The world of Casshern is once again expanding as Satoshi Shiki’s Casshern R manga has restarted its serialization on Akita Shoten’s Manga Cross website. This revival marks a new chapter for the series, bringing the classic story to a modern digital platform.
A New Beginning on Manga Cross
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Manga Cross published the fourth and latest chapter of Casshern R, along with the first three chapters, signaling the manga’s official move and restart on the website. This transition follows Satoshi Shiki’s announcement in November 2023 that the manga would move from Akita Shoten’s Monthly Champion RED magazine, where it originally launched in September 2023.
The Creative Team
Casshern R is written by Chabo Higurashi, with illustrations by Satoshi Shiki.
Satoshi Shiki: The Artist Behind the Revival
Satoshi Shiki is a well-known manga artist with a diverse portfolio. Before Casshern R, Shiki concluded Akuma Kōjo (The Devil Princess), an adaptation of Biyori Harunohi’s story, in May 2024. Akuma Kōjo was serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine from May 2022. Shiki is also known for XBlade, XBlade Cross, Daphne in the Brilliant Blue, and Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, which ended in March 2019. Additionally, Seven Seas Entertainment is releasing Shiki’s remake manga of Osamu Tezuka’s Dororo, titled The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru (Dororo to Hyakkimaru-den), in English.
Chabo Higurashi: The Storyteller
Chabo Higurashi is responsible for writing the script of Casshern R, bringing the narrative to life.
Story Overview: Casshern’s Eternal Battle
Casshern R centers on Tetsuya Azuma, who transforms into Casshern to combat Andro and his army, who are the enemies of mankind. The original Shinzō Ningen Casshan anime, created by Tatsunoko Production, first aired in Japan in 1973.
A Legacy of Remakes and Adaptations
The Casshan anime has seen several remakes and adaptations over the years, including:
- Casshan: Robot Hunter: An animated video remake released in 1993. Streamline Pictures and ADV Films released it in North America.
- A live-action movie remake directed by Kazuaki Kiriya, released in 2004. Go Fish Pictures released this movie in North America.
- Casshern Sins: The latest anime remake, aired in Japan in 2008. Funimation streamed this series with English subtitles and released it on Blu-ray and DVD in North America.
The Original Shinzō Ningen Casshan (1973)
Shinzō Ningen Casshan, also known as Neo-Human Casshern, is the anime series that started it all. Created by Tatsunoko Production founder Tatsuo Yoshida in 1973, the series quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of science fiction and superhero elements.
Plot
The story follows Tetsuya Azuma, who transforms himself into an android named Casshern to fight the evil robotic forces led by Braiking Boss, who threaten humanity.
Key Elements
- Android Transformation: Tetsuya’s transformation into Casshern grants him superhuman abilities.
- Battle Against Robots: Casshern’s primary mission is to protect humanity from the robotic forces of Braiking Boss.
- Themes of Humanity and Technology: The series explores the relationship between humans and technology, questioning the nature of humanity in a world increasingly dominated by machines.
Casshern: Robot Hunter (1993 OVA)
In 1993, the Casshern saga continued with an original video animation (OVA) titled Casshern: Robot Hunter. This four-episode series offered a darker, more mature take on the Casshern mythos.
Plot
Robot Hunter Casshern presents a post-apocalyptic world where Casshern battles against rogue robots, seeking to understand his purpose and the consequences of his actions.
Key Elements
- Darker Tone: The OVA delves into darker themes, exploring the psychological impact of Casshern’s battles.
- Post-Apocalyptic Setting: The world is depicted as a desolate wasteland, reflecting the destruction caused by the war between humans and robots.
- Complex Characters: The characters are more nuanced, with Casshern grappling with his identity and the moral implications of his actions.
Casshern (2004 Live-Action Film)
In 2004, director Kazuaki Kiriya brought Casshern to the big screen with a live-action film adaptation. This visually stunning movie offered a unique interpretation of the classic story.
Plot
The live-action Casshern is set in a dystopian future where a war between humans and robots has ravaged the world. Tetsuya Azuma is resurrected as the Neo-Human Casshern to fight against the robotic army threatening to destroy humanity.
Key Elements
- Visual Style: The film is known for its distinctive visual style, combining live-action with CGI to create a surreal and futuristic world.
- Themes of War and Redemption: The movie explores the themes of war, loss, and the possibility of redemption in a world torn apart by conflict.
- Philosophical Undertones: The narrative delves into philosophical questions about the nature of humanity, technology, and the meaning of existence.
Casshern Sins (2008 Anime)
Casshern Sins, which aired in 2008, is a reboot of the Casshern franchise, produced by Madhouse. This series presents a unique and darker vision of the Casshern universe.
Plot
Casshern Sins is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Casshern is burdened by the knowledge that he killed Luna, the savior of mankind, which triggered “the Ruin,” a cataclysmic event leading to the world’s destruction. Suffering from amnesia, Casshern wanders the desolate landscape, encountering various characters and confronting his past.
Key Elements
- Post-Apocalyptic Setting: The world is bleak and decaying, with robots and humans struggling to survive.
- Amnesiac Protagonist: Casshern’s lack of memory adds a layer of mystery and introspection to the story.
- Themes of Redemption and Despair: The series explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world filled with despair.
- Artistic Style: The animation is characterized by its distinct visual style, with a focus on atmospheric environments and character designs.
Exploring the Casshern Sins Universe
Casshern Sins presents a world where robots have overthrown humanity and are now facing their own demise due to a phenomenon called “the Ruin.” This decay affects all robots, except for Casshern, who is immortal and burdened by the memory of killing Luna, a figure who could have saved the world.
Main Characters in Casshern Sins
- Casshern: The protagonist, an immortal being who seeks redemption for his past actions. He is haunted by fragmented memories and the knowledge that he caused the world’s ruin.
- Luna: Known as “the Sun Who is the Moon,” she was assassinated by Casshern, triggering the Ruin. Her existence is central to the story, and her presence is felt throughout the series.
- Lyuze: A robot seeking revenge on Casshern for the death of her sister. She eventually becomes an ally, grappling with her desire for vengeance and the changing world.
- Ringo: A young, innocent girl who maintains her faith in humanity despite the bleak circumstances. She represents hope in a decaying world.
- Ohji: Ringo’s guardian, a robot technician who cares for her and provides guidance.
- Braiking Boss: The leader of the robots, whose actions set the stage for the world’s destruction.
- Dio and Leda: Two of Braiking Boss’s subordinates, who play significant roles in the unfolding events.
Recurring Themes
Casshern Sins is known for its exploration of profound themes, including:
- Immortality: The series examines the burden of immortality and the desire for death in a world filled with suffering.
- Redemption: Casshern’s journey is centered on his quest for redemption and the possibility of finding meaning in his actions.
- Despair and Hope: The world is filled with despair, but there are moments of hope and beauty that shine through the darkness.
- The Meaning of Life: The characters grapple with the question of what it means to live in a world where death is imminent.
Casshern’s Enduring Appeal
The Casshern franchise has remained relevant for over five decades due to its ability to reinvent itself while retaining its core themes. Each iteration offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and technology, the nature of good and evil, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
Why Casshern Matters
- Timeless Themes: The series explores themes that continue to resonate with audiences today, such as the impact of technology on society and the search for identity.
- Diverse Interpretations: Each adaptation of Casshern offers a different take on the story, appealing to a wide range of fans.
- Cult Following: Casshern has cultivated a dedicated fan base that appreciates its unique blend of action, philosophy, and visual artistry.
The restart of Casshern R on Manga Cross is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Casshern franchise. As Satoshi Shiki and Chabo Higurashi continue the story, fans old and new can look forward to more exciting developments in this iconic series.
