Star Fruit Books has announced the licensing of Chikae Ide’s vintage bowling manga, “The Final Strike” (Saigo no Strike), originally serialized in Ribon magazine in 1971. This acquisition marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, with Star Fruit Books planning to release several of Ide’s works in English for the first time. Alongside this exciting news, they’ve also licensed Yoiyu’s BL one-shot, “When Pink Rain Falls 4: Sweet Pain,” adding to their diverse catalog.
A Nostalgic Throwback: “The Final Strike”
Chikae Ide’s “The Final Strike” offers a glimpse into the world of shojo manga from the 1970s. Published by Shueisha, the series captures the essence of the era with its focus on sports and relatable characters. The single-volume manga, which ran in Ribon magazine, tells a story centered around bowling. Star Fruit Books intends to release the manga sometime in 2026.
Crowdfunding the Classic
To bring this classic manga to English-speaking audiences, Star Fruit Books is “most likely” planning a crowdfunding campaign. This approach allows fans to directly support the project and ensures its successful release. By crowdfunding, Star Fruit Books aims to gauge interest and build a dedicated readership for Ide’s work. More information about the crowdfunding campaign and the release will be available by the end of the year.
More from Chikae Ide
The license of “The Final Strike” is just the beginning. Star Fruit Books has expressed their intention to release a “handful of works” from Chikae Ide. This commitment suggests a broader effort to introduce Ide’s unique storytelling and artistic style to a new generation of manga enthusiasts.
“When Pink Rain Falls 4: Sweet Pain”
In addition to “The Final Strike,” Star Fruit Books has also licensed “When Pink Rain Falls 4: Sweet Pain” by Yoiyu. This 24-page one-shot is the latest installment in the Boys’ Love (BL) series.
Continuing the Pink Rain Saga
Star Fruit Books has a history with Yoiyu’s “When Pink Rain Falls” series, having previously released the first volume, “When Pink Rain Falls,” and its sequel, “When Pink Rain Falls 2.” “When Pink Rain Falls 3: Under The Mistletoe” was released around the holiday season last year after its license announcement in October 2024. This latest acquisition demonstrates their continued support for Yoiyu’s work and the BL genre. The first three installments are also available on Azuki’s digital service.
Pre-Order Perks
Fans who pre-order “When Pink Rain Falls 4: Sweet Pain” can look forward to receiving a special bonus: three postcards featuring original art by Yoiyu. Star Fruit Books will announce the pre-order window at a later date, giving fans ample opportunity to secure their copy and the exclusive bonus items. The release is expected in late Summer 2025.
Star Fruit Books: Championing Shojo Manga
Star Fruit Books has established itself as a publisher dedicated to bringing diverse and engaging manga to English-speaking audiences. Their commitment to both classic works like “The Final Strike” and contemporary series like “When Pink Rain Falls” highlights their passion for the medium.
A Growing Catalog
With each new license announcement, Star Fruit Books continues to expand its catalog. By supporting both established and emerging creators, they contribute to the growth and accessibility of the manga industry. Their focus on quality and unique storytelling sets them apart as a publisher committed to delivering exceptional reading experiences.
