After nearly two decades of captivating readers in Japan and across the globe, Yasuhisa Hara’s monumental manga series, Kingdom, is officially coming to North America. Viz Media announced today that they have acquired the license to publish the acclaimed historical epic in English, marking a momentous occasion for fans who have long awaited access to this sprawling saga. The first volume is slated for release on November 11th.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Fans
For years, Kingdom has been a celebrated gem in the manga world, achieving massive popularity and commercial success. Despite its widespread acclaim and over 110 million copies in circulation, an official English translation has remained elusive, much to the frustration of international fans. This announcement is a monumental win, fulfilling the desires of a dedicated fanbase and promising to introduce the series to a new wave of readers. Viz Media themselves acknowledged the high demand, stating that Kingdom was their “most requested title ever”.
Delving into the Warring States Period
Kingdom transports readers to the tumultuous Warring States period of ancient China (475–221 BCE), a time of intense conflict and political intrigue. The story primarily follows Xin (Shin), a war orphan with an ambitious dream: to become a great general. His path intertwines with Ying Zheng (Ei Sei), the young future Emperor of China, who shares Xin’s vision of a unified nation.
- Xin’s Journey: Readers witness Xin’s evolution from a determined young boy to a formidable warrior, navigating the brutal realities of war and striving to achieve his lofty goals.
- Political Intrigue: The narrative explores the complex political landscape of the era, highlighting the power struggles, betrayals, and alliances that shaped the course of history.
- Unification of China: The overarching goal of unifying China serves as the driving force behind the characters’ actions, providing a grand and compelling narrative.
The Creative Force Behind the Epic
Yasuhisa Hara is the brilliant mind behind Kingdom. As the writer and illustrator, Hara has crafted a detailed and immersive world, filled with compelling characters, strategic battles, and historical depth. His dedication to the series, which began in 2006, is evident in the intricate artwork and captivating storytelling.
Viz Media to Publish the English Release
Viz Media, a leading publisher of manga and anime, will be handling the English release of Kingdom. This ensures that the series will be readily available to readers in North America, both in physical and digital formats. Following the release of each volume, the manga will also be available on Viz’s Shonen Jump service.
More than Just a Manga: A Multimedia Empire
Kingdom’s success has expanded far beyond the pages of the manga. The series has spawned a multimedia empire, including:
- Anime Adaptations: Five seasons of an anime adaptation have been produced, bringing the story to life with vibrant animation and sound. The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
- Live-Action Films: Four live-action films have been released, achieving box office success and further popularizing the series. Netflix is currently streaming the fourth film.
A Glimpse into the Anime Series
The Kingdom anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot and Studio Signpost, offers a visually stunning and action-packed adaptation of the manga. While the earlier seasons faced some criticism for their use of 3DCG animation, the later seasons have been praised for their improved animation quality and faithfulness to the source material.
A Retail Listing Leak?
Prior to Viz Media’s official announcement, speculation about an English release of Kingdom was fueled by a listing on Barnes & Noble’s website, which has since been deleted. The listing showed Volume 2 with a release date in December 2025.
Why “Kingdom” Stands Out
- Historical Setting: The Warring States period provides a rich and fascinating backdrop for the story, offering a blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling.
- Compelling Characters: Xin and Ying Zheng are complex and relatable characters, driving the narrative with their ambitions, struggles, and personal growth.
- Strategic Warfare: The manga features detailed and strategic battle sequences, showcasing the tactics and strategies employed during the Warring States period.
- Grand Scale: The story unfolds on a grand scale, with the unification of China as the ultimate goal, creating a sense of epic scope and significance.
- Artistic Excellence: Yasuhisa Hara’s artwork is highly detailed and expressive, bringing the characters and world to life with stunning visuals.
A Treasure Trove for Collectors
With 74 volumes already released in Japan and more on the way, Kingdom offers a vast and rewarding reading experience for collectors. The English release will allow fans to finally own a physical copy of this beloved series and add it to their manga libraries.
The Potential Impact
The English release of Kingdom has the potential to:
- Expand the Fanbase: Introduce the series to a new audience of readers who have been unable to access it in their native language.
- Boost Manga Sales: Contribute to the growing popularity of manga in North America.
- Increase Awareness of Chinese History: Spark interest in the Warring States period and Chinese history in general.
- Solidify “Kingdom’s” Legacy: Cement its status as one of the greatest manga series of all time.
What to Expect from Viz Media’s Release
- High-Quality Translation: Viz Media is known for its commitment to quality, ensuring that the English translation accurately captures the nuances and spirit of the original Japanese text.
- Faithful Adaptation: The release will likely remain true to the original manga, preserving the artwork, storytelling, and character development that have made the series so popular.
- Wide Availability: Viz Media’s extensive distribution network will ensure that the English release is readily available in bookstores, comic shops, and online retailers.
- Digital Options: In addition to physical copies, the manga will also be available in digital formats, allowing readers to access it on their favorite devices.
A Must-Read for Manga Enthusiasts
Kingdom is a must-read for manga enthusiasts who appreciate historical epics, strategic warfare, and compelling characters. With its upcoming English release, the series is poised to conquer the hearts of readers in North America and solidify its place as a true masterpiece of the manga world.
