Dark Horse Comics has exciting news for fans of Kenichi Sonoda’s action-packed manga series, Gunsmith Cats. The sequel manga, Gunsmith Cats Burst, is set to be reprinted in a new two-volume omnibus edition. This announcement, made on Thursday, May 29, 2025, promises a fresh look at the series with updated translation, lettering, and retouching by Studio Cutie.
What to Expect From the Omnibus Editions
The Gunsmith Cats Burst omnibus editions will collect the entire Burst series into two comprehensive volumes. These editions will present the manga in its original Japanese format, meaning readers will read from right to left. This edition is specifically for mature audiences.
Volume One
- Story: Rally and Bean Bandit find themselves in Texas after Bean’s vehicle is stolen. Rally hires Bean to get her and her bounty back to Chicago, but their rental car has limited gas. They end up at a remote motel with mob hitmen on their trail.
- New Character: Meet Inspector Percy Bacharach from the Detroit P.D., who drives a Mustang Mach 1. He’s after Bean Bandit for wrecking too many squad cars and is transferred to Chicago to pursue him. However, Percy isn’t just looking to arrest Bean; he wants a deadly highway duel.
- Collects: Gunsmith Cats: Burst chapters 1-22
- Release Date: January 6, 2026
- Pages: 488
Volume Two
- Story: An illegal road race for V8 enthusiasts is underway, with Rally tailing Bean Bandit in her Mustang II King Cobra. Detective Percy is also in the race, planning to sabotage Bean with hired mercenaries while taking a cut from the bets. Back in Chicago, old enemies resurface, putting Rally in danger. Mob boss Goldie has amnesia, and her crew wants Rally to restore her memory.
- Translation, Lettering, and Retouching: Studio Cutie
Gunsmith Cats: A Brief Overview
Gunsmith Cats is a Japanese manga series created by Kenichi Sonoda. It was originally published in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine from 1991 to 1997. The series follows Irene “Rally” Vincent, a young woman who runs a gun shop called “Gunsmith Cats” in Chicago. However, Rally’s main source of income comes from her work as a bounty hunter.
Main Characters
- Rally Vincent: A skilled marksman and gun expert. She owns and operates Gunsmith Cats, using her skills to catch criminals.
- Minnie May Hopkins: Rally’s housemate and partner, who is an explosives expert. She assists Rally in her bounty hunting activities.
- Bean Bandit: A top-notch transporter often hired for his driving skills. He frequently crosses paths with Rally.
- Becky Farrah: Appears in Gunsmith Cats Burst.
- Ken Takizawa: An ATF agent who sometimes works with Rally and May.
Story Setting
The series is set in Chicago and the Midwestern United States, where Rally and May navigate a world filled with dangerous criminals, mobsters, and high-speed chases.
Gunsmith Cats Burst: The Sequel
Gunsmith Cats Burst is the sequel series to the original Gunsmith Cats. It was published from 2004 to 2008 and continues the adventures of Rally and May. In Burst, Rally continues her bounty hunting work, while new challenges and enemies emerge.
Previous English Releases
Dark Horse Comics has previously published Gunsmith Cats in English. The original series was released in individual monthly issues, followed by collected volumes and omnibus editions. Gunsmith Cats Burst was also previously available in English, but individual volumes have become hard to find.
Why This Reprint Matters
- Accessibility: The omnibus editions will make the Gunsmith Cats Burst series more accessible to fans who may have missed the original release or had difficulty finding the individual volumes.
- Updated Quality: With translation, lettering, and retouching by Studio Cutie, the omnibus editions promise an improved reading experience.
- Original Format: Presenting the manga in its original right-to-left format allows readers to experience the story as it was intended.
- Comprehensive Collection: Collecting the entire series into two volumes provides a complete and convenient way to enjoy Gunsmith Cats Burst.
About Kenichi Sonoda
Kenichi Sonoda is a renowned manga artist and character designer. In addition to Gunsmith Cats, he is known for his work on Cannon God Exaxxion and his character designs for anime series like Bubblegum Crisis and SoltyRei.
Reception and Legacy
Gunsmith Cats has been praised for its action-packed stories, well-developed characters, and detailed depictions of firearms and vehicles. The series has a dedicated fanbase and is considered a classic in the manga world.
Where to Buy
The Gunsmith Cats Burst Omnibus editions will be available for purchase through various retailers, including:
- Comic Book Stores: Check your local comic shop for availability.
- Online Retailers: Online platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
- Dark Horse Comics: Visit the Dark Horse Comics website for more information and to purchase the omnibus editions.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming release of the Gunsmith Cats Burst omnibus editions is a great opportunity for both longtime fans and new readers to experience this exciting manga series. With updated quality and a comprehensive collection, these editions are a must-have for any manga enthusiast. Mark your calendars for January 6, 2026, and get ready to dive back into the world of Rally Vincent and Minnie May Hopkins!
