Takashi Shiina, the acclaimed manga artist known for his long-running series “Zettai Karen Children” and his recent adaptation of “Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon,” is set to launch a new manga titled “Kurogane no Mabito” (Iron Denizens). The announcement comes from the January 2026 issue of Shogakukan’s Shōnen Sunday S magazine, with the new series slated to debut in the magazine’s next issue on December 25.
The new manga will feature a color opening page and grace the front cover of the Shōnen Sunday S issue, building anticipation for what the magazine teases as a heroic saga.
“Kurogane no Mabito”: A Heroic Saga of Supernatural Confrontation
“Kurogane no Mabito” is described as a heroic saga centered around young boys and girls possessing supernatural powers who find themselves pitted against the supernatural itself. The story is set three years after a devastating world war concluded, a conflict fought against invading creatures from another world. This premise suggests a blend of post-apocalyptic themes, supernatural action, and the classic shonen trope of powerful youths.
Given Shiina’s previous works, fans can likely expect a compelling narrative with a mix of action, drama, and potentially his characteristic humor. The setting, following a major global conflict, provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of recovery, lingering threats, and the emergence of new heroes.
Shiina’s Illustrious Career: From “Ghost Sweeper Mikami” to “Zettai Karen Children”
Takashi Shiina has a prolific career spanning several decades, primarily contributing to Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday and Shōnen Sunday S magazines. He is celebrated for his distinctive art style and engaging storytelling.
The Enduring Legacy of “Zettai Karen Children”
One of Shiina’s most well-known works is “Zettai Karen Children” (also known as “Psychic Squad” in North America), a sci-fi comedy series that ran for an impressive 16 years from 2005 to 2021. The manga, which began in Weekly Shonen Sunday, followed three young girls with immense psychic powers and their handler, a government agent. The series was popular enough to inspire a 52-episode television anime in 2008 and an original video anime adaptation in 2010. A spin-off anime, “The Unlimited – Hyōbu Kyōsuke,” focusing on one of the series’ antagonists, also aired in 2013.
Adapting “Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon”
More recently, Shiina took on the manga adaptation of “Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon,” the anime spin-off of Rumiko Takahashi’s beloved “Inuyasha” series. He launched this adaptation in Shōnen Sunday S in September 2021 and concluded it on June 25 earlier this year, with the tenth and final compiled volume published on August 18. His involvement in “Yashahime” was met with excitement, with many praising his ability to capture the spirit of Takahashi’s work while adding his own flair.
Earlier Works: “Ghost Sweeper Mikami”
Before “Zettai Karen Children,” Shiina gained significant recognition for “Ghost Sweeper Mikami: Gokuraku Daisakusen!!” (often shortened to “Ghost Sweeper Mikami”). This series, about a money-grubbing exorcist, ran from 1991 to 1999 and also received an anime adaptation. “Ghost Sweeper Mikami” earned Shiina a Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 1993, solidifying his status in the manga industry.
Anticipation Builds for Shiina’s Latest Endeavor
The launch of “Kurogane no Mabito” marks a new chapter for Takashi Shiina, as he delves into a fresh original story after recently concluding his work on “Yashahime.” Fans of his previous action-packed and character-driven narratives are eagerly awaiting his return to an original concept, especially one with such an intriguing post-war, supernatural premise. The prominence given to the new manga with a color opening and front cover placement in Shōnen Sunday S suggests that Shogakukan also has high expectations for the series.
