Shogo Sugitani, the creative mind behind the acclaimed manga series “Pompo: The Cinéphile,” is gearing up to launch his newest manga, titled “Formula Girl,” on May 7th. Fans of Sugitani’s work can look forward to this high-speed, adrenaline-fueled story that promises a departure from the world of filmmaking and a dive into the competitive world of racing.
From Nyallywood to the Racetrack: What We Know So Far
Sugitani made the announcement via his X (formerly Twitter) account, creating buzz among his followers. “Formula Girl” will be serialized on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app, a platform known for hosting a variety of popular manga titles. The premise of the manga centers around girls who “run 300 kilometers per hour,” which translates to approximately 186 mph, hinting at a thrilling sports narrative.
A Glimpse into the Story
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the teaser suggests a “supokon” or sports genre story. This type of narrative typically focuses on the dedication, training, and competitive spirit of athletes striving for excellence. The focus on girls racing at incredible speeds opens the door for exciting visuals and intense competition, showcasing Sugitani’s versatility as a storyteller.
Where to Read
“Formula Girl” will be available on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app starting May 7th. Manga ONE is a popular platform in Japan for reading manga digitally.
Shogo Sugitani: A Retrospective
Before diving into the excitement of “Formula Girl,” let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey of Shogo Sugitani, the creator behind it all. Sugitani, also known under the pen name Ningen Plamo (“Human Plastic Model”), has made a name for himself with his unique storytelling and artistic style.
“Pompo: The Cinéphile”: A Love Letter to Cinema
Sugitani gained widespread recognition with his manga series “Pompo: The Cinéphile” (Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san). Serialized online via the pixiv Comic website starting in April 2017, the manga quickly garnered attention and positive word-of-mouth, accumulating over 500,000 views. The series was even nominated for the 11th Manga Taisho awards in 2018, solidifying its place as a critically acclaimed work.
Synopsis of “Pompo: The Cinéphile”
“Pompo: The Cinéphile” tells the story of Gene Fini, a film fanatic who works as an assistant for Joelle Davidovich “Pompo” Pomponette, a young and talented movie producer in “Nyallywood,” the movie-making capital of the world. Pompo gives Gene a chance to direct her next script, a delicate drama about an aging artistic genius and a young actress seeking her first break. The manga explores the passion, challenges, and creative processes involved in filmmaking, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of cinema.
Adaptations and Spin-offs
The success of “Pompo: The Cinéphile” led to several spin-off manga series, including:
- Fran: The Cinéphile (Eiga Daisuki Fran-chan): Launched in July 2018, this spin-off focuses on Fran, offering a different perspective within the same universe.
- Kāna: The Cinéphile: A standalone volume published in September 2020, featuring a writer/actress friend of Fran.
- Mazurka: The Cinéphile: Started in May 2022, this spin-off revolves around a cinematographer, further expanding the world of “Pompo: The Cinéphile.”
- Nyallywood! 2 – Alan: The Cinéphile: Published in January 2024, this volume focuses on a bank financier, adding another layer to the diverse cast of characters.
In June 2021, “Pompo: The Cinéphile” inspired an anime film adaptation directed by Takayuki Hirao at CLAP studio. The film received positive reviews and further increased the popularity of the series. GKIDS acquired the rights to the film in North America and released it in both Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub.
Themes and Style
Sugitani’s works often explore themes of passion, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams. His storytelling is characterized by its engaging characters, relatable situations, and insightful commentary on the creative industries. He is also known for his detailed art style and dynamic panel layouts, which bring his stories to life.
What to Expect from “Formula Girl”
With “Formula Girl,” Sugitani ventures into the world of sports manga, promising a high-octane narrative filled with speed, competition, and the drive to succeed. While it may seem like a departure from the world of filmmaking, fans can still expect Sugitani’s signature storytelling style, engaging characters, and insightful themes.
Potential Themes
Given Sugitani’s previous works, “Formula Girl” may explore themes such as:
- Dedication and Hard Work: The “supokon” genre typically emphasizes the importance of training, discipline, and perseverance in achieving one’s goals.
- Teamwork and Camaraderie: Racing is often a team sport, and “Formula Girl” could highlight the bonds between teammates and the importance of working together.
- Overcoming Challenges: The manga could explore the obstacles and setbacks that the characters face in their pursuit of racing glory, and how they overcome them.
- Personal Growth: The characters may undergo significant personal growth as they strive to improve their skills and achieve their dreams.
A Fresh Perspective
“Formula Girl” offers Sugitani a chance to explore new themes and showcase his versatility as a storyteller. While “Pompo: The Cinéphile” focused on the world of filmmaking, “Formula Girl” delves into the world of racing, providing a fresh perspective and exciting new possibilities.
Where to Follow Shogo Sugitani
For updates on “Formula Girl” and other projects, fans can follow Shogo Sugitani on his X (formerly Twitter) account. This is the place where the new manga was announced.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Race!
Shogo Sugitani’s “Formula Girl” promises to be a thrilling addition to the world of manga. With its high-speed premise, engaging characters, and Sugitani’s signature storytelling style, this new series is sure to captivate fans of sports manga and newcomers alike. Mark your calendars for May 7th and get ready to race alongside the “Formula Girl” characters!
