Satoshi Shiki’s Casshern R manga has a new home! After a brief hiatus, the series has restarted its serialization on Akita Shoten’s Manga Cross website. Fans of the classic Casshern franchise can now follow Tetsuya Azuma’s ongoing battle against Andro and his robot army on this digital platform.
A New Beginning for a Classic Tale
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Manga Cross published the fourth and latest chapter of Casshern R, along with the first three chapters to welcome new readers. This marks the official move of the manga from Akita Shoten’s Monthly Champion RED magazine, as announced by Satoshi Shiki in November 2023. The manga originally launched in Monthly Champion RED in September 2023.
Where to Read
- Manga Cross: The official website where Casshern R is currently being serialized.
What is Manga Cross?
Manga Cross is Akita Shoten’s online platform for reading manga. It offers a variety of titles, including both new and classic series.
Key features of Manga Cross and similar platforms:
- Extensive File Support: Supports a vast array of file formats.
- Manga/Comic Reader: Built-in readers designed for manga and comic formats.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Accessible on multiple devices without dependencies.
- Customization: Offers options to customize the reading experience, such as image scaling and reading direction.
- Offline Reading: Ability to download chapters for offline access.
Other platforms for manga reading:
- Mangayomi: A free and open-source, cross-platform manga reader with extensive source support.
- CoManga: A cross-platform application that allows users to download comics and manga for free on Android, iOS, and UWP.
- Flutter Manga Reader: A cross-platform manga reader built with Flutter, designed to provide an iOS version of similar apps like Tachiyomi.
Casshern: A Legacy of Cybernetic Heroism
Casshern (also known as Neo-Human Casshern or Shinzō Ningen Kyashān) is a science fiction superhero anime series created by Tatsunoko Production founder Tatsuo Yoshida in 1973. The story follows Tetsuya Azuma, who transforms himself into the android Casshern to fight the robots that have taken over the world.
The Original Anime (1973-1974)
- Original Run: October 2, 1973 – June 25, 1974
- Episodes: 35
- Studio: Tatsunoko Production
- Director: Hiroshi Sasagawa
Key Characters
- Casshern (Tetsuya Azuma): The protagonist, an android with a human consciousness who fights to protect humanity from the robotic threat.
- Luna: A 15-year-old girl who fights alongside Casshern and is essential in the battle against the Android Army.
- Friender: Originally Tetsuya’s pet dog, Lucky, revived as a robotic dog with the ability to transform into various vehicles to support Casshern.
- Braiking Boss (BK-1): The main antagonist, the first android created by Dr. Azuma, who rebels and leads the Android Army in a plot to conquer Earth.
Plot Overview
Dr. Kotaro Azuma creates automatons to serve humankind, but the first android, BK-1, is struck by lightning and goes out of control. BK-1 escapes and leads an Android Army to conquer the Earth. Tetsuya Azuma becomes Casshern, a cyborg, to fight against this threat.
The Creative Team Behind Casshern R
- Artist: Satoshi Shiki
- Writer: Chabo Higurashi
Satoshi Shiki: A Prolific Manga Artist
Satoshi Shiki is a Japanese manga artist known for his diverse works, including:
- XBlade
- XBlade Cross
- Daphne in the Brilliant Blue
- Attack on Titan: Before the Fall
- The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru (remake of Osamu Tezuka’s Dororo)
- Akuma Kōjo (The Devil Princess)
A Franchise Spanning Decades
The Casshern franchise has seen numerous adaptations and remakes, each offering a unique take on the core story:
- Casshern: Robot Hunter (1993): An original video animation (OVA) remake of the original series.
- Casshern (2004): A live-action film adaptation directed by Kazuaki Kiriya.
- Casshern Sins (2008): An anime series reboot that reimagines Casshern as a cyborg responsible for the world’s ruin.
Casshern Sins
- Original Run: October 1, 2008 – March 15, 2009
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Madhouse
- Director: Shigeyasu Yamauchi
Key Differences from the Original
- Casshern Sins discards the continuity of the original series.
- Casshern is portrayed as a subordinate of Braiking Boss who assassinated Luna, leading to the world’s destruction.
- The series explores themes of death, redemption, and the meaning of existence in a post-apocalyptic world.
Where to Watch Casshern
- Funimation: Streamed Casshern Sins with English subtitles and released it on Blu-ray and DVD in North America.
- Sentai Filmworks: Released the original Casshern series on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in the United States on March 4, 2014.
The Enduring Appeal of Casshern
The Casshern franchise continues to captivate audiences with its blend of science fiction, action, and philosophical themes. The story of a cybernetic hero fighting for humanity against overwhelming odds resonates with fans across generations. With the restart of Casshern R on Manga Cross, a new chapter begins for this iconic series, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a chance to experience the world of Casshern in a fresh and exciting way.
