Manga artist Atsu Benino is set to launch a new series titled Hōkago Voca-Ken de! (Afterschool at the Vocaloid Research Club) in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine. The new manga will debut in the magazine’s sixth issue, scheduled for release on January 7.
New Series Details: “Hōkago Voca-Ken de!”
The upcoming series, Hōkago Voca-Ken de!, marks Benino’s latest venture following the conclusion of their previous work. While specific plot details are still emerging, the title “Afterschool at the Vocaloid Research Club” suggests a school-life setting, potentially focusing on characters involved with Vocaloid music production or appreciation. Fans can anticipate a fresh narrative from Benino, building on their distinctive artistic style and storytelling.
Benino’s Recent Works and Growing Prominence
Atsu Benino recently completed the manga adaptation of the light novel series A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans. This adaptation was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Monthly Shōnen Ace magazine from August 2022 to July 2025, compiling into four tankōbon volumes. Yen Press has also licensed the manga for English publication, with the first volume released in July.
The popularity of A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans further extends to an upcoming anime television series adaptation, produced by Asread, which is slated to premiere in January 2026. This anime adaptation will feature Akira Iwanaga as director and Katsuhiko Takayama handling series composition. The simultaneous release of a new manga and the anime premiere of a previous work highlights Benino’s active and prominent role in the manga and anime industry.
The launch of Hōkago Voca-Ken de! will be keenly watched by fans eager to see Benino’s next creative direction.
