A new television anime adaptation of Tetsuhiro Koshita’s Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko manga, a direct sequel to his popular Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei series, is officially slated to premiere in 2026. The announcement was made by Shogakukan, igniting excitement among fans of the classic dodgeball franchise.
A New Generation of Dodgeball
The forthcoming anime will center on Danko, the daughter of the original series’ protagonist, Danpei. Her journey will involve her striving to assemble the strongest dodgeball team in the Reiwa era, a testament to her determination to follow in her father’s legendary footsteps. A poignant key visual released alongside the announcement depicts Danko standing before her father’s tombstone, with the accompanying text reading, “I’m off, Papa Danpei!” This visual underscores the theme of inherited legacy and new beginnings within the world of high-stakes dodgeball.
The Legacy of Dodge Danpei
Tetsuhiro Koshita’s original Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei manga captivated audiences from 1989 to 1995, serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly CoroCoro Comic magazine. The series spanned 18 volumes and garnered a significant following, leading to an earlier television anime adaptation produced by Animation 21. This initial anime ran for 47 episodes from 1991 to 1992, solidifying the franchise’s place in the hearts of sports manga and anime enthusiasts. The original manga also inspired eight video game adaptations.
The Rise of Dodge Danko
The sequel manga, Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko, began its serialization on the Weekly CoroCoro Comic website in November 2022. The series has quickly gained traction, with Shogakukan having already published five volumes in Japan by January, and a sixth volume set for release in August. The manga’s popularity was further highlighted by its nomination for the Next Manga Award in the web manga category in 2023. This consistent success has paved the way for the much-anticipated anime adaptation, bringing Danko’s story to a broader audience.
The announcement marks a significant return for the dodgeball-themed franchise, promising a blend of nostalgic charm and fresh narratives as Danko takes center stage. Fans can anticipate a new era of intense dodgeball action and heartfelt storytelling in 2026.
