From Fantasy to Fatal Obsession, This Imaginary Boyfriend Doesn’t Want to Stay in Your Head
High school crushes can be brutal, especially when the one you made up won’t stay imaginary…
Mad Cave Studios’s Nakama Press imprint sinks its teeth into THE BOYFRIEND, a high‑school horror with a manga edge from Emmy‑nominated screenwriter Seth Sherwood (The Scary Movie Writer’s Guide, Hell Fest) and rising artist Elisa “Pocci” Pocetta. Sherwood brings the same unflinching tension and razor‑sharp character work that define his film and TV projects, while Pocetta’s art layers dreamy shoujo charm over a slow‑creeping menace, making this all-new OGN as captivating as it is disturbing.
Chloe, an outcast teen relentlessly bullied by everyone, conjures up an imaginary boyfriend to boost her confidence and win the approval of her peers. To her surprise, the plan works, and she soon lands a real boyfriend, believing her life has finally turned around. But her excitement turns to terror when the imaginary lover she created comes to life, determined to eliminate anyone who stands in the way of their twisted connection.
Seth Sherwood said, “I think that there are experiences most of us have gone through. We were all teenagers, most of us dealt with all the drama and trauma those years can have—but also the high points. These are the years most people have their first loves, their first car, their first job—we hold these things close and dear. I think this is why teen stories tend to resonate with all ages, and we so frequently return to our favorites as we get older. So, obviously, that nostalgia and trauma combo makes for a perfect space to drop a horror story into. Being a teenager is a horror story as it is, so what?”
“A mysterious creature lurking in the dark is scary. But teenage years could be even scarier,” said Elisa “Pocci” Pocetta. “Many of us can deeply understand the struggles Chloe faces every day: bullying is hard, being misunderstood by our own families is hard… feeling lonely is hard. This, in particular, could push each one of us onto unexpected, unsettling paths. I am beyond honored to be able to illustrate Seth’s precious story. I hope everyone feeling lonely like Chloe could find themselves a little less lonely after reading The Boyfriend (between some shivers from time to time)!”
Part teen slasher, part psychological nightmare, The Boyfriend twists the fantasy of a dream guy into something you can’t wake up from. For readers drawn to the slow burn of a schoolyard crush that curdles into obsession, it’s a pitch‑perfect blend of shoujo sweetness and slasher‑movie menace.
The Boyfriend hits shelves February 24, 2026. Preorder now, before the blood runs out!
Nakama Press celebrates timeless traditions while embracing bold innovation, building bridges between cultures, and fostering a worldwide community of creators and fans.
Get the latest news from Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles!
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
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