Shūhei Saitō’s spinoff manga, Crows Gaiden Housenka: The Beginning of Housen, is set to conclude its serialization in just two more chapters. The announcement was made in this year’s October issue of Akita Shoten’s Monthly Shōnen Champion magazine, bringing an end to the popular prequel series focusing on Housen Academy.
The Road to Conclusion
The manga, which delves into the origins of Housen Academy, a formidable rival to the notorious Suzuran High School, entered its final arc with the release of its 19th compiled book volume in June 2024. Fans have been following the story of Butta Terakado and how he shaped Housen into the powerhouse known for its “Housen Killer Corps”. The series began its serialization in Akita Shoten’s Monthly Shōnen Champion in 2017, with its first volume shipping in February 2018.
Exploring Housen Academy’s Origins
Crows Gaiden Housenka: The Beginning of Housen provides a deep dive into the history of Housen Academy, a pivotal institution within the Crows universe. The narrative unfolds one year prior to the school’s official founding, primarily focusing on Butta Terakado. It illustrates his leadership and the crucial role he played in establishing Housen’s reputation as a dominant force and a major antagonist to Suzuran High. This prequel has been essential for fans looking to understand the foundational elements that led to the well-known rivalries and characters in the broader Crows and Worst series.
Part of a Larger Universe
The Crows franchise, created by Hiroshi Takahashi, has a long-standing history that extends beyond manga to include anime and live-action films. The original Crows manga ran for 26 volumes and inspired a two-episode anime OVA adaptation. Furthermore, the series has spawned three live-action films, including Crows Zero and Crows Zero II, directed by Takashi Miike, and Crows Explode. These films, in turn, have also inspired manga adaptations. Crows Gaiden Housenka adds a significant layer to this expansive universe by filling in critical backstory, showcasing the origins of the “Housen Killer Corps” and setting the stage for future conflicts and character developments within the established lore.
The impending conclusion of Crows Gaiden Housenka: The Beginning of Housen marks the end of an important chapter in the Crows saga, offering a complete look at the formative years of one of its most iconic institutions.
