Takashi Sano, the manga artist known for his thriller series Back When You Called Us Devils, has launched a new suspense manga titled Bakudan (Bomb). The series began its release on Kodansha’s Comic Days platform on May 23, 2025, captivating readers with its explosive premise.
A Premonition of Destruction
Bakudan plunges into a world of suspense as a seemingly clueless middle-aged man is detained at Tokyo’s Nogata police station for a minor assault. During questioning, he calmly predicts an explosion in Akihabara at 10 o’clock. To the shock of the police, his prediction comes true, setting off a series of events where the man foresees further bombings, thrusting law enforcement into a desperate race against time to prevent catastrophe.
Takashi Sano: A Versatile Creator
Takashi Sano is a Japanese animator, animation director, and manga artist. He began his career at Tatsunoko Production as a production manager before transitioning to animation. Sano gained recognition for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion. He later directed Transformers Enerzone in 2004. His diverse portfolio includes directing episodes of Lupin the Third and involvement in Tower of God. More recently, he directed Rick and Morty: The Anime.
Early Career and Transitions
Sano’s initial role as a production manager at Tatsunoko Production provided him with foundational experience in animation production. His transition to animator and director showcased his creative versatility and storytelling abilities. Early works such as Transformers Enerzone allowed him to hone his directing skills, setting the stage for more ambitious projects.
Key Works and Recognition
Takashi Sano’s involvement in Tower of God and Rick and Morty: The Anime highlights his capacity to adapt to diverse animation styles and genres. Tower of God, while receiving mixed reviews, demonstrated Sano’s ability to handle complex narratives. Directing Rick and Morty: The Anime expanded his reach to a global audience, blending American sensibilities with a Japanese animation style.
Directorial Style and Adaptations
Sano’s directorial style has been described as decent to good, with a tendency to follow the director’s intention of each work. However, when directing original works, he often reconstructs the scenario, sometimes overturning character personalities and settings. This approach has drawn both praise and criticism, with some finding his adaptations to be a destruction of the original material.
‘Back When You Called Us Devils’: A Dive into Dark Thrills
Back When You Called Us Devils (Kimi ga Bokura wo Akuma to Yonda Koro) is a manga series written and illustrated by Takashi Sano. Serialized in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket from August 2017 to August 2020, the series comprises 14 volumes. Kodansha USA has licensed the manga for digital release in English.
Synopsis
The story centers on Yusuke Saito, a high school student who suffers from amnesia, unable to recall anything beyond the last six months. As people from his past emerge, accusing him of terrible deeds, Yusuke must confront his missing memories to uncover the truth and prevent further harm.
Themes and Reception
Back When You Called Us Devils explores themes of memory, identity, and redemption. The manga has been noted for its dark and disturbing content, including bullying, rape, and violence. While some readers have praised its thought-provoking questions and edgy narrative, others have criticized its graphic content.
Other Notable Works by Takashi Sano
Takashi Sano has an extensive portfolio of manga works, spanning various genres such as adult, seinen, romance, comedy, and horror. Some of his notable titles include:
- Kimi ga Kemono ni Naru Mae ni (Before You Turn Into a Beast)
- Iketeru Futari
- Usagi-chan de Cue!!
- Change H
Before You Turn Into a Beast
Kimi ga Kemono ni Naru Mae ni is another manga series by Sano that ran in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine from October 2021 to March 2023. The series concluded with eight volumes, further establishing Sano’s presence in the manga industry.
Diverse Portfolio
Sano’s diverse range of works demonstrates his versatility as a manga artist. From comedy to drama and horror, his ability to tackle different genres has solidified his reputation in the manga world. His stories often feature complex characters and thought-provoking themes, appealing to a wide audience.
What to Expect from ‘Bakudan’
Given Takashi Sano’s track record, Bakudan promises to be a thrilling and suspenseful manga series. The premise of a man predicting bombings creates immediate tension, and Sano’s storytelling abilities suggest a complex plot with unexpected twists. Fans of Back When You Called Us Devils and his other works can anticipate a gripping narrative that explores dark themes and challenges readers’ expectations.
Suspense and Thrills
Bakudan is poised to deliver a high level of suspense and thrills. The race-against-time scenario, coupled with the mystery surrounding the man’s ability to predict bombings, sets the stage for a captivating and intense reading experience.
Dark Themes and Complex Characters
Sano’s tendency to explore dark themes and create complex characters suggests that Bakudan will delve into the psychological aspects of its characters and the consequences of their actions. Readers can expect a narrative that challenges their perceptions and keeps them engaged until the very end.
Where to Read ‘Bakudan’
Bakudan is currently being serialized on Kodansha’s Comic Days platform. Readers can access the latest chapters and immerse themselves in the unfolding mystery. Kodansha’s digital platform provides an accessible way to stay updated with Sano’s latest work.
Digital Accessibility
The Comic Days platform offers a convenient way for readers to access Bakudan and other manga series. With new chapters released regularly, fans can easily follow the story and engage with the latest developments.
Supporting the Creator
By reading Bakudan on Kodansha’s official platform, fans can support Takashi Sano and the creators involved in bringing the manga to life. This support helps ensure that artists like Sano can continue to create compelling and innovative works.
The Impact of Takashi Sano on Manga and Anime
Takashi Sano has made a significant impact on both the manga and anime industries. His unique storytelling style, combined with his versatility in different genres, has earned him a dedicated following. Whether through his direction in anime or his writing and illustration in manga, Sano continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences.
Influence and Innovation
Sano’s influence extends beyond his individual works. His willingness to experiment with different styles and themes has inspired other creators and contributed to the evolution of manga and anime. His innovative approach to storytelling has set him apart as a visionary in the industry.
Continued Contributions
As Takashi Sano embarks on this new chapter with Bakudan, his continued contributions to the world of manga and anime are eagerly anticipated. With his talent for crafting suspenseful narratives and exploring complex themes, Sano is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers and viewers alike.
