The historical fantasy action manga series Kamuya Ride, penned by acclaimed author Masato Hisa, is set to conclude with its 13th compiled volume. The final volume will bring an end to the narrative that began serialization in 2018.
Publication Journey of Kamuya Ride
Kamuya Ride first began its serialization in January 2018 within LEED Publishing’s Comic Ran Twins magazine. After several years in print, the series transitioned to LEED Publishing’s Comic Border manga website in September 2024, with its 59th chapter marking the move to the online platform. The 12th compiled volume of the manga was released on February 13, 2025.
Unraveling Ancient Japan: The Synopsis
Set in a fictionalized fantasy version of Japan’s Kofun period (approximately 250-538 AD), Kamuya Ride plunges readers into a world where ancient deities pose a significant threat. The narrative unfolds 200 years after the Yamato princes established peace by defeating clans aligned with earthly gods and sealing these powerful beings away. However, the seals begin to unravel, reigniting conflict as some individuals seek to awaken these dormant divinities.
The story centers on Prince Ousu, later known as Emperor Yamato Takeru, who embarks on a campaign to quell a rebellion led by Kawakami Takeru, a rebel leader empowered by a broken seal of an earthly god. Along his journey, Prince Ousu encounters Monko, a peddler of haniwa statues. Monko possesses the extraordinary ability to transform into Kamuya Ride, a formidable hero capable of confronting the awakened earthly gods, becoming a crucial ally in the prince’s quest to restore balance to the kingdom. The manga is categorized as a seinen series, blending elements of action, adventure, fantasy, and historical themes.
Masato Hisa’s Creative Legacy
Masato Hisa is known for his distinctive artistic style and engaging narratives that often weave historical backdrops with fantastical elements. Before Kamuya Ride, Hisa gained recognition for his Nobunagun manga, which ran from 2011 to 2015 and inspired a television anime adaptation in 2014. Hisa has also contributed to other notable works, including drawing the manga adaptation of the Batman Ninja anime and launching The Weakest Contestant in All Space and Time. He also launched a new manga titled Ryū to Rei (Dragon & Ape) in Kodansha’s Morning magazine in August 2024, alongside Naoki Azuma. The conclusion of Kamuya Ride marks another milestone in Hisa’s prolific career.
