Satoshi Shiki’s The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru remake manga is set to conclude with its 13th compiled volume, which is scheduled to ship on December 19, 2025. This news marks the end of the modern reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s classic dark fantasy samurai tale.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru (Japanese: Dororo to Hyakkimaru Den) is a manga series written and illustrated by Satoshi Shiki. It began serialization in Akita Shoten’s Champion Red magazine in October 2018. The series serves as a remake of Osamu Tezuka’s original Dororo manga, bringing the timeless story to a new generation of readers with Shiki’s distinct artistic style.
The original Dororo manga, created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “God of Manga,” was first serialized between 1967 and 1969. Tezuka’s narrative, set in Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period, is celebrated for its themes of identity, morality, and supernatural elements. It has inspired various adaptations, including multiple anime series, a live-action film, and video games.
The Journey of Hyakkimaru and Dororo
The core narrative of The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru remains faithful to Tezuka’s original concept. It centers on Hyakkimaru, a young swordsman whose body was cruelly bartered away by his father, Lord Daigo Kagemitsu, to 48 demons in exchange for power and prosperity over his lands. Born without numerous body parts, Hyakkimaru was left for dead but was saved and outfitted with ingenious prosthetics by a kind sage named Jukai.
Hyakkimaru embarks on a perilous journey to slay the demons responsible for his dismemberment. With each demon he defeats, he reclaims one of his lost body parts, gradually regaining his humanity. Along his travels, he encounters Dororo, a young, spirited orphan and self-proclaimed master thief. Dororo, initially believing Hyakkimaru to be inhuman, eventually becomes his loyal companion, joining him in his quest.
Seven Seas Entertainment licenses The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru for English release, describing the story as a quest to reclaim stolen humanity amidst a war-torn Japan filled with demons. The series has been praised for its atmospheric mood and slick character designs, which suit the dark themes of demons and war.
The Legacy of Dororo
The enduring appeal of Dororo, both in its original form and its various remakes, lies in its powerful storytelling and compelling characters. The series explores universal elements such as revenge, finding one’s true identity, and the bond between unlikely companions.
Satoshi Shiki’s remake entered its “last arc” in May 2021, signaling the impending conclusion that is now formalized with the announcement of its 13th and final volume. Fans of the series can look forward to the ultimate resolution of Hyakkimaru and Dororo’s journey when the final volume ships in December 2025.
