realization, nostalgia, and the price of ambition.
Titan Manga’s English edition is a significant step for shojo manga, which often struggles to receive sequels or classic re-releases in global markets. The publisher confirmed that volume one will debut in physical and digital formats across North America and Europe in February 2026, giving fans a long-awaited reunion with one of the genre’s most iconic heroines.
Character Summaries
Lele Cane
Lele is first introduced as a clumsy but determined teenager with dreams of becoming a model. Orphaned at a young age, she carved her own path in a world dominated by power and appearance. In Later On, she returns as a seasoned professional, balancing her public image with the private cost of her choices. Lele’s growth—from an idealistic teen to a reflective adult—is the emotional core of this sequel.
Eros
One of the enigmatic twin brothers central to the original series, Eros stood out for his intensity, talent, and turbulent relationship with Lele. In Later On, his reappearance adds complexity to Lele’s journey, hinting at unresolved feelings and unfinished stories. His character arc promises to dive deeper into themes of regret, fame, and emotional legacy.
Highlights and Trivia
- The One: Later On is a direct sequel to The One, originally serialized between 2005 and 2014.
- Titan Manga will publish the first English volume in February 2026.
- Creator Nicky Lee is one of Taiwan’s most successful shojo manga artists, known for stylish art and emotional storytelling.
- The sequel explores adult themes such as aging in the spotlight, evolving love, and ambition.
- This marks the first official English release of the sequel.
- The original series spanned 18 volumes and gained a strong fan base across Asia and Latin America.
- Later On debuted in Japanese via Akita Shoten’s Monthly Princess magazine in 2023.
- Titan Manga continues to focus on cult-classic shojo and josei titles, expanding the genre’s presence in English-speaking markets.
