Yūsuke Utsumi, the mangaka behind the action series Ultra Battle Satellite, is set to debut a new battle action manga titled Jin: Kakutoha Ōden (Jin: Legend of the Dipper Style Destruction King). The announcement came in the 47th issue of Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine, with the series slated to launch in the magazine’s next issue on October 27.
Diving into the World of Jin: Kakutoha Ōden
The new series, Jin: Kakutoha Ōden, is described as a battle action manga that plunges readers into the intense world of underground fighting. While specific plot details are still emerging, the title and genre suggest a return to the high-stakes combat and dynamic storytelling that Utsumi is known for. The focus on a “young man in the world of underground fighting” hints at a protagonist navigating brutal challenges outside mainstream competition.
Publication Details and Release
Jin: Kakutoha Ōden will begin its serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine. The series’ premiere on October 27 marks a significant return for Utsumi to the weekly manga scene. Weekly Young Magazine is known for publishing various genres, including seinen manga, which often targets an older male audience with more mature themes and complex narratives than traditional shonen.
Yūsuke Utsumi’s Previous Works: From Ultra Battle Satellite to New Horizons
Yūsuke Utsumi gained recognition for his work on Ultra Battle Satellite, a martial arts-themed manga that ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump. The series, which followed protagonists in a no-rules combat reality show, launched on March 2, 2015, and concluded in June 2015, spanning 18 chapters across three compiled volumes. Viz Media had initially published the first three chapters of Ultra Battle Satellite as part of its “Jump Start” initiative, though they later dropped the translation.
Beyond Ultra Battle Satellite, Utsumi’s career includes several one-shots and other series. He debuted with the one-shot Gado-Den, followed by Fire Ball and Abare Mashira, which served as a pilot for Ultra Battle Satellite. He also created Nissha Goto, a seinen action/adventure manga, and acted as the writer for the Manhwa Duke Pendragon: Master of the White Dragon. His diverse portfolio demonstrates his experience across different formats and genres within the action and adventure spectrum.
The Enduring Appeal of Battle Action Manga
The launch of Jin: Kakutoha Ōden reaffirms the enduring popularity of battle action manga. This genre often features protagonists who hone their skills, overcome powerful adversaries, and strive for personal growth or a specific goal through combat. Utsumi’s history with dynamic fight choreography and compelling character concepts positions Jin: Kakutoha Ōden to be a notable addition to the genre. Fans of intense martial arts and underground fighting narratives will undoubtedly be anticipating this new venture.
