The ongoing military manga series, Kūbo Ibuki Great Game, written by Kaiji Kawaguchi with cooperation from journalist Osamu Eya, is set to conclude in seven chapters. The announcement comes as fans follow the geopolitical narrative in Shogakukan’s Big Comic magazine.
The impending conclusion brings to an end the sequel to the highly acclaimed Kūbo Ibuki series, which originally ran from December 2014 to December 2019.
The Legacy of Kūbo Ibuki
The original Kūbo Ibuki manga, known for its realistic portrayal of modern naval warfare and geopolitical tensions, captivated readers with its compelling story. It depicted Japan’s construction of the aircraft carrier Ibuki in response to a near-skirmish with China near the disputed Senkaku Islands. The series explored themes of international relations, self-defense, and the moral complexities of military engagement.
Critical Acclaim and Adaptations
Kūbo Ibuki garnered significant critical success, winning the 63rd Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in January 2018. By October 2022, the manga had over 8 million copies in circulation, demonstrating its widespread popularity.
The series also inspired a live-action film adaptation, which premiered in Japan in May 2019. The film opened at second in the Japanese box office and grossed ¥931,625,500 ($8.58 million) as of June 2019.
Kūbo Ibuki Great Game: A New Era of Conflict
The sequel, Kūbo Ibuki Great Game, launched in Big Comic magazine on December 25, 2019, shortly after the original series concluded. This new installment continued the story, set sometime after the “battle of Senkaku,” and delved into a “great game” where global powers compete for sovereignty.
The plot of Kūbo Ibuki Great Game has focused on new challenges, including the geopolitical implications of decreasing sea ice in the Arctic Ocean and attacks on civilian research vessels. The Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Shiranui, with Kaburaki—a candidate for the next captain of the Ibuki—onboard, is dispatched to conduct research, only to face unexpected hostilities.
Publication Details and Upcoming Volumes
Shogakukan has been collecting the chapters of Kūbo Ibuki Great Game into individual tankōbon volumes. The 17th compiled book volume is scheduled for publication on September 30, with the manga expected to conclude with a total of 19 volumes. Kaiji Kawaguchi is credited for the story and art, with Osamu Eya providing original story cooperation, and Katsumasa Yagi and Masato Ushio also cooperating on the project.
As the series approaches its finale, fans will be eagerly anticipating the resolution of the intricate geopolitical conflicts and character arcs that have defined the Kūbo Ibuki universe.
