Seven Seas revealed the cover for Vol. 1 of Little Mushroom, a sci-fi danmei novel series by Yi Shi Si Zhou.
The cover is by Ruthie, who has also provided art for a number of Seven Seas Danmei releases (Legend of Exorcism, Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, Joyful Reunion). The interior illustrations will be provided by artist kKEN. [Source: Twitter/X, Bluesky]
Seven Seas provides the following volume summary:
In a near-future world, humans and non-humans alike must endure in a world that wants them dead. The fan-favorite danmei (Boys’ Love) novels return with an all-new translation and illustrations!
In a future Earth ravaged by radiation, the Northern Base is one of humanity’s last bastions of survival—and that survival depends on keeping nonhuman life forms out at all costs.
An Zhe, a mushroom disguised as a human, knows that stepping foot in the Northern Base is risking instant extermination. But he has no choice: The humans have taken his spore, and he is instinctually driven by the need to reclaim it.
His mission depends on passing flawlessly as a human. While An Zhe is able to fool the Base’s advanced technology, he’s unlucky enough to have caught the keen eye of the handsome but merciless Judge—a man licensed to kill to keep the Northern Base safe from parasites and invaders. Can An Zhe survive under the watch of those beautiful eyes?
Each deluxe hardcover release of the award-winning novel features special embellishments: a dust jacket featuring all-new art, a new illustration against the hardcover itself, and beautiful printed edges.
While the stunning cover received an extremely warm welcome from fans, they pointed out that the promotional cover image contains a spelling error: the main character “An Zhe” is incorrectly spelled “Anzhe.” Seven Seas stated on social media that they have already corrected the error for print. [Source: Twitter/X]
As announced by the publisher in January 2026, both volumes of Little Mushroom will be published exclusively in hardcover format and each will include a bonus color art gallery. The deluxe hardcovers will be released in place of the previously announced paperback and special editions.
Little Mushroom (Deluxe Hardcover Novel) Vol. 1 is scheduled for release on August 4, 2026. Preorders are available from several major retailers:
U.S.:
Canada:
International:
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UPDATE, April 7, 2026:
On April 6, Seven Seas clarified via social media that, upon further discussion with the translation team, the “Anzhe” spelling on the back cover’s summary was intentional and accurate to the translation’s romanization of the character’s name. [Source: Twitter/X]
This provoked backlash from a section of Little Mushroom fandom, as many other official translations and merch (including Aloha Comics’ English release of the manhua) use the “An Zhe” spelling. Some critics of the “Anzhe” spelling based their arguments on in-story reasoning, while others pointed out that this spelling choice may result in a loss of brand familiarity that could impact the series’ success on store shelves. Other criticisms were raised regarding the use of the term “Judge” for the character Lu Feng, in place of the term “Arbiter” that was used in Peach Flower House’s now out of print translation of the series.
In response to fan concerns, a translator on staff assured that the choice was made with intention and requested that readers approach with an open mind for new interpretations of their favorite work. [Source: Twitter/X] The translator also included a comment in their statement that pointed out the Christlike nature of the main character’s journey, which was clearly made in jest. [Source: Twitter/X] However, some fans misinterpreted the translator’s tone and took offense at an alleged Christian agenda being inserted into the work. Others, though recognizing the translator’s comment as a joke, perceived their response as flippant and dismissive.
Although many brought up salient points, the online discussion devolved when some individuals began directing abuse at the translation staff and accusing said staff of not understanding Chinese culture. Other professional translators weighed in to state that the “Anzhe” romanization is valid as per China’s national recommended standards for pinyin. [Source: Twitter/X]
Seven Seas issued another statement via social media on April 7, reiterating that the “Anzhe” spelling was intentional and stating their trust in the professionalism of their translation team. The publisher also condemned the abusive comments and requested that all further questions and comments on the matter be directed to Seven Seas’ public contact channels. [Source: Twitter/X]
Later on April 7, another member of the translation staff on Little Mushroom came forward with a thread explaining the team’s reasoning in detail, which was received with relative positivity by fans. [Source: Twitter/X]
Little Mushroom
小蘑菇
[Synopsis Provided by Seven Seas Entertainment:]
In a future Earth ravaged by radiation, the Northern Base is one of humanity’s last bastions of survival—and that survival depends on keeping nonhuman life forms out at all costs.
Anzhe, a mushroom disguised as a human, knows that stepping foot in the Northern Base is risking instant extermination. But he has no choice: The humans have taken his spore, and he is instinctually driven by the need to reclaim it.
His mission depends on passing flawlessly as a human. While Anzhe is able to fool the Base’s advanced technology, he’s unlucky enough to have caught the keen eye of the handsome but merciless Judge—a man licensed to kill to keep the Northern Base safe from parasites and invaders. Can Anzhe survive under the watch of those beautiful eyes?
Little Mushroom (小蘑菇) is a danmei novel by Yi Shi Si Zhou. It began serialization in 2019 and ran for 84 chapters (with 5 Extras). It is available to read in Chinese on JJWXC.
The novel was first licensed for English release by Peach Flower House in 2021, and was re-licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment in 2025 after the former publisher’s closure.
The series has received an audio drama adaptation, as well as a manhua adaptation. The manhua is physically available in English through publisher Aloha Comics.
You can learn more about Little Mushroom in the DanmeiNews catalog.
