Chiaki Kisaki, the author behind the popular Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens series, is seeing another of their works adapted into manga form. This time, it’s DOPE Narcotics Crime Novel, a gritty tale of drugs and law enforcement in a near-future Japan. Here’s the lowdown on this exciting new manga adaptation.
A New Manga Adaptation
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens author Chiaki Kisaki’s DOPE Narcotics Crime Novel is getting a manga adaptation. The manga will launch in the July issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Comic Gene magazine on July 15, 2025, with Makimayo handling the artwork.
DOPE: A World Overrun by Narcotics
The DOPE Narcotics Crime Novel is set in a near-future Japan grappling with a widespread drug epidemic caused by a substance called “Dope.” The story follows Yūto Saiki, a rookie officer in the government’s narcotics agency. Saiki joins the force seeking revenge after losing his mother to Dope as a child. He is assigned to the agency’s secretive Special Investigations unit. There, he partners with Teppei Jinnai, and together they tackle Dope-related narcotics crimes.
Kisaki published the novel, featuring illustrations by Tomio Ogata, in August 2022.
Live-Action Adaptation
The DOPE Narcotics Crime Novel is also inspiring a live-action television series adaptation. The series is scheduled to premiere on TBS on July 4, 2025.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens: Kisaki’s Hit Series
Chiaki Kisaki and illustrator Hako Ichiiro launched the Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens light novel series in 2014. The series concluded with the 14th novel volume in May 2024. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens won the first prize for the 20th Dengeki Novel Awards. The series also has a collaboration novel with Ryohgo Narita’s Durarara!! novel series.
Story Setting
At first glance, Fukuoka seems like a peaceful city. However, beneath the surface, crime runs rampant. The city’s Hakata ward is home to a diverse group of underworld professionals:
- Professional killers
- Detectives
- Informants
- Professional revenge seekers
- Those skilled in torture
Urban legend speaks of a “killer of professional killers” operating in the city. When stories of the men in the underworld are told, a “professional killer murder” appears.
Manga Adaptations of Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
The Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens novels have had two manga adaptations:
- The first manga adaptation, with art by Kisara Akino, was serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly G Fantasy magazine between July 2016 and May 2017. It was collected in two tankōbon volumes.
- A second manga adaptation, titled Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens Dai 2-Shō, with art by Chiako Nagaoka, launched on August 18, 2017, in the same magazine. It was also collected in two tankōbon volumes.
Anime Adaptation
An anime television series adaptation by Satelight aired from January 12 to March 30, 2018, consisting of 12 episodes. Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired in Japan, and Funimation streamed an English dub for the anime. Kenji Yasuda (Arata The Legend, Croisée in a Foreign Labyrinth – The Animation) directed the anime at Satelight. Shogo Yasukawa (Terraformars, Alderamin on the Sky) handled series composition, Hidenori Inoue designed the characters, and Kōtarō Nakagawa (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Hayate the Combat Butler) composed the music.
The main cast included:
- Daisuke Ono as Seji Banba
- Yūki Kaji as Lin Xianlin
- Yūsuke Kobayashi as Enokida
- Yūichi Nakamura as unspecified role
- Daisuke Namikawa as unspecified role
Synopsis of the Anime
Fukuoka may seem peaceful, but it houses a thriving underworld of killers, detectives, and revenge seekers. Zenji Banba, a laid-back detective, investigates hitmen companies. Xianming Lin, a cross-dressing hitman, grows tired of his lack of jobs and pay. After Lin’s target commits suicide, his company refuses to pay him. Frustrated, Lin is offered the job of taking out Banba, who is believed to be interfering with their business. However, Lin instead offers Banba a proposal: to join him and form a team.
Key Characters in Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
- Zenji Banba: A private detective with a love for Hakata and baseball. He is also the “killer of killers” known as the Niwaka Samurai.
- Lin Xianming: A cross-dressing hitman who partners with Banba. He is skilled in combat and has a complicated past.
- Enokida: An intelligent hacker who provides information and support to Banba and Lin.
Themes and Style
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens blends action, comedy, and mystery, set against the backdrop of Fukuoka’s criminal underworld. The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and found family amidst violence and dark humor.
Reception
The Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens anime received mixed reviews. Some praised its unique setting, action sequences, and character interactions. Others criticized its convoluted plot and inconsistent tone.
The Appeal of Crime Novels
The popularity of DOPE Narcotics Crime Novel and Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens reflects the enduring appeal of crime novels. These stories offer:
- Intrigue and suspense: Crime novels keep readers on the edge of their seats with mysteries, twists, and dangerous situations.
- Exploration of the dark side: They delve into the criminal underworld, revealing the motivations and consequences of those who operate outside the law.
- Complex characters: Crime novels often feature morally ambiguous characters, blurring the lines between good and evil.
- Social commentary: They can explore social issues, such as poverty, corruption, and drug abuse, through the lens of crime.
Final Thoughts
The manga adaptation of Chiaki Kisaki’s DOPE Narcotics Crime Novel promises to deliver a thrilling and suspenseful story. It should appeal to fans of crime thrillers and those familiar with Kisaki’s previous work, Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens. With its dark themes, complex characters, and action-packed plot, DOPE is set to be a compelling addition to the manga landscape.
