Ken Wakui’s Astro Royale manga has concluded its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump after a brief one-year run. The final chapter was published in the magazine’s 21st issue. Despite an initial strong start, the series failed to maintain momentum and has been canceled, though a special epilogue chapter is on the way.
A Superpowered Yakuza Tale Cut Short
Astro Royale (Japanese title: Negai no Astro) launched in April 2024, following the story of Hibaru Yotsurugi, the heir to a Yakuza family. Hibaru finds himself caught in a power struggle with his adopted siblings for control of the family. However, a meteorite crashes into Tokyo, granting people strange abilities called “Astros,” turning their gang war into a superpowered conflict. Hibaru gains the power of the “world’s strongest fist” and must protect his community from both his siblings and other factions vying for control of the city.
Viz Media licensed the manga for English release and is set to publish the first volume on August 5th. They, along with MANGA Plus, also released the manga in English as a digital simulpub.
A Rocky Reception
Despite the pedigree of its creator, Astro Royale struggled to gain traction with readers. While the first chapter ranked first in Shonen Jump, the series consistently placed in the late teens or 20s in subsequent rankings. Many fans found the series unimpressive, criticizing its unoriginal plot, bland characters, and disappointing action sequences. Some viewed it as a lesser retread of Wakui’s previous hit, Tokyo Revengers.
Final Volume with Extra Chapter
Shueisha will publish the fifth compiled book volume of Astro Royale on May 2nd, with the sixth and final volume scheduled for release on July 4th. The final volume will include a 19-page epilogue set after the events of the main story, providing a more complete ending for fans.
Tokyo Revengers‘ Shadow
Ken Wakui’s Tokyo Revengers was a massive success, running from 2017 to 2022. Many fans had high expectations for Astro Royale, hoping it would become the next big hit from the creator. However, the new manga failed to capture the same magic, leading to its cancellation after just one year.
Tokyo Revengers follows Takemichi Hanagaki, who travels 12 years into the past to save his ex-girlfriend from being murdered by the Tokyo Manji Gang. He infiltrates the gang and rises through the ranks, altering the course of history to prevent the tragic events of the future. Tokyo Revengers was praised for its engaging story, compelling characters, and emotional depth. The series spawned a successful anime adaptation, further boosting its popularity.
A New Wave for Shonen Jump
The cancellation of Astro Royale comes as Weekly Shonen Jump prepares to introduce new series to its lineup. The editorial department is constantly seeking the next big hit, and unfortunately, Astro Royale did not meet expectations. While its run was longer than some series that are canceled early, the manga ultimately failed to resonate with readers.
