A highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Tetsuhiro Koshita’s ongoing dodgeball manga, Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko, is officially slated for release in 2026. The announcement marks a significant return to the animated screen for the beloved dodgeball franchise, picking up the legacy of the popular Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei series.
The Legacy of Dodgeball on Screen
The world of Dodge Danko is a direct continuation of the classic Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei, a manga that captivated audiences from 1989 to 1995 in Shogakukan’s CoroCoro Comic. Dodge Danpei carved out a niche in the sports manga genre, known for its intense dodgeball matches and hot-blooded characters. Its popularity was such that it quickly received a television anime adaptation, which aired for 47 episodes from October 1991 to September 1992, animated by Animation 21 and broadcast on TXN (TV Tokyo). Beyond the anime, the franchise also spawned eight video game adaptations, solidifying its place in early 90s Japanese pop culture.
The original series followed Danpei Ichigeki, a young boy with an unwavering passion for dodgeball, as he navigated the competitive world of “Super Dodgeball,” a hyper-stylized version of the sport. Known for its exaggerated special moves, dramatic rivalries, and emphasis on friendship and perseverance, Dodge Danpei left a lasting impression on a generation of fans.
Dodge Danko: A New Era of Dodgeball
More than two decades after the conclusion of Dodge Danpei, manga creator Tetsuhiro Koshita reignited the flame with Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko. This sequel manga began its serialization on the Weekly CoroCoro Comic website on November 28, 2022, introducing a new protagonist and a contemporary setting. The narrative shifts focus to Danko, the daughter of the original series’ hero, Danpei.
Danko’s Quest for Glory
Dodge Danko plunges readers into the Reiwa era, where Danko inherits her father’s fiery spirit and sets out on a mission to revive “Super Dodgeball” and assemble the strongest team the world has ever seen. The manga explores her journey as she faces the challenges of modern society while attempting to uphold the traditions and intensity of her father’s era. The series retains the core elements that made its predecessor a hit: action, comedy, and sports, while also introducing new dynamics as a “male demographic with female lead” shonen series.
The manga has quickly garnered attention, with its engaging storyline and Tetsuhiro Koshita’s distinctive art style. It was notably nominated for the Next Manga Award in the web manga category in 2023, a testament to its rising popularity and critical reception. As of January 2025, Shogakukan has published five volumes of the Dodge Danko manga in Japan, with the sixth volume anticipated for release in August 2025, indicating a steady and successful serialization.
Anticipation for the 2026 Anime
The announcement of a TV anime for Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko in 2026 has sent ripples of excitement through the anime and manga community. Fans of the original Dodge Danpei series are eager to see the next generation’s dodgeball battles brought to life with modern animation techniques. The anime adaptation will serve as an opportunity to introduce the beloved franchise to a new generation of viewers while also providing a nostalgic treat for long-time fans.
Details regarding the animation studio, key staff, and voice cast are yet to be revealed, but expectations are high given the legacy of the Dodge Danpei anime. The transition of Dodge Danko‘s story, with its focus on a strong female lead and her contemporary struggles, is expected to resonate with a broad audience. The series’ themes of overcoming adversity, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence through the sport of dodgeball are timeless and hold universal appeal. The upcoming anime will undoubtedly be a highlight for sports anime enthusiasts and a significant continuation of the Dodgeball universe.
