The Manga Goraku Special magazine, published by Nihonbungeisha, has officially published its final issue. The 58th and last issue was released on May 15, 2025, marking the end of the magazine’s print and digital run. However, several manga series previously serialized in Manga Goraku Special will be moving to Nihonbungeisha’s free manga website, Goraku Web!.
A Shift in the Manga Landscape
The conclusion of Manga Goraku Special reflects the evolving dynamics of the manga market. The magazine initially transitioned to a digital format in August 2020, a move driven by “changes in the manga market” and the need to “respond to current needs,” according to Nihonbungeisha. Now, the shift of its manga series to Goraku Web! signifies a further step towards online manga consumption.
Magazine History
Manga Goraku Special has an interesting publication history:
- May 2013: Launched as Weekly Manga Goraku Zōkan, a supplement to the Weekly Manga Goraku magazine.
- March 2014: Renamed to Manga Goraku Special, replacing the then-ending Bessatsu Manga Goraku magazine and inheriting many of its serializations.
- August 2020: Transitioned to a digital format.
- May 15, 2025: Published its 58th and final issue.
Weekly Manga Goraku, the parent magazine to Manga Goraku Special, has been in publication since 1968. Bessatsu Manga Goraku was another Manga Goraku magazine that ran from 1981 to 2015 and was replaced by Manga Goraku Special.
Goraku Web!
Nihonbungeisha launched the Goraku Web! website on March 28, 2025. This new platform integrates Nihonbungeisha’s previous Web Goraku manga serialization site. Goraku Web! is a free manga website where readers can access various titles without registration.
Manga Series Moving to Goraku Web!
Several manga series from Manga Goraku Special will continue their serialization on Goraku Web!:
- Booty Royale: Never Go Down Without a Fight! by Rui Takatō
- Dorei Sensei by Hiro Tomono
- Rinjin X by Tetsu Kusumoto
- Tonight, My Wife will… by Takashi Sano
- Bokusatsu Pink Gaiden: bye buy pink by Kōji Yamamoto
- Saikyō Pashiri by Hankouki (story) and Yasuhito Yamamoto
- Watashi no Kawaii Inu Dakara by Gawo Hiroshima
Other Series
Shūichi Sakabe’s mitsusou manga also ended in the final issue of Manga Goraku Special. The fourth and final compiled book volume is scheduled for release in mid-July.
Weekly Manga Goraku: A Long-Standing Tradition
Weekly Manga Goraku has been a staple in the Japanese manga scene since 1968. Published every Friday by Nihon Bungeisha, the magazine falls into the seinen manga category, targeting an adult male audience. Weekly Manga Goraku has featured a wide array of serialized works over the years.
Concluding Thoughts
The end of Manga Goraku Special marks a change in Nihonbungeisha’s manga strategy, with a greater focus on digital distribution through Goraku Web!. Fans of the transitioning manga series can look forward to reading them on the new platform, while Weekly Manga Goraku continues its long-standing publication.
