Hideaki Yoshikawa’s manga series, “Kokuen no Ō Zelk” (Zelk the Lord of Dark Flame), has ended with its second volume. This news comes as a surprise to many fans who were following the series.
What is “Kokuen no Ō Zelk” About?
“Kokuen no Ō Zelk” centers around a young boy named Natsuki who visits a technology park with his older neighbor, Nanaka. During their outing, a mysterious black ball of flame descends from the sky, interrupting their trip and causing Natsuki to lose consciousness. He awakens five years later in a world devastated by monsters. Nanaka is now part of a small group of survivors, and Natsuki discovers he has the power to conjure black flames. He then embarks on a journey to restore the world.
Hideaki Yoshikawa’s Other Works
Hideaki Yoshikawa is a prolific manga artist known for several other works, including:
- Dungeon Builder: The Demon King’s Labyrinth is a Modern City! This manga, based on a light novel series by Rui Tsukiyo, follows Procel, a rookie demon lord who aims to build a modern city where humans and monsters can coexist. The manga adaptation recently concluded with its 12th volume.
- The Other Side of Secret
- Me and the Impish Devil
- Kagaku no Yatsura: This manga inspired an original video animation (OVA).
Yoshikawa’s style often blends supernatural action with elements of fanservice and comedy.
Yoshikawa’s Career Overview
Yoshikawa launched the “Kokuen no Ō Zelk” manga on Square Enix’s Manga UP! website on February 26, 2025. Prior to this, he concluded his manga adaptation of “Dungeon Builder: The Demon King’s Labyrinth is a Modern City!” with the release of its 12th and final volume. The final chapter of “Dungeon Builder” was serialized online in two parts on Overlap’s Comic Gardo website in March 2025. Yoshikawa’s earlier works include “The Other Side of Secret” and “Me and the Impish Devil.” He is also known for “Kagaku no Yatsura,” which inspired an OVA.
Yoshikawa’s career is marked by a blend of dark fantasy elements with contemporary themes, making him a notable figure in the manga industry.
