Renowned mangaka Hiroshi Tanaka is set to launch a brand-new Bad Boys manga series in 2026, as announced in the 24th issue of Shonengahosha’s Young King magazine on November 21. This highly anticipated return to the delinquent-themed franchise will introduce a new summer story featuring a 17-year-old protagonist named Tsukasa Kiriki.
A New Chapter in the Delinquent Saga
The upcoming Bad Boys manga will delve into a summer narrative centered around Tsukasa Kiriki, portraying a period “filled with delinquents desperately struggling to survive.” Details surrounding the specific plotlines and supporting characters are expected to be unveiled closer to the series’ debut. This new installment marks a significant event for fans of Tanaka’s long-running work, known for its gritty portrayal of youth culture and gang dynamics.
The Legacy of Bad Boys
Hiroshi Tanaka’s original Bad Boys manga garnered immense popularity, running in Young King magazine from 1988 to 1996. The series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a five-episode original video animation (OVA) adaptation between 1993 and 1998, as well as multiple live-action adaptations. These adaptations include films in 2011 and November 2013, and a 12-episode live-action television series that aired from April to June 2013. A more recent live-action film starring JO1 member Issei Mamehara premiered on May 30. The original manga’s enduring appeal is reflected in its cumulative circulation, which reached 40 million copies as of 2011.
Previous Protagonists and Themes
The original Bad Boys manga famously centered on Tsukasa Kiriki, a sheltered only son from a wealthy family who chooses to enter the world of delinquents after an encounter with a legendary figure named Murakoshi. This journey often saw Tsukasa and his friends navigating the rivalries and challenges of various motorcycle gangs in Hiroshima, aiming to assert their dominance. The new series, while featuring a protagonist also named Tsukasa Kiriki, will present a fresh summer story, suggesting a potential reinvention or a different perspective within the established Bad Boys universe.
Hiroshi Tanaka’s Enduring Influence
Hiroshi Tanaka, born in Hiroshima City, debuted as a mangaka in 1987. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the delinquent manga genre, with many of his works, including Bad Boys, Bad Boys Glare, and Kippo, often set within the same interconnected world, particularly in Hiroshima.
The announcement of the new Bad Boys series follows the conclusion of Tanaka’s Kippo manga, which saw its final chapter published in the same Young King issue that revealed the upcoming Bad Boys project. Shonengahosha is set to release the 30th and final volume of Kippo on December 22. Tanaka’s consistent output and his ability to captivate audiences with stories of youth, struggle, and camaraderie have cemented his status as a prominent figure in the manga industry for nearly four decades. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to dive into this fresh interpretation of the beloved Bad Boys narrative in 2026.
