Kodama Tales Inc., a subsidiary of Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd., has announced the upcoming worldwide English-language publication of Keisuke Itagaki’s renowned martial arts manga, Baki the Grappler. This marks the first official English release of the complete series and is highly anticipated by fans worldwide.
The Debut of a Martial Arts Legend
Baki the Grappler is the first installment in Keisuke Itagaki’s long-running Baki series. Originally serialized in Akita Publishing’s Weekly Shōnen Champion, the manga has become a global phenomenon, selling over 100 million copies worldwide as of May 2024. The series is celebrated for its intense action, memorable characters, and unique art style, making it one of Japan’s most iconic and best-selling manga franchises.
Release Details
Official sales of the English edition, comprising 24 volumes in a complete edition, will begin worldwide in October 2025. Pre-order dates will be announced at a later date, so fans should stay tuned for more information. Kodama Tales aims to deliver the series in both print and digital formats, ensuring the highest quality and preserving the authenticity of the original editions. The print editions will be produced in Japan by Kyodo Printing, which also prints Weekly Shonen Jump.
Kodama Tales: Bringing Manga to the World
Kodama Tales Inc. was established in the United States with the mission of sharing the cultural and literary value of Japanese manga with a global audience. The company strives to present carefully selected titles, not only as entertainment but also as a medium for learning and personal reflection. Kiyotaka Hirai leads Kodama Tales, which is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.
More From Kodama Tales
In addition to Baki the Grappler, Kodama Tales has announced plans to release titles from other respected Japanese publishers, including Asahi Shimbun Publications, Coamix, Daiwa Shobo, HERO’S, Nihonbungeisha, Shodensha, and Shonengahosha.
A Brief History of Baki
Keisuke Itagaki’s Baki the Grappler manga originally ran for 42 volumes in Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine from 1991 to 1999. The Baki sequel manga ran for 31 volumes from 1999 to 2005. Following Baki, Itagaki published the 37-volume Hanma Baki manga in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 2005 to 2012. The first Baki-Dou manga launched in Weekly Shōnen Champion in March 2014 and ended in April 2018 with 22 volumes. A new Baki-Dou manga launched in Weekly Shōnen Champion in October 2018 and concluded in June 2023.
Where to Find More Information
Further updates on pre-order dates and exclusive release information will be announced on the official Kodama website.
