Konami’s upcoming Suikoden: Star Leap manga adaptation is officially slated to begin serialization on November 5. The new series will launch in Kadokawa’s Comic Flapper magazine, with the first chapter appearing in the December 2025 issue. This marks a significant return for the beloved Suikoden franchise, bringing its rich world and narrative to a new manga format.
Veteran Mangaka Aki Shimizu Returns to the Suikoden Universe
The Suikoden: Star Leap manga will be penned by Aki Shimizu, a name familiar to long-time fans of the series. Shimizu previously helmed the manga adaptation of Suikoden III: The Successor of Fate, making her a seasoned interpreter of the Suikoden lore. Her involvement has generated excitement, with fans eager to see her take on this new chapter in the Suikoden saga.
Delving into the Story of Suikoden: Star Leap
The manga will adapt the narrative of the Suikoden: Star Leap mobile game, which itself is set in Solar Year 453, two years before the events of the original Suikoden and three years after Suikoden V. The story kicks off in a lakeside village located east of the formidable Scarlet Moon Empire. The protagonist, the son of the village chief Hou, returns triumphant from his inaugural hunt, only for his village to be suddenly ravaged by a mysterious assault.
A Journey for Peace and the Rune of Change
This devastating attack instantly alters the fate of the village, thrusting the hero, alongside his companions Hisui, Shirin, and Shapur, onto a journey to restore peace. The narrative is said to revolve around the Rune of Change, one of the 27 True Runes that are believed to have shaped the world.
Encounters and the Formation of the Liberation Army
As the hero’s adventure unfolds, it will reportedly involve travel west towards the Scarlet Moon Empire, leading to encounters with iconic Suikoden characters such as Flik, Humphrey, Odessa, and Viktor. These interactions are expected to shed light on the origins of the Toran Liberation Army, a pivotal force in the Suikoden universe. The manga is also teased to focus on the struggles of a knight whose homeland is embroiled in war, with the first issue potentially exploring the past of Shapur, the hero’s teacher and a former general.
The Suikoden: Star Leap Game and Future Prospects
While the manga’s launch is confirmed, the release date for the Suikoden: Star Leap game for iOS, Android, and PC via Steam remains unannounced. The game is set to retain classic Suikoden elements, including six-character party battles, base-building mechanics, and the recruitment of the 108 Stars of Destiny through story progression, with additional characters available via gacha mechanics. The manga adaptation serves to build anticipation for the game, potentially offering a deeper dive into its lore and characters.
Fans are also hopeful for an English localization of the manga, though no official announcement has been made regarding a Western release. Aki Shimizu’s previous Suikoden III manga adaptation did receive an English release, which bodes well for the possibility of Suikoden: Star Leap following suit. The launch of the manga on November 5 in Japan signals a new era for the Suikoden franchise, expanding its storytelling into a dynamic new medium.
