Star Fruit Books has announced that they have licensed Chikae Ide’s classic sports manga, “The Final Strike” (Saigo no Strike), for an English release slated for 2026. This exciting news has already generated buzz among manga enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for shoujo and retro titles. Here’s everything we know about this upcoming release.
What is “The Final Strike”?
“The Final Strike” is a sports manga by Chikae Ide that revolves around bowling. Published in Ribon in 1971, it captures the essence of sportsmanship, competition, and personal growth, characteristic of sports manga of that era. While specific plot details aren’t readily available in the announcement, it’s safe to assume the story follows a protagonist who is passionate about bowling, navigating challenges, and striving for victory in the sport.
Chikae Ide: A Glimpse at the Creator
Chikae Ide is a manga artist known for her contributions to the shoujo genre. While “The Final Strike” appears to be one of her earlier works, she is also known for “ladies'” manga (a subgenre of shoujo manga that features romantic relationships between women). Securing the license for “The Final Strike” is an exciting opportunity for fans to delve into Ide’s earlier work and discover the roots of her artistic style.
Star Fruit Books: Champions of Indie Manga
Star Fruit Books is an independent manga publisher based in the U.S. that has been around since May 26th, 2020. They are known for bringing a diverse range of manga to English-speaking audiences, with a focus on independent creators and unique voices. Their catalog includes works from creators like Minami Q-ta, Hideshi Hino, and Kakio Tsurukawa. Star Fruit Books often utilizes crowdfunding to bring niche titles to life, directly involving the manga community in the publication process.
A Crowdfunding Campaign Incoming?
Star Fruit Books has indicated they will “most likely” crowdfund the release of “The Final Strike.” This approach allows them to gauge interest in the title and secure the necessary funding to ensure a high-quality translation and print run. Fans can expect more information about the crowdfunding campaign towards the end of the year.
More from Chikae Ide on the Horizon
The license of “The Final Strike” is just the beginning! Star Fruit Books has revealed that it plans to release “a handful of works” from Chikae Ide. This opens up the possibility for English-speaking audiences to experience a wider range of Ide’s manga, potentially including her better-known “ladies'” works.
Release Details and What to Expect
- Title: The Final Strike (Saigo no Strike)
- Creator: Chikae Ide
- Publisher: Star Fruit Books
- Release Date: 2026
- Availability: Worldwide
- Format: To be announced (likely print and potentially digital)
- Crowdfunding: Most likely to be crowdfunded
Where to Stay Updated
- Star Fruit Books Website: starfruitbooks.com
- Star Fruit Books on Social Media: Follow Star Fruit Books on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates.
- Anime News Network: Keep an eye on Anime News Network for announcements and articles.
- Reddit: Join the discussion on r/shoujo for community reactions and information.
The licensing of “The Final Strike” is a welcome surprise for manga fans. With Star Fruit Books at the helm, this classic sports manga is set to reach a new audience, offering a glimpse into the history of shoujo manga and the artistry of Chikae Ide. Get ready to support the crowdfunding campaign and add this gem to your manga collection in 2026!
