Manga fans, especially those captivated by the anthropomorphic world of Beastars, have reason to celebrate. Paru Itagaki, the visionary behind the critically acclaimed series, has launched a new manga titled Taika’s Reason (Taika no Risei). This latest work promises to be just as unique and thought-provoking as her previous creations, delving into surreal and often bizarre narratives that have become her hallmark.
A Departure from the Familiar?
While Itagaki is known for her stories featuring anthropomorphic animals, Taika’s Reason seems to be pushing the boundaries even further. The manga features both humans and anthropomorphic animals, setting the stage for a potentially more complex and bizarre exploration of relationships and society than Beastars. It is already being called her weirdest manga yet.
Early Glimpses into Taika’s Reason
The first chapter introduces a world that is both familiar and unsettlingly strange. It seems that Itagaki is staying true to her style by introducing potentially fetishistic and sexual elements into the story. While it’s too early to tell the exact direction the story will take, fans can expect Itagaki’s signature blend of human drama and the surreal.
The Legacy of Beastars
Before delving into her new work, it’s important to recognize the impact of Beastars. The manga, which ran from 2016 to 2020, garnered significant praise for its complex characters, exploration of social themes, and unique art style.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Beastars was a critical and commercial success, selling over 7.5 million copies by October 2021. The series won multiple awards, including:
- The 11th Manga Taisho Award in 2018
- The New Creator Prize at the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize
- The 42nd Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category
- The New Face Award at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival
The World of Beastars
Beastars is set in a world populated by anthropomorphic animals with a clear divide between carnivores and herbivores. This setting allows the story to explore themes of prejudice, social hierarchy, and the struggles of adolescence. The main character, Legoshi, a gentle wolf, embodies many of these internal and external conflicts.
Anime Adaptation
The popularity of Beastars led to a successful anime adaptation by Studio Orange, which premiered in 2019. The anime, known for its distinctive CGI animation, has further solidified the series’ place in modern anime. A third and final season was released in two parts, with the first part released in December 2024.
Other Works by Paru Itagaki
While Beastars remains her most famous work, Itagaki has created several other manga series, showcasing her diverse storytelling abilities.
Beast Complex
This short story collection, published before Beastars, explores similar themes and characters, acting as a precursor to her more famous series. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 2016 to 2019 and has been picked up again since 2021.
Sanda
This manga series, which concluded in 2024, tells a vastly different story from Beastars. Sanda follows the adventures of Kazushige Sanda, a descendant of Santa Claus in a future Japan with a declining birthrate. The story blends action, comedy, and fantasy elements, creating a uniquely whimsical world. The manga is also set to receive an anime adaptation in Fall 2025, produced by Science Saru.
Other Serializations and One-Shots
Itagaki has also produced other works, including:
- Paruno Graffiti, an autobiographical series
- Drip Drip
- One-shots such as Manga Noodles and White Beard and Boyne
Ushimitsu Gao
Released in October 2024, Ushimitsu Gao, is a horror-romance manga that follows a housewife, Megumi Sano, who is haunted by a ghost that appears during her intimate moments with her husband.
Itagaki’s Influences and Style
Itagaki’s unique style is influenced by a variety of sources. She cites Disney movies as a major influence, which is evident in her use of anthropomorphic characters. The works of artists like Nicolas de Crécy and Egon Schiele have also shaped her artistic vision.
Unique Blend of Realism and Surrealism
Itagaki’s writing style is characterized by a blend of realism and surrealism. Her stories often explore complex psychological themes and societal issues through a fantastical lens, making her works both engaging and thought-provoking.
Unabashedly Weird Themes
A signature trait of Itagaki’s style is the inclusion of unabashedly weird sexual elements in her stories, which has both garnered praise and controversy among fans.
What to Expect from Taika’s Reason
Taika’s Reason is shaping up to be another intriguing addition to Itagaki’s portfolio. Here’s what fans can expect:
- Surreal Storytelling: Given Itagaki’s past work, Taika’s Reason is likely to delve into a bizarre and unconventional narrative.
- Complex Characters: Expect well-developed characters that grapple with complex emotions and moral dilemmas.
- Exploration of Taboo Themes: Itagaki has never shied away from tackling potentially controversial topics, and Taika’s Reason seems to be continuing this trend.
- Unique Art Style: Fans can look forward to Itagaki’s distinctive art style, which combines detailed character designs with expressive storytelling.
Where to Find Taika’s Reason
The manga is currently being serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion. As of now, there are no official English translations, however, the manga is available to read on Champion Cross.
Conclusion
Paru Itagaki’s latest manga, Taika’s Reason, is poised to be another captivating and unconventional work from the acclaimed creator. Her unique storytelling, combined with her distinctive art style, promises to offer a manga experience unlike any other. For fans of Beastars and those who enjoy manga that pushes the boundaries of genre and narrative, Taika’s Reason is definitely a series to watch out for.
