Kaiji Kawaguchi and Osamu Eya’s Kūbo Ibuki Great Game manga is set to conclude its serialization in seven more chapters. The announcement was made in the 19th issue of Shogakukan’s Big Comic magazine, which also indicated that the series will compile into a total of 19 volumes.
The End of an Era for the Naval Series
The highly popular military-themed manga, a direct sequel to the acclaimed Kūbo Ibuki, will be wrapping up its run, bringing the strategic “great game” to its anticipated conclusion. The series has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic magazine since December 2019, continuing the narrative established by its predecessor. Shogakukan is slated to release the 17th compiled book volume on September 30.
Legacy of Kūbo Ibuki and Great Game
The original Kūbo Ibuki manga, also by Kaiji Kawaguchi and Osamu Eya, ran from December 2014 to December 2019 in the same magazine. It garnered significant critical acclaim, winning the 63rd Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2018. By October 2022, the original series had over 8 million copies in circulation and inspired a live-action film adaptation in May 2019.
Kūbo Ibuki Great Game picks up after the events of the original, focusing on a “great game” where global powers vie for sovereignty. The story of Kūbo Ibuki itself revolves around Japan’s response to escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly a near-skirmish with China near the disputed Senkaku Islands, leading to the construction of the aircraft carrier Ibuki. This compelling premise, combined with intricate military strategy and political drama, has resonated strongly with readers, building a substantial readership for both the original series and its sequel. The final chapters of Kūbo Ibuki Great Game are expected to deliver a definitive resolution to this complex narrative.
