Martial arts manga fans, get ready! Kodama Tales, a subsidiary of Kyodo Printing, has announced they will publish Keisuke Itagaki’s Baki the Grappler manga worldwide in English. This marks the first official complete English release of the original Baki the Grappler series.
What You Need to Know
- Official Release: This is the first complete, officially licensed English-language release of the original Baki the Grappler series. While some Baki titles have appeared in English in limited formats before, this release aims to bring the entire 24-volume series to a global audience.
- Publisher: Kodama Tales, a subsidiary of Kyodo Printing, is dedicated to delivering carefully selected Japanese manga to global readers, preserving the authenticity and quality of the original works.
- Release Date: The official sales of the English edition will begin worldwide in October 2025.
- Pre-order Details: Stay tuned for announcements regarding pre-order dates and exclusive release information on Kodama’s official website.
- Print Quality: Print editions will be produced in Japan by Kyodo Printing, a company known for printing Weekly Shonen Jump, which introduced global hits like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto.
- Other Titles: Kodama Tales plans to release titles from various respected Japanese publishers, including Asahi Shimbun Publications, Coamix, Daiwa Shobo, HERO’S, Nihonbungeisha, Shodensha, and Shonengahosha.
About Baki the Grappler
- Franchise Success: Baki the Grappler is the first installment in Keisuke Itagaki’s long-running Baki series. As of May 2024, the franchise has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
- Serialization: The manga was originally serialized in Akita Publishing’s Weekly Shonen Champion. It ran for 42 volumes from 1991 to 1999.
- Sequels: The series has multiple sequels, including Baki, Baki Hanma, and Baki-Dou, all published in the same magazine.
- Anime Adaptations: The Baki series has had several anime adaptations, including series on Netflix. A crossover anime with Kengan Ashura, titled Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura, premiered on Netflix in June 2024. In March 2024, it was announced that the Baki-Dou manga will receive an anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment.
Kodama Tales: Preserving Manga Authenticity
Kodama Tales, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, aims to deliver curated Japanese manga to global readers while preserving the authenticity and quality of the original works. Kodama strives to serve as both a source of entertainment and a medium for learning and personal reflection.
Other Works by Kyodo Printing
Kyodo Printing, the parent company of Kodama Tales, has a long history of printing manga, including Weekly Shonen Jump. Kodama Tales also plans to release titles from other publishers, such as Asahi Shimbun Publications and Coamix.
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a high-quality release that stays true to the original Japanese manga. Kodama Tales is committed to maintaining the care and authenticity of the original editions, distributing them globally in both print and digital formats.
Reception
The announcement has been met with excitement from fans of the Baki series, who have long awaited an official English release of the original manga.
The Baki Legacy
Baki the Grappler has become one of Japan’s most emblematic and best-selling manga, known for its intense action and iconic characters. The series follows Baki Hanma as he trains to become the strongest fighter in the world, battling a variety of formidable opponents.
Where to Find More Information
For updates on pre-orders and exclusive release details, visit Kodama’s official website.
