Renowned “erotic grotesque” mangaka Suehiro Maruo is set to launch a new manga titled Satsujin 28-gou (Murder No. 28) in Kadokawa’s Monthly Comic Beam magazine. The announcement, made in the magazine’s November issue, confirms the new series will debut in the next issue, scheduled for release on November 12. This marks a new chapter for the artist, following the conclusion of his An Gura manga in the same publication in March 2023.
Diving into Satsujin 28-gou‘s Disturbing Premise
Satsujin 28-gou promises to delve into the dark and psychological themes characteristic of Maruo’s oeuvre. The narrative will center on a young man whose father is a celebrated freak show performer. The protagonist is set to recount the tragic saga of his life from within the confines of a hospital that resembles a prison, hinting at a narrative filled with despair and introspection. This setup suggests a return to the macabre and deeply human exploration that has defined much of Maruo’s acclaimed work.
From An Gura to New Horrors: Maruo’s Creative Evolution
The launch of Satsujin 28-gou comes after the successful run of An Gura, which concluded in Monthly Comic Beam in March 2023. An Gura, an abbreviation for “underground,” was set in 1960s Tokyo amidst Japan’s postwar economic boom and protests against the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. It followed high school student Miguel Mizuki’s journey to become a manga artist, exploring revolutionary subcultures of the era. While Satsujin 28-gou is a distinct new series, its publication in the same magazine highlights Maruo’s continued collaboration with Monthly Comic Beam and his persistent exploration of societal fringes and personal torment.
Suehiro Maruo’s Enduring Legacy
Suehiro Maruo, who began his professional manga career in 1980, has carved out a unique and often controversial niche in the manga world. He is globally recognized as a master of the “erotic grotesque,” with his work frequently featuring shocking imagery and surreal narratives. His notable titles include Mr. Arashi’s Amazing Freak Show (also known as Shojo Tsubaki), which has inspired both anime and live-action adaptations, and The Strange Tale of Panorama Island, which earned a nomination for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards in 2014. Maruo’s ability to blend exquisite art with disturbing themes has garnered him a dedicated international following, including winning the “New Artist Prize” of the 13th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prizes in 2009. Fans eagerly anticipate how Satsujin 28-gou will further showcase his distinctive vision.
