Shingo Honda, the creative force behind the popular manga Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san, has been busy crafting new stories for readers to enjoy. Known for his unique blend of humor and insight, Honda’s latest works promise to deliver more of the engaging narratives his fans have come to expect. Here’s a look at what Honda has been up to, including new manga releases and upcoming English adaptations of his previous work.
Utsubushi-sensei no Kakenai Seikatsu (Utsubushi’s Life With Writer’s Block)
Most recently, Honda launched a new comedy manga titled Utsubushi-sensei no Kakenai Seikatsu (Utsubushi’s Life With Writer’s Block). The manga debuted in Shinchosha’s Comic @Bunch Kai digital manga magazine on April 18, 2025.
Storyline
The series centers on Tadao Utsubushi, a novelist working for the fictional publisher Hakugeisha, who is grappling with a severe case of writer’s block. The story follows Utsubushi’s daily struggles as he attempts to overcome his creative slump and get back to writing.
Happyland: A Horror Manga
For fans of horror, Shingo Honda’s Happyland is set to debut in English this September from ABLAZE Manga. This two-volume series promises a thrilling and gory tale set in an extreme amusement park.
Premise
Happyland tells the story of the Komiya family, who appear to be living an ideal life until they visit the titular amusement park. As they explore the park’s extreme attractions, their deepest and most shameful secrets begin to emerge in explosive and horrifying ways.
Publication Details
- The first volume of Happyland is scheduled for release on September 11, 2024, and will be available both in print and digital formats.
- The manga was originally serialized in Nihonbungeisha’s Manga Goraku Special magazine from August 2019 to March 2021, with the final compiled book volume released in Japan in June 2021.
Honda’s Style
Unlike the cute and innocent style often associated with all-ages Shonen manga, Honda employs a more angular and naturalistic art style in Happyland, making it clear that this manga is intended for a mature audience. Expect a gritty and visually striking experience as the dark secrets of Happyland are revealed.
Yameru Hoshi yori Ai o Komete (From Sick Planet With Love)
In January 2020, Honda launched Yameru Hoshi yori Ai o Komete (From Sick Planet With Love), a science-fiction manga, in Akita Shoten’s Mystery Bonita magazine. The series concluded on January 6, 2025, with the fifth and final compiled book volume published on March 14, 2025.
Plot Overview
The manga follows Yakumo, a traumatized police officer who finds solace in the presence of a fluffy, healing being. The 54-page first chapter included a color opening page.
Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san: A Retrospective
Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san remains one of Honda’s most celebrated works. The manga, which began on the pixiv Comic website in August 2015, concluded in March 2019 with four volumes.
Story and Themes
- The series is based on Honda’s real-life experiences working in a bookstore.
- The story revolves around Honda, a skeleton bookseller, and his masked colleagues as they navigate the challenges of retail, from stocking shelves to dealing with demanding customers.
- The manga offers a humorous and insightful look into the world of bookselling, particularly the unique demands of a bookstore catering to manga and art book enthusiasts.
Anime Adaptation
Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san was adapted into an anime series that premiered in October 2018. The anime, streamed by Crunchyroll, brought Honda’s quirky characters and relatable stories to a wider audience.
Availability
Yen Press publishes the manga in English, with the fourth volume released in May 2020. Discotek Media released the anime on Blu-ray in March 2022.
Other Notable Works by Shingo Honda
Shingo Honda has created several other notable manga series, including:
- Saiko Kuro (Saiko Black)
- Kiriko
- Kiriko Kill
- Crows Respect
- Hakaijuu Vs. Mahou Shoujo of the End Vs. Earth
- Creature!
These works showcase Honda’s versatility as a writer and artist, with each series offering a unique blend of genres and themes.
Where to Find Honda’s Works
Shingo Honda’s manga are available through various retailers and online platforms. Here are some places where you can find his works:
- Yen Press: For English editions of Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san.
- ABLAZE Manga: For Happyland, starting September 2024.
- Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indigo, Kinokuniya, Crunchyroll Store: For various manga volumes.
- Digital Platforms: Digital versions of ABLAZE titles are available on major digital platforms.
Final Thoughts
Shingo Honda continues to be a prominent figure in the manga world, captivating readers with his distinctive storytelling and artistic style. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, there’s plenty to look forward to from this talented creator. From the comedic struggles of a writer with writer’s block to the horrifying secrets of an amusement park, Honda’s manga offers a diverse range of engaging stories. Be sure to check out his latest releases and explore his extensive back catalog to experience the full scope of his creative vision.
