Mark your calendars, manga fans! Two titans of the industry, Kazuhiro Fujita and Kazuhiko Shimamoto, are set to unleash brand new manga series upon the world on May 7th. The upcoming issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday will be the battleground for these highly anticipated releases, promising a double dose of excitement for readers.
Kazuhiro Fujita’s “Silver Mountain”: A Tengu’s Tale
Kazuhiro Fujita, the creative force behind beloved works like Ushio & Tora and Karakuri Circus, is bringing his signature blend of action, mystery, and folklore to Silver Mountain.
Synopsis
Silver Mountain tells the story of a young boy who finds himself whisked away to a fantastical realm by a Tengu, a legendary creature from Japanese folklore. In this enchanted land, the boy discovers a world where martial arts reigns supreme, and individuals strive for true existence through combat.
What to Expect
Known for his intricate artwork, compelling characters, and ability to weave intricate plots, Fujita is sure to deliver a manga that will captivate readers. Silver Mountain seems to be a return to form of sorts, blending the fantastical elements of Ushio & Tora with the martial arts focus seen in parts of Karakuri Circus.
Fujita’s Legacy
Fujita’s Ushio & Tora ran from 1990 to 1996 in Weekly Shonen Sunday, spanning 33 volumes. Its popularity led to an original video animation (OVA) series in 1992, and a television anime adaptation that started in July 2015, which was licensed by Sentai Filmworks and streamed on Crunchyroll. His Karakuri Circus also received a television anime adaptation by Studio VOLN, which premiered on Amazon in Japan in October 2018 and was streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime both in Japan and internationally.
Kazuhiko Shimamoto’s “Vampire-Idol Tagiru”: A Bloody Good Show?
Kazuhiko Shimamoto, celebrated for his passionate and over-the-top style in works like Hoero Pen, is diving into the world of idols with a supernatural twist in Vampire-Idol Tagiru.
Synopsis
Vampire-Idol Tagiru centers on a zealous manga artist who is creating a story about idols. The protagonist, Tagiru Chisio, is a member of an idol group. During a live performance, something extraordinary happens, setting the stage for a suspenseful and potentially comedic narrative.
What to Expect
Shimamoto’s signature fiery art style and comedic timing are highly anticipated for this new series. The blend of idol culture with supernatural elements will likely provide a unique and energetic story. Given Shimamoto’s history with self-referential manga, it will be interesting to see how he incorporates his own experiences and perspectives into the world of idol manga.
Shimamoto’s Influences
Shimamoto is well-known for his manga series Hoero Pen, which features a manga creator named Moyuro Honoo (a stand-in for Shimamoto himself). He also collaborated with Shotaro Ishinomori on a revamp of Skull Man in 1997, showcasing his respect for the classics and his ability to reimagine them. His past assistants include Katsu Aki, Masaaki Fujihara, Eisaku Kubonouchi and Tetsuo Sanjou. Some of his college classmates include Gainax founders Hideaki Anno and Hiroyuki Yamaga, among others. They later appeared as characters in his manga Aoi Honoo.
Weekly Shonen Sunday: A Manga Powerhouse
Weekly Shonen Sunday has a long history of publishing influential manga series, making it the perfect platform for these two new titles. With Silver Mountain and Vampire-Idol Tagiru joining its ranks, the magazine is poised to deliver even more exciting content to its readers.
A Promising Start to Summer
As May 7th approaches, anticipation is building for the launch of Silver Mountain and Vampire-Idol Tagiru. With two acclaimed manga authors at the helm, these new series promise to deliver unique and engaging stories that will captivate fans for months to come. The blend of folklore, martial arts, idols, and the supernatural will provide a diverse range of content that Weekly Shonen Sunday readers will appreciate.
