Yasushi Baba, the acclaimed creator behind the popular manga series The Ride-On King, is set to launch a brand-new series titled Itsuwari no Kenta (Fake Kenta) this month. The new “isekai fantasy” manga will debut in the January issue of Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine, which is scheduled for release on December 25. This announcement comes shortly after the conclusion of The Ride-On King, which ended its serialization on October 24, 2025.
A New Adventure: The World of Itsuwari no Kenta
Itsuwari no Kenta promises readers a fresh take on the popular isekai fantasy genre. The story revolves around a young boy who encounters a “unicorn” and subsequently transforms into a “fake centaur”. The series will kick off with an opening color page and will also be featured on the cover of the Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine, highlighting its prominence as a new flagship title for the publication.
Isekai Fantasy Elements
The term “isekai” refers to a subgenre of fantasy in which a character is transported from their ordinary world into a different, often magical, one. Baba’s previous work, The Ride-On King, also incorporated elements of isekai, as its protagonist, President Alexander Purchinov, found himself in a fantasy world filled with various creatures to “ride”. This new series appears to continue Baba’s exploration of fantastical realms, but with a unique premise involving mythical creatures and transformations.
The End of The Ride-On King and Baba’s Legacy
The Ride-On King concluded its run in October 2025 after captivating readers since its launch in May 2018 in Monthly Shonen Sirius. The manga followed Alexander Purchinov, the president-for-life of the fictional country of Pursia, who, having “ridden” everything in his own world, seeks new challenges in a fantasy world populated by orcs, wyverns, and centaurs. The series was collected into 16 volumes, with the final volume released in November 2025.
Prior to The Ride-On King, Yasushi Baba was also known for his manga Golosseum, which ended in December 2017. His extensive bibliography also includes Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru and Lizard King, among others, showcasing his versatility across action, comedy, martial arts, and fantasy genres.
Anticipation for the New Series
Fans of Yasushi Baba’s distinct art style and action-packed storytelling are eagerly awaiting the debut of Itsuwari no Kenta. The concept of a “fake centaur” offers a playful and intriguing twist on classic fantasy tropes, suggesting that Baba will once again blend humor with thrilling adventure. The series’ prominent launch in Monthly Shonen Sirius indicates that Kodansha has high expectations for this new work from a proven creator.
As December 25 approaches, manga enthusiasts will be looking forward to diving into the latest imaginative world crafted by Yasushi Baba.
