Tokyo, Japan – Kenji Hamaoka’s popular gag manga series, “Appare! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” (Bravo! Super Radical Gag Family), has officially concluded its run in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine with its final chapter published on October 2. However, fans won’t have to wait long for more of the comedic antics, as a new, fifth installment in the franchise, titled “Mōretsu! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” (Extreme! Super Radical Gag Family), is set to launch on November 13 in the same magazine.
The ending of “Appare! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” was featured in the magazine’s 44th issue, concluding a seven-year serialization for this particular iteration of the long-running series. The final chapter included a center color spread and the poignant message, “Goodbye is a promise to say hello tomorrow,” teasing the upcoming continuation.
A Legacy of Laughter: The Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku Franchise
The “Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” series, known for its slapstick gag comedy centering around the second-grade boy Kotetsu Ōsawagi and his eccentric family and friends in Urayasu City, near Tokyo, has been a staple of Weekly Shōnen Champion for decades. Kenji Hamaoka launched the original “Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” manga in 1993.
Evolution Through Sequels
Over its extensive history, the franchise has seen multiple continuations, each building upon the beloved characters and humor:
- Original “Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” (1993-2002): This initial series ran for 31 volumes.
- “Ganso! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” (2002-2010): The first sequel spanned 28 volumes.
- “Maido! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” (2010-2018): This installment concluded with 24 compiled book volumes.
- “Appare! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” (2018-2025): The recently concluded fourth series ran for seven years. Akita Shoten is scheduled to publish its 24th and final volume on December 8.
The forthcoming “Mōretsu! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” will mark the fifth distinct title in the series.
Anime and Live-Action Adaptations
The enduring popularity of the “Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” manga has led to several adaptations across different media:
- Television Anime (1998): The original manga inspired a 33-episode TV anime adaptation.
- Second Television Anime (2014): “Maido! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” also received its own anime adaptation.
- Live-Action Drama (2020): A live-action series based on the franchise premiered on TV Tokyo in April 2020.
The series has captivated audiences with its unique, well-drawn characters and fast-paced humor, often featuring the mischievous second-grade boy Kotetsu Ōsawagi. The franchise even went on a one-issue break in 2023, its first in 30 years, when author Kenji Hamaoka took a family trip.
As “Appare! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” passes the torch, fans eagerly await the next chapter of the Ōsawagi family’s outrageous adventures in “Mōretsu! Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku” this November.
