The sixth compiled book volume of est em’s Ō-sama no Mimi: Himitsu no Bar e Yōkoso (King’s Ear) manga will be its final installment, with the volume slated to ship on October 30. This announcement marks the conclusion of the series, which began serialization in Shogakukan’s Josei Seven magazine in May 2021.
The Story Behind King’s Ear
King’s Ear presents an omnibus narrative centered around a unique bar. This establishment is no ordinary drinking spot; it’s a place where secrets are traded. The enigmatic owner of the bar is perpetually on a quest for the most exquisite and intriguing secrets, encouraging patrons to confide their deepest thoughts and hidden truths. The manga explores the various confessions and the complex web of human stories that unfold within the bar’s walls.
A Look at est em’s Diverse Career
est em, whose real name is Maki Satoh, is a Japanese manga artist known for her distinctive style and ability to traverse various genres. She made her debut with three yaoi collections and has since been praised for the unusual maturity and depth found in her work, both within the yaoi genre and in manga generally. Her storytelling often features strong dichotomies between contrasting themes, ideals, and personalities, embedded in intense relationships. Her artwork is characterized by its simple lines and effective use of negative space, ensuring the focus remains on the characters and their interactions.
Prior to King’s Ear, est em has penned several other notable manga series. These include Age Called Blue, IPPO, Seduce Me After the Show, Red Blinds the Foolish, Tableau Numéro 20, and Golondrina. Many of her works have received English releases, with Netcomics publishing Age Called Blue, Aurora Publishing releasing Red Blinds the Foolish and Seduce Me After the Show, and Viz Media handling Tableau Numéro 20.
In a recent development, Hayakawa Publishing announced on July 29 that est em will be creating a manga adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel, The Remains of the Day (known as Hi no Nagori in Japanese). The launch date for this new project on Hayacomic website has yet to be revealed.
The final volume of King’s Ear will bring another one of est em’s compelling narratives to a close, allowing readers to discover the ultimate secrets gathered within the bar’s intriguing confines.
