The legendary Street Fighter franchise is set to expand its universe with a brand-new manga series, Street Fighter Luke Rising, launching on June 29th. This exciting addition to the Street Fighter saga promises to bring fresh energy and storylines to fans old and new.
A New Manga Series: Street Fighter Luke Rising
On June 2, 2025, Shogakukan’s Coro Coro Comics magazine officially announced the upcoming release of Street Fighter Luke Rising. The manga is drawn by Yoshio Mokomokomaru Masao, known for their work on Gaming Ojō-sama. This new series will be serialized in Coro Coro Comics, offering a fresh perspective on the Street Fighter universe.
The announcement was made via the official X/Twitter account of Coro Coro Comics, generating buzz among fans eager to see their favorite fighting game characters in a new manga format. The artwork released features Luke and Ryu, key characters in Street Fighter 6, hinting at the storyline’s focus.
Yoshio Mokomokomaru Masao: The Artist Behind the Manga
Yoshio Mokomokomaru Masao is the artist bringing Street Fighter Luke Rising to life. Previously, Masao worked on the Gaming Ojō-sama manga, which ran in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app from July 2020 to December 2022. Masao’s experience in manga creation sets the stage for a dynamic and visually appealing Street Fighter adaptation.
Street Fighter 6: The Inspiration
Street Fighter Luke Rising is timed nicely with the success of Street Fighter 6, which launched in June 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Street Fighter 6 has been praised for its innovative features, including real-time in-game commentary and a single-player adventure mode with customizable player avatars. The manga is expected to draw inspiration from the game, potentially exploring the backstories and adventures of characters like Luke and Ryu in greater detail.
Street Fighter’s Multimedia Universe
The Street Fighter franchise extends far beyond video games, encompassing various forms of media, including comics, live-action films, and animated series. This new manga adds to the rich tapestry of Street Fighter lore, providing fans with yet another way to engage with their beloved characters and stories.
A Legacy of Manga and Comics
Street Fighter has a long history with manga and comics. Masaomi Kanzaki’s Street Fighter II: Ryu manga, serialized in Family Computer Magazine in 1993 and 1994, was one of the earliest adaptations. UDON Entertainment has also been a significant contributor, producing numerous Street Fighter comic book series under license from Capcom. These series not only adapt established storylines but also explore new narratives, address continuity retcons, and draw from fan theories.
UDON’s Street Fighter comic series shares continuity with other Capcom franchises like Darkstalkers, Rival Schools, and Final Fight, creating a broader Capcom universe for fans to enjoy.
UDON Entertainment’s Contributions
UDON Entertainment has been a key player in expanding the Street Fighter universe through comics. Their series include:
- Street Fighter (2003-2005)
- Street Fighter II (2005-2006)
- Street Fighter Legends: Sakura (2006)
- Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li (2009)
- Street Fighter II: Turbo (2008-2010)
- Street Fighter IV (2009)
- Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki (2010)
- Super Street Fighter (2013, 2015)
- Street Fighter Origins (2013, 2023)
- Street Fighter Unlimited (2015-2016)
- Street Fighter Legends: Cammy (2016)
UDON’s comics often delve into character backstories and explore relationships, offering depth beyond the fighting game narratives.
Live-Action Adaptations
Legendary Entertainment is currently producing a live-action film adaptation based on the Street Fighter series, adding another dimension to the franchise’s reach. While past live-action adaptations have had mixed receptions, there’s hope that this new film will capture the essence of Street Fighter for a broader audience.
Street Fighter: A Gaming Legacy
Street Fighter first appeared on August 30, 1987, marking the beginning of a fighting game dynasty. With over 56 million units sold worldwide as of December 2024, it stands as one of the highest-grossing video game franchises.
Key Games in the Series
- Street Fighter (1987): The original that started it all.
- Street Fighter II (1991): Revolutionized the fighting game genre.
- Street Fighter Alpha (1995): Explored the backstory of the main characters.
- Street Fighter III (1997): Introduced new mechanics and characters.
- Street Fighter IV (2008): Revived the series with modern graphics.
- Street Fighter V (2016): Continued the saga with online play and updates.
- Street Fighter 6 (2023): The latest installment, known for its innovative features.
The Impact of Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II is particularly notable for establishing many conventions of the one-on-one fighting genre. Its success led to numerous iterations and set the standard for future fighting games.
Street Fighter 6: A Modern Evolution
Street Fighter 6, powered by the RE Engine, includes features like real-time in-game commentary and a single-player adventure mode. These additions aim to broaden the game’s appeal and provide new ways for players to engage with the Street Fighter world.
Community and Engagement
The Street Fighter community remains active and passionate, with ongoing discussions, tournaments, and fan creations.
Fan Creations and Art Contests
Capcom actively engages with the Street Fighter community through art contests and events. The “Street Fighter Art Contest: New Challenger Edition 2” accepts submissions from June 2 to June 29, 2025, with winning entries implemented in-game.
Online Communities
Online forums and social media groups are popular places for fans to discuss the games, share fan art, and organize events. Platforms like Reddit’s r/StreetFighter host discussions about the best comics and manga to read, character strategies, and more.
Other Street Fighter Comics
Besides Street Fighter Luke Rising, several other Street Fighter comics and manga are worth exploring:
- Street Fighter II: Ryu by Masaomi Kanzaki: An early manga adaptation that introduces Gouken.
- Street Fighter Alpha by Masahiko Nakahira: Explores the events of the Street Fighter Alpha series.
- Street Fighter: Sakura Ganbaru! by Masahiko Nakahira: Focuses on Sakura’s journey to become a street fighter.
- UDON Entertainment’s Street Fighter Series: Offers numerous storylines and character explorations.
- Street Fighter 6: The Manga: Serves as a prequel to Street Fighter 6.
What to Expect from Street Fighter Luke Rising
Street Fighter Luke Rising promises to be an exciting addition to the Street Fighter universe. With Yoshio Mokomokomaru Masao at the helm, the manga is expected to deliver engaging storylines, dynamic artwork, and fresh perspectives on beloved characters like Luke and Ryu. As the series launches on June 29th, fans have much to anticipate.
