Shogo Sugitani, the creator best known for “Pompo: The Cinéphile,” is set to launch a brand new manga series titled “Formula Girl” on May 7th. Fans of Sugitani’s work can look forward to this exciting new project, which promises a high-speed, action-packed story. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming release.
A New Series: Formula Girl
Sugitani announced the new manga, “Formula Girl,” via his X (formerly Twitter) account on April 24, 2025. The manga will be available on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app. The premise of “Formula Girl” revolves around girls who “run 300 kilometers per hour” (approximately 186 mph), suggesting a sports-themed narrative with a focus on speed and competition. The tweet also mentioned the launch of an official account for the series.
Shogo Sugitani: The Creator Behind the Magic
Shogo Sugitani, also known under the pen name Ningen Plamo (“Human Plastic Model”), is a Japanese manga creator. He gained significant recognition for his work “Pompo: The Cinéphile” (Eiga Daisuki Pompo-san), which he began posting on the pixiv website in April 2017. “Pompo: The Cinéphile” garnered over 500,000 views through positive word-of-mouth on social media and other platforms.
Sugitani’s work on “Pompo: The Cinéphile” has earned him critical acclaim and recognition within the manga industry.
Pompo: The Cinéphile – A Deep Dive
“Pompo: The Cinéphile” is a comedy and slice-of-life manga series that delves into the world of filmmaking. The story is set in Nyallywood, a parody of Hollywood, and follows Gene Fini, a film fanatic working as an assistant for the baby-faced movie producer Joelle Davidovich “Pompo” Pomponette. Pompo gives Gene a life-changing opportunity when she tasks him with directing a film. The series explores the challenges and passions involved in making movies.
The manga was nominated for the 11th Manga Taisho awards in 2018. Sugitani also launched a spin-off manga, “Fran: The Cinéphile” (Eiga Daisuki Fran-chan NYALLYWOOD STUDIOS SERIES), on the pixiv Comic website in July 2018.
Anime Adaptation
“Pompo: The Cinéphile” inspired an anime film that premiered in Japan on June 4, 2021. The film was directed by Takayuki Hirao and produced by CLAP.
The anime film was initially set to release in March 2021 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. GKIDS acquired the rights to the film in North America and screened it in both Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub in April 2022. The film was also nominated for Best Animated Feature – Independent at the 49th Annie Awards.
Manga Volumes
The “Pompo: The Cinéphile” manga series has been collected into several volumes:
- Pompo: The Cinéphile Vol. 1: Released on August 3, 2021.
- Pompo: The Cinéphile Vol. 2: Released on November 2, 2021.
- Pompo: The Cinéphile Vol. 3: Released on February 28, 2023.
Additionally, there are spin-off manga series:
- Fran: The Cinéphile: Started in July 2018.
- Kāna: The Cinéphile: Published in September 2020.
- Mazurka: The Cinéphile: Started in May 2022.
- Nyallywood! 2 – Alan: The Cinéphile: Published in January 2024.
Story and Themes
“Pompo: The Cinéphile” explores themes of passion, creativity, and the challenges of filmmaking. It portrays the dedication required to bring a film to life and the various personalities involved in the process. The series balances humor and heartfelt moments, appealing to a wide audience.
Where to Read “Formula Girl”
“Formula Girl” will be serialized on Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app starting May 7th. Manga ONE is a popular platform for reading manga online, offering a variety of titles across different genres.
What to Expect from “Formula Girl”
Given Sugitani’s previous work, fans can anticipate a well-crafted story with engaging characters and dynamic visuals. The sports theme, combined with the high-speed concept, promises a thrilling and exciting series. Sugitani’s storytelling and artistic style are expected to deliver a unique and captivating experience for readers.
Other Works and Adaptations
Besides “Pompo: The Cinéphile,” Shogo Sugitani has created other manga and spin-offs, showcasing his versatility and creativity. The success of “Pompo: The Cinéphile” led to an anime film adaptation, further expanding Sugitani’s reach and recognition.
Anime Film Details
The anime film adaptation of “Pompo: The Cinéphile” features:
- Director: Takayuki Hirao
- Animation Studio: CLAP
- Music Composer: Kenta Matsukuma
- Voice Cast: Konomi Kohara, Hiroya Shimizu, Ai Kakuma, Akio Otsuka, Ryuichi Kijima, and Rinka Otani
The film’s plot revolves around Gene Fini, a production assistant, and Joelle Davidovich Pomponette (Pompo), a talented film producer. Pompo challenges Gene to direct a film, leading him on a journey filled with challenges and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
Shogo Sugitani’s new manga, “Formula Girl,” is highly anticipated by fans and manga enthusiasts. With its intriguing premise and Sugitani’s proven track record, “Formula Girl” is set to be a noteworthy addition to the manga landscape. Be sure to check out the first chapter on May 7th via Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app.
