Paru Itagaki, the celebrated mangaka behind the critically acclaimed Beastars, has just launched a brand new series that’s already turning heads with its strange and unconventional premise. Amidst the anticipation for the final season of Beastars and the upcoming anime adaptation of her manga SANDA, Itagaki has surprised fans with Taika’s Reason, a crime thriller that explores the complex relationship between humans and their humanized pets.
A World of Dogmen and Catmen
Unlike the world of Beastars, which is populated entirely by anthropomorphic animals, Taika’s Reason introduces a world where humans coexist with “dogmen” and “catmen” – humanized versions of their pets. This humanization is presented as a measure to combat a declining birthrate, but it has also sparked social unrest due to an increase in crimes committed by these human-animal hybrids.
The story centers around Ao, a high schooler with a fiery temper, and her family, who are firmly against the idea of humanized pets. Their family dog, Taika, a pit bull terrier, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. The initial chapters portray a seemingly ordinary life, a slice-of-life scenario that quickly takes a dark turn.
The Dark Twist
The seemingly peaceful existence of Ao and her family shatters when she returns home one day to discover her father has been brutally attacked and killed by Taika, while her mother is away. Rather than report the incident, and risk Taika being euthanized, Ao makes the shocking decision to conceal her father’s death. This sets in motion a series of events that will unravel as the story progresses. Ao’s mother, upon returning, eventually agrees to have Taika humanized into a dogman. Believing their secret safe, the family tries to maintain normalcy until Taika chillingly suggests they should turn themselves in.
A Departure From the Norm
Taika’s Reason is a significant departure from Itagaki’s previous works. While Beastars delved into the complex relationships between predators and prey, Taika’s Reason explores the ethical implications of humanizing animals and the societal ramifications of such a decision. The manga blends elements of slice-of-life, crime, and psychological thriller, creating a uniquely unsettling atmosphere. The series’ focus on a human character and her relationship with an animal who has committed a terrible act adds another layer of complexity.
The series debuted in Weekly Shonen Champion on January 16, 2025, and the cover of the issue featured Taika to commemorate its release.
Itagaki’s Other Works
While Taika’s Reason is currently generating significant buzz, it is not Itagaki’s only project. Her manga SANDA, which concluded in July 2024 with 100 chapters compiled into 16 volumes, is also set to receive an anime adaptation slated for release in Fall 2025. SANDA takes place in a future Japan with a declining birthrate, where the protagonist, Kazushige Sanda, is discovered to be a descendant of Santa Claus.
In addition to these projects, Itagaki also launched a horror manga titled Ushimitsu Gao in October 2024. This series revolves around Megumi Sano, a 33-year-old housewife with a strong spiritual sensitivity, who is haunted by a ghost who appears during her marital encounters. This further exemplifies Itagaki’s range as a storyteller.
What to Expect
Taika’s Reason promises to be another thought-provoking and unsettling work from Paru Itagaki. The series tackles complex themes of morality, societal change, and the blurred lines between humanity and animality.
The manga is sure to appeal to fans of Itagaki’s previous works as well as those looking for a new and original crime thriller with an unconventional premise. The initial chapter suggests a story filled with suspense, psychological tension, and the unnerving possibility that the lines between victim and perpetrator are blurred beyond recognition.
Itagaki’s latest manga, Taika’s Reason is a testament to her ability to continually push boundaries and deliver stories that are both disturbing and deeply insightful. It will be fascinating to see how this new narrative unfolds and further cements Itagaki’s reputation as a master storyteller. The combination of Itagaki’s unique artistic style and complex themes is likely to make Taika’s Reason another success.
