The popular dodgeball manga sequel, Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko, is officially slated to receive a TV anime adaptation, set to premiere in 2026. The announcement was made on July 11, 2025, sparking excitement among fans of the original Dodge Danpei series and its modern continuation.
A New Generation of Dodgeball Action
Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko serves as a direct sequel to Tetsuhiro Koshita’s iconic Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei manga. While the original series, which ran from 1989 to 1995 in Shogakukan’s CoroCoro Comic, followed the adventures of Danpei Ichigeki, Dodge Danko shifts the spotlight to a new protagonist: Danko Ichigeki, Danpei’s daughter. The sequel manga began its serialization on the Weekly CoroCoro Comic website in November 2022 and has quickly garnered attention, even receiving a nomination for the Next Manga Award in the web manga category in 2023.
The manga focuses on Danko as she strives to assemble the strongest super dodgeball team in the Reiwa era, navigating the sport with a spirit inherited from her father. The series is praised for its blend of comedy and sports action, featuring “beautiful girls passionately drawn by Koshita Tatsuhiro.” As of January 2025, the manga has released five volumes.
Legacy of a Dodgeball Phenomenon
The original Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei manga was a significant success, spanning 18 volumes and inspiring a 47-episode TV anime series that aired from October 1991 to September 1992. This initial anime adaptation, produced by Animation 21, covered the first arc of the manga, including character introductions and the national tournament. Furthermore, the franchise expanded into eight video game adaptations, solidifying its place in Japanese popular culture.
The anime adaptation of Dodge Danko marks a highly anticipated return to the dodgeball arena for fans. While specific details regarding the production staff for the new anime have not yet been confirmed, the announcement itself signals a renewed interest in the beloved dodgeball franchise. Fans can anticipate a fresh take on the high-octane dodgeball action, infused with modern sensibilities and the enduring spirit of the Dodge Danpei legacy, when the series premieres in 2026.
