Osamu Akimoto, the celebrated manga artist behind the legendary KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, is set to see another one of his unique creations, Mr. Clice, receive an anime adaptation. The action-comedy series, known for its distinctive gender-bending premise, will bring its long-running narrative to the screen.
From Print to Animation: A New Era for Mr. Clice
The announcement marks a significant development for fans of Akimoto’s diverse body of work, extending beyond his most famous creation. Mr. Clice has garnered a dedicated following since its initial serialization, and its transition to anime is anticipated to introduce the series to a broader international audience. While specific details regarding the anime’s production studio, release date, and voice cast are yet to be fully disclosed, the news has already generated considerable excitement within the anime community.
Diving into the World of Mr. Clice
The Premise: A Spy’s Unexpected Transformation
Mr. Clice centers on Jin Clice, a highly skilled A-rank spy working for Japan’s National Special Operations Agency. During a perilous mission, Clice is mortally wounded. To preserve their valuable asset, the agency performs a drastic measure: transplanting his brain into the body of a recently deceased 20-year-old woman. This unexpected transformation forces Clice to navigate dangerous international espionage missions while simultaneously grappling with the challenges and nuances of his new female form, all with the ultimate goal of regaining a male body. The series masterfully blends action, comedy, and gender-bender themes, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and humorous.
Publication History of the Manga
Written and illustrated by Osamu Akimoto, Mr. Clice has an extensive and somewhat unconventional publication history. The manga first began its irregular serialization in Shueisha’s Monthly Shōnen Jump magazine in December 1985. It continued in this format until June 2007, when the magazine ceased publication.
Years later, the series was revived, resuming in Jump Square from February 2017 to January 2018. Following this, it moved to Jump SQ. Rise, where it has continued serialization since April 2018. Over its run, the manga has been collected into multiple tankōbon volumes, with new editions being released to accompany its revived serialization.
Osamu Akimoto’s Legacy Beyond KochiKame
Osamu Akimoto is primarily renowned for KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, a manga that achieved an astonishing 40-year continuous serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1976 to 2016. With 1,960 chapters and 201 collected volumes, KochiKame held the Guinness World Record for “Most volumes published for a single manga series” for several years and has sold over 155 million copies.
However, Akimoto’s creative output extends far beyond KochiKame. He is known for his versatility and prolificacy, often working on multiple series concurrently or launching new projects shortly after concluding others. Mr. Clice stands as a testament to this diverse talent, offering a different flavor of action and comedy than his flagship work. His other notable works include the Western series Black Tiger. The anime adaptation of Mr. Clice further solidifies Akimoto’s enduring influence and the appeal of his unique storytelling across various genres.
