Shueisha’s digital manga service, MANGA Plus, has announced the addition of Eco Mikawa’s acclaimed baseball manga, Oblivion Battery (Bōkyaku Batterī), to its simultaneous publication (simulpub) lineup. This move allows international readers to access the latest chapters of the series concurrently with its Japanese release, starting Thursday, June 26. The inclusion of Oblivion Battery underscores Manga Plus’s commitment to delivering timely content to its global audience, enhancing accessibility for fans worldwide.
Understanding Simulpub: Bridging the Global Gap
The term “simulpub” is a portmanteau derived from “simultaneously published,” signifying a pivotal shift in the manga industry’s global distribution strategy. It refers to the practice where manga chapters are released in English and other languages on digital platforms, such as Manga Plus, at the exact same time they are published in Japan. This innovative approach has effectively eliminated the significant delays that historically separated Japanese and international manga releases, ensuring that fans across the globe can engage with their favorite series without long waits.
Manga Plus, as the global counterpart to Shueisha’s Japanese Shōnen Jump+ digital manga platform, plays a crucial role in this system. By offering simultaneous releases, it provides a legitimate and official avenue for readers outside of Japan to follow ongoing series, thereby supporting the creators and the industry. This model is a cornerstone of modern manga distribution, fostering a more connected and immediate global fandom.
Eco Mikawa’s Oblivion Battery: A Deep Dive
Oblivion Battery is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eco Mikawa. The series first began serialization on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ online manga app in April 2018. Categorized primarily as a sports manga, it intricately weaves elements of comedy, school life, and slice of life into its narrative, offering a multifaceted reading experience.
The plot centers around a remarkable “genius battery” duo from middle school baseball: Haruka Kiyomine, a pitcher lauded for his perfect and powerful arm, and Kei Kaname, a skilled catcher known as the “General” for his strategic prowess. Their formidable talent made them nearly impossible to defeat, often crushing the dreams of opposing players. The central premise of the series kicks off when Kei suffers from amnesia, losing all memory of his baseball career.
Unexpectedly, Haruka and Kei find themselves enrolling in Kotesashi High School in Tokyo, a relatively unknown public school that lacks a proper baseball team. It is here that they encounter other once-promising baseball players who had given up the sport after being defeated by the formidable Kiyomine and Kaname duo. The series then follows the struggles and growth of these reunited talents as they reignite their passion for baseball and forge new paths together at their new school.
As of December 4, 2024, Oblivion Battery has been compiled into 20 tankōbon volumes, with the 21st volume released on April 4. The manga has garnered a dedicated following for its realistic portrayals of the sport, coupled with comedic elements and a compelling narrative about overcoming challenges and rediscovering joy in a beloved pursuit.
From Page to Screen and Stage: Oblivion Battery’s Adaptations
The popularity of Eco Mikawa’s Oblivion Battery has led to multiple adaptations across different media, significantly expanding its reach and appeal.
Anime Television Series
An anime television series adaptation, produced by the renowned studio MAPPA, premiered in April 2024 and aired until July 2024. The series brought the dynamic characters and thrilling baseball action of the manga to life, garnering attention from anime enthusiasts. Crunchyroll, a leading streaming service, streamed the anime as it aired in Japan, making it accessible to a wide international audience. Due to its success, a second season of the anime adaptation has already been announced, promising further exploration of the characters’ journey and their baseball exploits.
Original Net Animation (ONA)
Prior to the full television series, Oblivion Battery also inspired an original net animation (ONA) adaptation. Produced by MAPPA, this event anime streamed in October 2020 as part of the “Jump Special Anime Festa 2020” online event. The ONA provided an early animated glimpse into Mikawa’s world, further building anticipation for a full-fledged series.
Stage Play Adaptation
Beyond animation, the Oblivion Battery franchise is set to venture into live theatrical performance. A stage play adaptation of the manga has been announced and is scheduled to run in Tokyo and Osaka in October. This diversification into live theater highlights the versatility and broad appeal of the Oblivion Battery narrative and its characters, demonstrating its capacity to resonate across various entertainment formats.
Impact and Future Outlook
The launch of Oblivion Battery on Manga Plus’s simulpub service is a significant development for its international readership, ensuring that fans can keep pace with the manga’s progression without delay. This initiative not only enhances the reader experience but also reinforces the global nature of manga consumption in the digital age. The series’ established popularity, evidenced by its ongoing serialization since 2018 and its multiple adaptations, including a successful anime series with a confirmed second season and a forthcoming stage play, solidifies its position as a noteworthy title in the contemporary manga landscape. While the manga recently went on hiatus, it is scheduled to resume publication on September 4, promising continued adventures for the “genius battery” and their teammates.
