The manga series “No\Name,” created by Rafal Jaki, the executive producer of the acclaimed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime, is set to end with its 14th chapter. However, fans can look forward to a new project from Jaki and artist MACHINE GAMU, who collaborated on “No\Name.”
“No\Name” Manga Nears Conclusion
Rafal Jaki announced via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday that “No\Name” will conclude with its next chapter. This announcement came as a surprise to some fans, as the series was still relatively new, having debuted on July 31, 2024.
A Unique Premise
“No\Name” presents a fascinating world where an individual’s name grants them superhuman abilities. The story follows two agents from the Nordic Naming Bureau (NNB), an organization that investigates crimes committed by “Namers”. Their investigation into a missing wife and son leads them to the husband, who desires to give his son the same name as his own, setting the stage for a complex narrative.
Rapid Rise and Conclusion
The manga was initially released as a one-shot in January 2024 on Shonen Jump+ and MANGA Plus before becoming a full series in July 2024. It was a unique project for publisher Shueisha, as the first series created fully by a non-Japanese team. “No\Name” also received the Gold Award in the September 2023 Monthly Awards from the Manga Plus Creators project. Despite the positive reception and a physical release in Japan under the Jump Comics imprint, the series is ending after only 14 chapters.
The Reason for Cancellation
Jaki explained the decision to end the series, stating “the harsh reality of JUMP+ is that if you don’t have a hit you get canceled.” He had planned for a 360-page first arc, but the series was cut short due to performance metrics. Despite the cancellation, Jaki expressed gratitude for the opportunity and is pleased with how the story concludes. A second volume of the manga will still be published in Japan.
Teasing a New Series
While the end of “No\Name” is disappointing to fans, Jaki also revealed that he and MACHINE GAMU are already collaborating on a new series. This news has generated excitement amongst the fan base. However, details regarding the new project are yet to be announced.
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” Impact
Rafal Jaki gained significant recognition as the executive producer and showrunner for the hit Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The anime, produced in collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger, premiered in September 2022 and received critical acclaim for its characters, animation, and world-building. It follows the story of David Martinez, a young mercenary in a dystopian world filled with crime and danger.
Surge in Popularity
The release of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners caused a resurgence in the popularity of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game, with over one million players logging in daily. The anime’s success solidified its place in the cyberpunk genre and expanded the franchise’s reach.
No Season Two… Yet
Despite the success, CD Projekt Red initially stated that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners would not receive a second season. However, in September 2024, Netflix teased a collaboration between Netflix Animation, CD Projekt, and Cyberpunk 2077, hinting at a potential return to Night City.
Other “Cyberpunk” Expansions
The Cyberpunk universe continues to expand. In December 2024, Kadokawa launched a prequel manga to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness, written by CDPR’s Bartosz Sztybor and illustrated by Asano. This manga was released on the Comic Alive+ platform.
The Creative Duo Behind “No\Name”
Rafal Jaki is a prominent figure in the world of Cyberpunk. Before his involvement with Edgerunners, he served as the business development director for the Cyberpunk 2077 game. He also contributed to the The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion pack and the The Witcher: Ronin comic series. His creative partner, MACHINE GAMU, is renowned for their distinct black-and-white art style, utilizing fine shading and detailed imagery, which is evident throughout “No\Name”.
A Unique Collaboration
The collaboration between Jaki and MACHINE GAMU in “No\Name” showcases the unique creative vision that both bring to the table. Their partnership, despite the short run of the manga, has clearly resonated with fans, who are now eager to see what their new project will bring.
Fan Reactions
The announcement of “No\Name”’s conclusion has been met with disappointment by some fans who appreciated the series’ unique premise and the creative team behind it. However, the simultaneous announcement of a new project by Jaki and MACHINE GAMU has provided a sense of anticipation. Many fans are hoping to see the creative duo build on the ideas explored in “No\Name” while also bringing something fresh and exciting.
Conclusion
While the “No\Name” manga is concluding, the creative partnership between Rafal Jaki and MACHINE GAMU appears to be a continuing one, promising new and exciting projects for fans in the future. Their previous collaboration has demonstrated their ability to create compelling narratives and visual styles, setting high expectations for whatever comes next. The conclusion of the manga is a reminder of the often-challenging landscape of manga publishing, where even well-received titles can face cancellation. Despite this, Jaki’s positive outlook and the news of a new series will undoubtedly excite fans of both Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and the duo’s unique artistic vision. The final chapter of “No\Name” will be released on February 4th, 2025.
