Yasushi Baba’s “The Ride-On King” manga is set to conclude its serialization in the upcoming issue of Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine, with the final chapter scheduled for release on October 24. The announcement was made in the magazine’s November issue, bringing an end to the action-packed fantasy series that began in May 2018.
A Journey Through Another World
“The Ride-On King” centers on Alexander Purchinov, the president for life of the fictional country of Pursia. Known for his insatiable desire to “ride” and conquer all manner of things, from beasts to machines and even nations, Purchinov finds himself transported to a fantasy world. This new realm is brimming with mythical creatures like orcs, wyverns, and centaurs, offering Purchinov new challenges to overcome and new creatures to ride.
The manga has garnered a dedicated following for its unique premise and the protagonist’s eccentric personality, often humorously likened to a muscular, isekai version of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Publication History and Reception
Written and illustrated by Yasushi Baba, the series launched in Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Sirius magazine on May 26, 2018. As of June 2025, Kodansha has collected the individual chapters into 15 tankōbon volumes.
The series has been well-received, ranking ninth in the print manga category at the 2019 Next Manga Award and twelfth on the list of top manga for male audiences in the 2020 edition of the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook. Employees of the Japanese bookstore Honya Club also recognized it as the tenth best manga of 2020. Critiques have often praised its illustrations, unique story, and the quirkiness of its main character, noting its engaging fight scenes and humor.
While the manga saw some international licensing, with Sol Press announcing an English publication at Anime Expo 2019, they ultimately released only one volume before becoming defunct. The series has sold 1.3 million copies worldwide.
Fans are now eagerly anticipating the final chapter, which promises to bring Alexander Purchinov’s epic adventure in the fantasy world to a definitive close.
