The manga world is set to bid farewell to Nihonbungeisha’s Manga Goraku Special magazine as it concludes publication with its 58th and final issue on May 15, 2025. This marks the end of a significant chapter for the magazine, which has been a part of the manga landscape for over a decade.
A Decade-Long Journey: From Supplement to Digital Platform
Manga Goraku Special initially launched in May 2013 as Weekly Manga Goraku Zōkan, a supplement to the Weekly Manga Goraku magazine. In March 2014, it underwent a transformation, changing its name to Manga Goraku Special and stepping into the role of successor to the then-ending Bessatsu Manga Goraku magazine, inheriting many of its serializations.
Responding to the evolving dynamics of the manga market, Manga Goraku Special transitioned to a digital format in August 2020. This move was aimed at adapting to “changes in the manga market” and catering to “current needs,” according to Nihonbungeisha.
Legacy and Notable Works
Over its run, Manga Goraku Special has featured a variety of manga titles, catering to diverse tastes within the seinen demographic. Some notable works that have graced its pages include:
- Ai to Ai
- Booty Royale: Never Go Down Without a Fight! by Rui Takatō. This series even saw a brief hiatus due to the author’s personal concerns but later resumed serialization.
- Dorei Sensei
- Futari no Natsu ga Owaru made
- Ginga: The First Wars
- Happyland by Shingo Honda, which has also been licensed for English publication by Ablaze.
- Isekai AV by Hiroto Ōishi
- mitsusou
- Rinjin X
- Shiori’s Diary
- Tonight, My Wife will…
- Watashi no Kawaii Inu Dakara
- Yadorigi-sama
- Zenra Kagyō by Hiroto Ōishi
The magazine also published Monkey Circle, a spin-off of Monkey Peak.
Goraku Web!: A New Digital Home
As Manga Goraku Special prepares to close its doors, Nihonbungeisha has launched Goraku Web!, a free manga website that went live on March 28, 2025. This new platform integrates the content from Nihonbungeisha’s previous Web Goraku manga serialization site, providing a new digital home for manga enthusiasts.
A Look Back at Manga Goraku’s History
Weekly Manga Goraku, the parent magazine of Manga Goraku Special, has a rich history dating back to 1968, when it began as Weekly Gekiga Action. Over the years, it has become a staple in the seinen manga scene, known for its mature and diverse content.
Bessatsu Manga Goraku, which Manga Goraku Special eventually replaced, also had a long and storied run from 1981 to 2015. It featured many spin-offs and crossovers with Weekly Manga Goraku, further solidifying the Goraku brand’s presence in the manga world.
Final Thoughts
The end of Manga Goraku Special marks a transition in the manga landscape. However, with the launch of Goraku Web!, Nihonbungeisha continues to adapt to the digital age, providing a platform for manga creators and readers alike. As the final issue of Manga Goraku Special hits stands on May 15, fans can look back on its contributions to the manga world and anticipate the future of manga on Goraku Web!.
