The beloved dodgeball universe created by Tetsuhiro Koshita is set to expand once more, as Shogakukan has officially announced a television anime adaptation for Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko, slated to premiere in 2026. This news marks a significant return to the animated screen for the franchise, rekindling the competitive spirit and unique sports action that captivated audiences decades ago. The announcement was accompanied by the launch of an official website and a dedicated X (formerly Twitter) account for the upcoming series, signaling the start of a new chapter for fans of the intense dodgeball world.
A Legacy of Flaming Pitches
The Dodge Danko anime is a direct continuation of a storied legacy that began with Tetsuhiro Koshita’s original manga, Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei. This foundational work, which focused on the fiery young dodgeball prodigy Danpei Ichigeki, was serialized in Shogakukan’s CoroCoro Comic magazine from 1989 to 1995. The manga quickly gained popularity, leading to a highly successful television anime adaptation that ran for 47 episodes from October 1991 to September 1992, produced by Animation 21. This original anime introduced many to the exaggerated, action-packed world of “super dodgeball,” where powerful special moves and dramatic rivalries defined the sport. The franchise also saw several video game adaptations, further cementing its place in the early 90s pop culture landscape.
The Original Manga’s Impact
Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei carved out a niche in the sports manga genre with its unique blend of realistic dodgeball rules and fantastical, named special techniques. Danpei’s “Honō no Tōkyū” (Flaming Pitch) became an iconic move, representing the passion and sheer force behind the characters’ dedication to the sport. The series resonated with a young audience, promoting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the pursuit of mastery in one’s chosen field. Its serialization in CoroCoro Comic, a magazine known for its action-oriented and kid-friendly content, ensured its widespread appeal among its target demographic.
The First Anime Adaptation
The 1991 anime adaptation played a crucial role in expanding the franchise’s reach beyond manga readers. Animated by Animation 21, the series brought Koshita’s dynamic artwork to life, allowing viewers to witness the “flaming pitches” and other signature moves in motion. The anime maintained the manga’s energetic pacing and dramatic flair, further solidifying the characters and their struggles in the minds of a generation. Its consistent broadcast run contributed significantly to the original series’ enduring popularity and nostalgic value for many Japanese viewers.
The Dawn of a New Era: Dodge Danko
The sequel manga, Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko, picked up the torch nearly three decades after its predecessor. Tetsuhiro Koshita launched this new series on Shogakukan’s Weekly CoroCoro Comic website in November 2022. As the title suggests (“Dodge Danko”), this new iteration shifts the focus to Danko, the daughter of the original protagonist, Danpei. The manga follows Danko as she strives to follow in her father’s footsteps and reignite the excitement for “super dodgeball.” The series has already garnered attention, having been nominated for the Next Manga Award in the web manga category in 2023, showcasing its contemporary relevance and appeal.
Danko’s Journey and the Evolution of Dodgeball
Dodge Danko explores new narratives within the familiar dodgeball setting, introducing a fresh cast of characters while honoring the spirit of the original. Danko’s journey is one of self-discovery and a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport within the Koshita-verse. The manga continues to blend thrilling dodgeball action with character development and the unique humor that defines the franchise. Its serialization on a digital platform, Weekly CoroCoro Comic, also reflects the evolving landscape of manga consumption, adapting to new generations of readers.
The Anticipated 2026 Anime Series
The announcement of the Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko TV anime for 2026 has generated considerable excitement among long-time fans and promises to introduce the dynamic world of Koshita’s dodgeball to a new audience. While specific production details such as the animation studio, director, voice cast, and exact broadcast schedule for the Dodge Danko anime have not yet been revealed, the mere confirmation of its production signals a renewed investment in the franchise.
The original Dodge Danpei anime was known for its vibrant animation and impactful presentation of the dodgeball matches. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see how the new Dodge Danko series will visually interpret the sequel manga’s intense action sequences and character designs, particularly given the advancements in animation technology since the early 90s. The opening of official channels like a dedicated website and X account suggests that more information regarding the production will be disseminated in due course.
This upcoming anime is poised to be a significant event for sports anime enthusiasts and those who grew up with the original Dodge Danpei. It offers an opportunity to revisit a beloved universe through the eyes of a new generation, carrying forward the legacy of flaming pitches and the unyielding spirit of dodgeball competition into 2026 and beyond.
