Manga artist ippatu, known for the critically acclaimed series Tsugumi Project, is set to debut a new manga titled Shōjōhime (Monkey Princess) on December 22. The new series will be available on Kodansha’s YanMaga website and is described as an action romance offering a fresh take on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.
A New Interpretation of a Classic Tale
Shōjōhime promises to bring a unique perspective to the enduring legend of Journey to the West. The classic tale, which follows the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang and his three disciples—Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—on their pilgrimage to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures, is a rich source for creative reinterpretations. ippatu’s adaptation as an “action romance” suggests a focus on dynamic storytelling and compelling character relationships within the established mythological framework.
The decision to revisit such a foundational work highlights ippatu’s artistic ambition following the successful run of Tsugumi Project. Fans can anticipate a blend of familiar elements with innovative plot devices and characterizations, delivered with the distinctive art style that has garnered ippatu a dedicated readership.
ippatu’s Acclaimed Career with Tsugumi Project
ippatu’s previous major work, Tsugumi Project (also known as Tora Tsugumi: Tsugumi Project), gained significant recognition both in Japan and internationally. The series, an action-packed, post-apocalyptic narrative, first began its publication in France in July 2019 through Ki-oon. It later began serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine in Japan in January 2021 and concluded in September 2023.
The World of Tsugumi Project
Tsugumi Project transports readers to a future where Japan has been ravaged by nuclear war, transforming it into a desolate land inhabited by mutated monsters. The story centers on Leon, a French soldier tasked with a perilous mission to recover a mysterious weapon known as “Tsugumi” from this dangerous, irradiated landscape. The manga is celebrated for its intricate artwork, compelling mystery, and intense action sequences, drawing comparisons to classics like Blame!, Spriggan, and AKIRA.
The series was collected into seven tankōbon volumes, with the final volume released in November 2023 in Japan and September 2025 for English publication by Kodansha USA Publishing. Critics have praised ippatu’s visual mastery and unique artistic influences, noting elements from both Japanese manga and European comics. Tsugumi Project was even ranked among the top manga for male readers in the 2022 edition of the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook.
Publication Details and Accessibility
Shōjōhime will be launched on Kodansha’s YanMaga website, making it accessible to a wide audience. The digital-first approach aligns with modern manga distribution trends, allowing readers to dive into ippatu’s new creation promptly on December 22. As with Tsugumi Project, there is a strong possibility of international licensing and physical volume releases for Shōjōhime in the future, given ippatu’s established global readership.
Fans eager to experience ippatu’s latest work should mark December 22 on their calendars for the debut of Shōjōhime on the YanMaga platform.
