Renowned manga creator Hiroya Oku, best known for his hit series Gantz, is set to launch a new manga titled Kanrekihime (60-Year-Old Princess) on December 26, 2025. The announcement was made in this year’s 20th issue of Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior magazine, revealing that the series will debut in the magazine’s second 2026 issue. This marks Oku’s first new manga series since the conclusion of GIGANT four years ago.
“Kanrekihime” Set for Late December Debut
Fans of Hiroya Oku’s distinctive storytelling and art style can anticipate the arrival of Kanrekihime in print on December 26. The new series, which translates to “60-Year-Old Princess,” is slated to appear in the Big Comic Superior magazine, published by Shogakukan. While further details about the plot and characters are expected to be revealed closer to the launch date, the title itself hints at a potentially intriguing premise, possibly blending Oku’s characteristic blend of action, drama, and unexpected twists with a mature protagonist.
Hiroya Oku’s Return to Serialization
The upcoming launch of Kanrekihime signifies a significant return for Hiroya Oku to the serialization landscape. His last major work, GIGANT, which began in December 2017 in Big Comic Superior, concluded in 2021. Prior to that, Oku also penned Inuyashiki, which ran from 2014 to 2017. The interim period has seen much anticipation from his dedicated fanbase for a new original series.
The Enduring Legacy of Hiroya Oku
Hiroya Oku has carved a distinct niche in the manga world with his unique blend of mature themes, intense action, and often philosophical undertones. His most iconic work, Gantz, serialized from 2000 to 2013, gained immense popularity both in Japan and internationally. Gantz follows Kei Kurono, who is forced into a violent afterlife game of hunting aliens, and it spawned a television anime, a CG anime film, two Japanese live-action films, and multiple spinoff manga. A Hollywood live-action adaptation of Gantz was also announced in November 2021, with Julius Avery attached as director.
Following Gantz, Oku created Inuyashiki, a story about an elderly man who gains superhuman powers. This series also received an anime adaptation in 2017 and a live-action film in 2018. His subsequent work, GIGANT, explored themes of giant monsters and mature film industries.
Oku’s works are often characterized by their graphic nature, intricate plots, and exploration of human morality under extreme circumstances. Fans have come to expect high-stakes narratives and visually striking artwork from the acclaimed creator.
High Expectations for “Kanrekihime”
With a track record of creating compelling and often controversial manga, the announcement of Kanrekihime has generated considerable excitement among readers. While specific details remain under wraps, the new series is expected to carry Oku’s signature style and push narrative boundaries, as his previous works have consistently done. The December 26 launch date will be a highly anticipated moment for manga enthusiasts eager to dive into Hiroya Oku’s latest imaginative world.
