The popular dodgeball manga Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko is officially slated to receive a television anime adaptation in 2026. This announcement brings a new chapter to the beloved dodgeball franchise, continuing the legacy of Tetsuhiro Koshita’s original Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei series.
The Legacy of Dodge Danpei
Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko serves as a direct sequel to Honō no Tōkyūji: Dodge Danpei, a foundational work in sports manga. Written and illustrated by Tetsuhiro Koshita, Dodge Danpei captivated readers from 1989 to 1995, serialized in CoroCoro Comic. Its success led to a popular anime television series that aired from October 1991 to September 1992, spanning 47 episodes and produced by Animation 21. The original series also saw multiple video game adaptations, further solidifying its place in Japanese pop culture.
Introducing Dodge Danko
The sequel, Honō no Tōkyūjo: Dodge Danko, began its serialization on Shogakukan’s Weekly CoroCoro Comic website on November 28, 2022. Much like its predecessor, it is penned and illustrated by Tetsuhiro Koshita. While the original story centered on Danpei Ichigeki, Dodge Danko shifts the focus to his daughter, Danko, as she embarks on her own journey to forge the ultimate dodgeball team in the Reiwa era. This continuation allows for a fresh perspective on the sport, blending the nostalgic spirit of the original with contemporary elements. The manga has garnered attention, even receiving a nomination for the Next Manga Award in the web manga category in 2023. Shogakukan has been consistently publishing the manga’s volumes, with the fifth volume released in Japan on January 28, and the sixth volume anticipated on August 28.
Anticipation for the Anime
The upcoming 2026 TV anime adaptation promises to reintroduce the high-octane world of competitive dodgeball to a new generation of viewers, while also appealing to long-time fans of the franchise. Further details regarding the animation studio, cast, and staff are eagerly awaited by fans worldwide. The transition from the web manga to a full-fledged anime series highlights the continued popularity and enduring appeal of Koshita’s dodgeball universe.
