Ken Wakui’s Astro Royale has reached its conclusion after a short run in Weekly Shonen Jump. The manga, which launched in April 2024, ended in the magazine’s 21st issue of 2025. The series follows Hibaru Yotsurugi, heir to a yakuza family, who gains superpowers after a meteorite crash and must navigate a gang war with his adopted siblings.
A Meteoric Rise and Fall
Astro Royale was highly anticipated as Wakui’s follow-up to the wildly successful Tokyo Revengers. Many expected it to become the next big hit in the shonen genre, especially considering its thematic similarities to Tokyo Revengers and the addition of superpowers. However, the manga failed to resonate with readers and was ultimately canceled after just one year and 50 chapters.
Publication and Availability
Despite its short run, Astro Royale has been collected into several volumes:
- Four tankobon manga volumes have been released.
- The fifth compiled book volume is set to be published on May 2, 2025.
- The sixth and final volume, including a new extra chapter, will be released on July 4, 2025.
The manga was available in English through Viz Media and Manga Plus, who released it as a digital simulpub. Viz Media has licensed the manga and will release the first volume in English on August 5, 2025.
Reasons for Cancellation
Several factors contributed to the manga’s disappointing performance:
- Lack of Originality: Critics noted that Astro Royale failed to offer anything new or exciting within the battle shonen genre. The plot and characters were seen as generic and uninspired. Hibaru Yotsurugi, in particular, was criticized as a typical and cliché shonen protagonist.
- Weak Action Sequences: As a battle shonen manga, Astro Royale heavily relied on its action sequences. Unfortunately, the fights were unengaging and lacked creativity, failing to capitalize on the characters’ special powers.
- Thematic Issues: Astro Royale struggled to find its identity. While Tokyo Revengers successfully blended delinquent themes with supernatural elements, Astro Royale‘s attempt to combine yakuza themes with superpowers felt forced and uninspired.
- Comparison to Tokyo Revengers: The immense success of Tokyo Revengers set high expectations for Wakui’s next project. Astro Royale inevitably faced comparisons to its predecessor, and many readers found it lacking in the emotional depth and compelling characters that made Tokyo Revengers so popular.
- Rushed Storytelling: The final chapters of Astro Royale felt rushed, with major plot developments and character resolutions occurring at an accelerated pace. This suggested that the series was being forced to conclude earlier than planned.
A Missed Opportunity
Astro Royale‘s failure is considered a significant disappointment, especially given the hype surrounding its release and the creator’s previous success. Some critics argue that the manga’s downfall is part of a larger problem with shonen manga, which often struggles to appeal to older readers due to its outlandish and supernatural elements.
Wakui’s Legacy
Despite the setback with Astro Royale, Ken Wakui remains a prominent figure in the manga industry. Tokyo Revengers was a massive hit, with the manga selling millions of copies worldwide and spawning a successful anime adaptation, live-action films, and other merchandise. Wakui’s earlier work, Shinjuku Swan, was also well-received and adapted into live-action media.
Tokyo Revengers: A Phenomenon
Tokyo Revengers, which ran from 2017 to 2022, became one of the most popular manga of its time. The series follows Takemichi Hanagaki, who travels back in time to prevent the death of his ex-girlfriend and change the course of the future.
The manga’s success led to numerous adaptations, including:
- A popular anime series that premiered in April 2021.
- Multiple live-action films, including Tokyo Revengers (2021) which was the #1 live-action film in Japan in 2021.
Wakui’s Other Works
Before Tokyo Revengers, Wakui was known for Shinjuku Swan, a manga series that ran from 2005 to 2013. The series revolves around Tatsuhiko Shiratori, a young man who becomes a scout in the red-light district of Shinjuku. Shinjuku Swan was also adapted into a live-action television series and two live-action films.
What’s Next for Ken Wakui?
With Astro Royale concluded, it remains to be seen what Ken Wakui will work on next. It’s possible that he will take some time to reflect on the shortcomings of Astro Royale and return with a new project that builds upon the strengths of his previous works. Despite the recent setback, Wakui’s talent and experience suggest that he will continue to be a creative force in the manga world.
Final Thoughts
Astro Royale‘s cancellation serves as a reminder that even successful creators can face challenges. While the manga failed to live up to expectations, it doesn’t diminish Ken Wakui’s past achievements or his potential for future success. Only time will tell what the future holds for this talented mangaka.
