Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service has expanded its library with the addition of Toshio Sako’s boxing manga, Genikasuri. As of today, May 21, 2025, the first 14 chapters are readily available for fans to dive into. This addition promises a thrilling ride into the gritty world of boxing, combining intense action with a compelling revenge narrative.
What is MANGA Plus?
MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA is the official manga reading service from Shueisha, providing access to the latest manga chapters simultaneously with their release in Japan. This platform ensures that fans worldwide can enjoy their favorite series without delay, offering a vast collection of titles that cater to diverse tastes.
Key Features of MANGA Plus
- Simultaneous Releases: MANGA Plus offers the latest chapters at the same time as they are released in Japan, keeping fans in sync with the global manga community.
- Multilingual Support: The platform supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, French, German, and Vietnamese, making manga accessible to a global audience.
- Vast Library: MANGA Plus hosts a wide array of genres, from romance to fantasy, featuring popular titles like One Piece, Naruto, Chainsaw Man, and many more.
- Free Access: Users can access the first few and the latest chapters of most series for free, allowing new readers to explore different manga before committing to a series. Select ongoing manga offer all chapters for free for a limited time.
- Subscription Service: For unlimited reading and an ad-free experience, MANGA Plus offers a subscription service called “MANGA Plus MAX” with two plans: Standard and Deluxe.
MANGA Plus MAX Subscription
In October 2023, MANGA Plus introduced a subscription service called “MANGA Plus MAX”, offering two plans to cater to different reading preferences:
- Standard Plan: Keeps you up to date with current ongoing comics.
- Deluxe Plan: Dive into current comics as well as completed classics like Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Death Note, Tokyo Ghoul, Haikyuu! and Bakuman!.
Community and Accessibility
MANGA Plus enhances user experience through community features like comment sections for each chapter, where readers can share their thoughts and reactions. Push notifications keep users updated on new releases and updates to their favorite series. The service is accessible via mobile apps and a responsive website.
Delving into Genikasuri
Genikasuri, penned by Toshio Sako, is a gripping boxing manga that delves into the darker aspects of the sport. Sako, celebrated for his dynamic and detailed art style in works like Usogui, brings a unique intensity to this new series. The storyline promises a blend of psychological depth and thrilling action, focusing on revenge and manipulation within the corrupt shadows of the boxing world.
Plot Overview
Genikasuri follows the journey of Ryo Harima, a former professional boxer whose life takes a drastic turn after a fateful match. After spending two years in a vegetative state, Ryo awakens to a harsh reality: his boxing career is over, his father has passed away, and his gym has abandoned him. Consumed by grief and rage, Ryo vows to reclaim his place in the boxing world, not as a fighter, but as a promoter seeking revenge.
Themes and Expectations
The manga explores themes of betrayal, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of vengeance. Ryo’s journey involves manipulating the underbelly of the boxing world, where fights are often decided outside the ring through corruption and monetary influence. Sako’s storytelling promises to deliver high-impact narratives, reminiscent of his previous works that have explored the depths of gambling and martial arts.
Reception and Initial Thoughts
Genikasuri has already garnered attention for its intriguing plot and Sako’s distinctive art style. The initial chapters, published in Weekly Young Jump, showcase the series’ potential to become a standout title in the seinen manga genre. Fans of Sako’s previous works and those who enjoy intense, character-driven stories will likely find Genikasuri a compelling read.
Toshio Sako: The Author Behind Genikasuri
Toshio Sako is a seasoned manga artist known for his intricate plots and dynamic artwork. His previous works have earned him a dedicated following, and Genikasuri is highly anticipated as his next major project.
Notable Works
- Usogui (The Lie Eater): A long-running series focused on extreme gambling, Usogui spanned 49 volumes and inspired both an OVA and a live-action film.
- Batuque: A martial arts manga published in Young Jump and later on Tonari no Young Jump, concluding with 18 volumes.
Artistic and Narrative Style
Sako’s works are characterized by complex narratives, well-developed characters, and a keen eye for detail. His art style is both dynamic and expressive, enhancing the emotional impact of his stories. Genikasuri is expected to showcase these qualities, blending intense action sequences with psychological depth.
Diving Deeper into Genikasuri‘s World
Genikasuri distinguishes itself through its dark themes and complex characters, offering a unique perspective on the boxing world.
The Dark Side of Boxing
Unlike traditional sports manga that focus on the glory and triumph of competition, Genikasuri explores the corruption and manipulation that often occur behind the scenes. The manga delves into how fights are influenced by money and power, portraying a world where integrity is a rare commodity.
Ryo Harima: A Protagonist Driven by Revenge
Ryo Harima is not the typical underdog hero. His motivations are rooted in anger and a desire for retribution. This makes him a compelling and complex protagonist, as he navigates the murky waters of the boxing underworld. His transformation from a professional boxer to a manipulative promoter sets the stage for a dark and gripping narrative.
Sako’s Signature Art Style
Toshio Sako’s art is a major draw for fans. His detailed and dynamic panels bring the action of boxing to life, while also capturing the emotional depth of the characters. The visual storytelling in Genikasuri is expected to be a highlight, enhancing the overall impact of the manga.
How to Read Genikasuri on MANGA Plus
Accessing Genikasuri on MANGA Plus is straightforward, allowing fans to start reading immediately.
Steps to Access the Manga
- Download the MANGA Plus App: Available on both iOS and Android devices.
- Visit the MANGA Plus Website: Accessible through any web browser.
- Search for Genikasuri: Use the search bar to find the manga by title.
- Start Reading: The first 14 chapters are available for free.
Tips for Using MANGA Plus
- Create an Account: While not mandatory for reading, creating an account allows you to bookmark your favorite manga and receive updates.
- Enable Notifications: Stay informed about new chapter releases by enabling push notifications.
- Explore Other Titles: MANGA Plus offers a vast library of manga, so take the time to explore different genres and series.
The Future of Genikasuri and MANGA Plus
Genikasuri‘s addition to MANGA Plus marks an exciting development for both the series and the platform.
Expectations for Genikasuri‘s Success
Given Toshio Sako’s track record and the intriguing premise of Genikasuri, the manga has the potential to attract a wide audience. Its unique focus on the darker aspects of boxing, combined with Sako’s dynamic art style, sets it apart from other sports manga.
MANGA Plus’s Continued Growth
MANGA Plus continues to expand its library and features, solidifying its position as a leading platform for manga readers worldwide. The addition of new languages, subscription options, and community features enhances the overall user experience and ensures that fans have access to a diverse range of titles.
Supporting the Creators
By using MANGA Plus, readers directly support the creators of their favorite manga. This official platform ensures that artists like Toshio Sako receive recognition and compensation for their work, encouraging them to continue creating compelling stories.
Conclusion
The arrival of Toshio Sako’s Genikasuri on MANGA Plus is a significant event for manga fans. With its gripping storyline, complex characters, and stunning artwork, Genikasuri promises to be a must-read series. MANGA Plus continues to evolve, providing a comprehensive platform for manga enthusiasts to discover and enjoy their favorite titles while supporting the creators behind them. Dive into the dark and thrilling world of Genikasuri and experience the intensity of boxing like never before.
