Masahito Soda, the celebrated manga artist known for his “Firefighter! Daigo of Fire Company M” series, and Kuro Tomiyama are set to launch a new motorsports-themed manga in Spring 2026. The as-yet untitled series will be serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior magazine.
A New Drive for Manga Fans
The announcement comes as Masahito Soda and Kuro Tomiyama’s current work, Megumi no Daigo: Kyūkoku no Orange (Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange), recently went on an indefinite hiatus after concluding its first part in February 2024 and resuming for a second part in May. This new motorsports venture marks a fresh direction for the acclaimed duo, promising to captivate readers with high-octane narratives.
Creators’ Track Record
Masahito Soda has a storied career in the manga industry, with a notable reputation for compelling narratives across various genres. His original Firefighter! Daigo of Fire Company M manga was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday from 1995 to 1999, earning the 42nd Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōnen category in 1996. The series focused on Daigo Asahina, a young firefighter learning the ropes and striving to become a hero.
A sequel, Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange, written and illustrated by Soda, with assistance from Kuro Tomiyama, began serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Magazine in October 2020. This sequel continued the legacy of the “Firefighter Daigo” universe, which also inspired an anime television series adaptation that aired from September 2023 to March 2024. Crunchyroll streamed the anime, describing it as the story of three young firefighters destined to save Japan.
Soda is also recognized for other popular works such as Capeta, a motorsports manga that won the Kodansha Manga Award in the Best Shōnen Manga category in 2005. His diverse portfolio includes series like Subaru and Change!, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller.
Anticipation for the 2026 Launch
The forthcoming motorsports-themed manga is generating significant buzz among fans, eager to see how the “Firefighter Daigo Duo” will translate their storytelling prowess to the fast-paced world of racing. Given Soda’s previous success with Capeta, expectations are high for a detailed and engaging portrayal of motorsports. The new series will be an exciting addition to Big Comic Superior‘s lineup in Spring 2026.
