Nihonbungeisha’s Manga Goraku Special magazine is set to end its publication run in May 2025. The announcement came in the 57th issue of the magazine, revealing that the 58th and final issue will be released on May 15th. This marks the end of a significant chapter in the world of seinen manga magazines.
A History of Manga Goraku Special
Manga Goraku Special has a complex history, evolving from other publications within Nihon Bungeisha’s manga lineup.
- Predecessor: The magazine’s roots can be traced back to Bessatsu Manga Goraku .
- Early Years: In May 2013, Nihonbungeisha launched Weekly Manga Goraku Zōkan as a supplement to the Weekly Manga Goraku magazine .
- Rebranding: In March 2014, Weekly Manga Goraku Zōkan was rebranded as Manga Goraku Special, taking over many of the serializations from the ending Bessatsu Manga Goraku .
- Print to Digital: In July 2020, Manga Goraku Special transitioned to a digital-only format, citing “changes in the manga market” and the need to “respond to current needs” . The final physical issue was released on July 15, 2020, with the digital version launching on August 15 of the same year . It was relaunched as a digital-only comic in late 2020, with numbering starting at volume (issue) #1 .
Weekly Manga Goraku: The Mainstay
Weekly Manga Goraku, the parent magazine to Manga Goraku Special, has a much longer history . Launched in 1968, it continues to be published weekly by Nihon Bungeisha . For roughly the first three years, until around September 1971, it was not published weekly and was titled Manga Goraku dokuhon .
Notable Series
Manga Goraku Special has been home to various manga series, including:
- Booty Royale: Never Go Down Without a Fight! (Hagure Idol: Jigoku-hen): This ecchi manga series by Rui Takato was first serialized in Bessatsu Manga Goraku before moving to Manga Goraku Special in 2015 .
- HAPPY LAND (Shūenchi): A manga by Shingo Honda that ran from August 2019 to March 2021 .
- Pierrot-Man: A manga with a story by Shingo Honda and art by Shinsuke Takahashi that launched in Manga Goraku in August 2022 .
Nihonbungeisha’s Digital Expansion
In addition to the digital transition of Manga Goraku Special in 2020, Nihonbungeisha has continued to expand its digital presence . On March 28, 2025, they launched the free manga website Goraku Web! . This new platform complements their previous web manga serialization site, Web Goraku.
The Impact
The ending of Manga Goraku Special marks a shift in the manga landscape . While the magazine transitioned to digital format several years ago, the end of its publication signals changing trends in the manga industry, with publishers adapting to digital platforms and evolving reader preferences . The launch of Goraku Web! indicates Nihonbungeisha’s ongoing commitment to digital manga distribution .
As Manga Goraku Special prepares for its final issue, fans and industry observers reflect on its contribution to seinen manga . The magazine’s legacy will live on through the series it has published and its role in the evolution of manga publishing .
