The magical girl spinoff manga for Asato Asato’s “86” light novel series, titled 86: Magical Girl Regina Lena ~Fight! Galactic Cruise Warship San Magnolia, has concluded its serialization. The final chapter was published in the April issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine on February 27, 2025.
Space Opera Meets Magical Girls: A Unique Spinoff
From Gritty War Drama to Galactic Magical Warfare
Suzume Somemiya launched “86: Magical Girl Regina Lena ~Fight! Galactic Cruise Warship San Magnolia” in March 2023, offering a whimsical twist on the dark and serious themes of the original “86” series. Instead of a war-torn battlefield, the spinoff reimagines the conflict as a galactic war fought between magical girls in space.
Second and Final Volume Coming Soon
The second and final compiled book volume of the manga is scheduled to ship on March 28, 2025, allowing fans to own the complete story in print.
Suzume Somemiya’s Previous ’86’ Spinoff
High School Hijinks: 86: Operation High School
Before “Magical Girl Regina Lena,” Somemiya also created “86: Operation High School,” another spinoff that reimagines the “86” universe as a school comedy. In this version, Lena and Shin are normal high school students, a far cry from their military roles in the original series.
From Tentative Title to Two Compiled Volumes
“86: Operation High School” was initially launched with the tentative title “Gakuen 86” (86 Academy) in June 2020 and ran until August 2021. Kadokawa published two compiled book volumes for this manga.
The Original ’86’ Light Novel Series
Launch and Key Creative Contributors
Asato Asato’s original “86” light novel series launched under Kadokawa’s Dengeki Bunko imprint in April 2017. Shirabi (known for “The Ryuo’s Work Is Never Done!,” “Myriad Colors Phantom World”) provides the illustrations, while I-IV (“Aldnoah.Zero,” “Re:CREATORS”) is in charge of mechanical design.
Manga Adaptation and English Release
The light novel series also has a manga adaptation by Motoki Yoshihara, serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine. Yen Press is releasing the manga in English, making it accessible to international audiences.
Anime Adaptation: Aired in Two Cours
The novels inspired a television anime adaptation that premiered in April 2021. The anime aired for two cours (quarters of the year), with the second cour premiering in October 2021 after a split. Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired in Japan, including an English dub.
The Enduring Appeal of Magical Girl Manga
Cultural Symbol and Thriving Industry
Magical girl anime and manga have become a cultural symbol and a thriving industry, captivating audiences worldwide. Series like “Cardcaptor Sakura” and “Sailor Moon” have had a significant impact, influencing fashion, music, and other media. The genre’s positive messages about hope, friendship, and believing in oneself resonate with fans of all ages.
Diversification of the Magical Girl Genre
The magical girl genre has diversified over the years, appealing to a broad audience. Series like “Sailor Moon” revolutionized the genre by combining elements of “transforming hero” shows with traditionally feminine interests. “Cardcaptor Sakura” gained popularity among male fans by incorporating themes like cosplay and “otokonoko.”
Deconstruction and Dark Themes
More recent titles, such as “Puella Magi Madoka Magica,” have deconstructed the genre, exploring darker themes and challenging traditional tropes. These series often delve into the psychological toll of being a magical girl, examining the sacrifices and consequences involved.
Magical Girl Series and Their Impact
- Sailor Moon: Revolutionized the magical girl genre, combining action with traditionally feminine interests.
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Popular among both male and female fans, incorporating diverse themes.
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Deconstructed the genre, exploring darker themes and psychological aspects.
- Magical Girl Site: Explores dark themes such as trauma, revenge, and redemption.
- Fate/kaleid Liner Prisma☆Illya: A magical girl spin-off of the renowned Fate series.
The Future of Magical Girl Manga
Continuing Evolution and Innovation
The magical girl genre continues to evolve, with creators finding new and innovative ways to tell stories. Whether through lighthearted comedies, action-packed adventures, or dark and thought-provoking dramas, magical girl manga remains a vibrant and influential part of the anime and manga landscape.
