Satoshi Shiki’s The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru manga, a reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s classic Dororo, is set to conclude with the release of its 13th compiled volume on December 19, 2025. The announcement marks the end of the serialized remake that began in 2018.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru manga began its serialization in Akita Shoten’s Champion Red magazine in October 2018. The series is a modern adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s original Dororo manga, which first ran from 1967 to 1969. Tezuka’s seminal work tells the dark fantasy story of Hyakkimaru, a ronin samurai, and the orphaned thief Dororo, as they journey through Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period.
The core premise of the story revolves around Hyakkimaru, who was born severely disfigured—lacking limbs, facial features, and internal organs—because his father, daimyō Kagemitsu Daigō, made a pact with 48 demons for power. Hyakkimaru embarks on a quest to slay these demons, reclaiming a piece of his body with each victory. He is accompanied by Dororo, a young thief who eventually learns of Hyakkimaru’s tragic origins and joins him on his perilous journey.
Publication and English Release
The first tankōbon volume of Shiki’s remake was published on April 19, 2019. As of July 18, 2025, twelve volumes have been released. Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the manga for English publication in North America, with the first English volume released on June 9, 2020. The English publisher describes the story as a “modern remake of Osamu Tezuka’s legendary samurai tale about reclaiming stolen humanity.”
In May 2021, it was revealed that the series had entered its final arc, signaling the approaching conclusion. The impending release of the 13th volume will bring Satoshi Shiki’s popular rendition of this enduring narrative to its definitive close.
The Legacy of Dororo
Osamu Tezuka’s Dororo has seen multiple adaptations across different media since its inception. A 26-episode anime television series was produced by Mushi Productions and aired in 1969. More recently, a critically acclaimed 24-episode anime series adaptation by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions aired from January to June 2019, bringing the story to a new generation of fans. The series also inspired a live-action film in 2007.
Satoshi Shiki’s manga remake has been praised for its detailed artwork and its fresh take on the classic themes of sacrifice, humanity, and vengeance. The conclusion of The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru marks a significant moment for fans who have followed Hyakkimaru and Dororo’s journey, offering a complete narrative for this reimagined saga.
