Acclaimed manga artist Karakarakemuri and writer Haruki Hajime are set to launch a new soccer-themed manga in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine on February 25. The announcement was made in the combined fourth and fifth issue of the popular weekly publication, revealing a “new era” soccer story that is generating anticipation among fans.
A Fresh Take on the Sports Genre
The collaboration promises a “new era” soccer manga, hinting at a modern approach to the popular sports genre. Soccer manga has a rich history, with iconic titles inspiring generations, and this new series aims to carve out its own niche. The specific details of the plot or title are yet to be fully disclosed, but the involvement of two notable creators suggests a compelling narrative and dynamic artwork.
Karakarakemuri’s Diverse Portfolio
Karakarakemuri is well-known for a distinctive art style and a varied body of work spanning multiple genres. The artist’s previous major works include Laughing Under the Clouds (Donten ni Warau), a historical supernatural action series that garnered significant popularity, inspiring a 12-episode anime in 2014 and a live-action film in 2018. The Donten ni Warau Gaiden manga, a spinoff, also inspired a trilogy of anime films.
More recently, Karakarakemuri launched Sōen no Scavenger (Scavenger of the Blue Flame) on Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry website in December 2023, which concluded with its fourth volume on April 17. The artist also adapted Bun-Ō Fujisawa’s MARS RED dramatic stage reading series into a manga, published in Mag Garden’s Monthly Comic Garden from January 2020 to July 2021, and which later received an anime adaptation. Other notable titles in Karakarakemuri’s extensive bibliography include Rengoku ni Warau, :REverSAL, and Replica. This diverse background demonstrates Karakarakemuri’s versatility and ability to tackle different thematic elements, which bodes well for a fresh take on the soccer genre.
Haruki Hajime’s Contribution
While Karakarakemuri brings a strong artistic vision and a history of successful serialization, Haruki Hajime’s role as a writer is crucial for developing the narrative depth and character arcs essential for a compelling sports manga. The collaboration between an established artist and a dedicated writer often leads to a strong synergy, balancing visual storytelling with intricate plot development. Fans will be eager to see how Hajime’s writing complements Karakarakemuri’s artistic strengths to bring this “new era” soccer story to life.
Anticipation for the February Launch
The new untitled soccer manga is slated to debut in the 13th issue of Weekly Shonen Sunday, scheduled to ship on February 25. Weekly Shonen Sunday has a long-standing reputation as a home for popular shonen series, and this new addition is expected to draw significant attention. The magazine has historically been a platform for diverse genres, and a new sports series from these creators represents an exciting venture.
As February approaches, more details about the manga’s official title, character designs, and specific story premise are likely to be revealed, further fueling anticipation for what could be a standout new entry in the world of sports manga.
