Titan Manga has announced the acquisition of the English license for Kasuga Dragon’s action-comedy manga, Isekai Metaller. The series, which blends heavy metal themes with isekai fantasy elements, is slated to launch in English this October, promising a unique and head-banging adventure for manga fans.
A Metalhead’s Isekai Journey: Storyline of Isekai Metaller
The Isekai Metaller manga centers around Alex, a dedicated metalhead whose life takes a bizarre turn after an electrical accident during his band’s final performance. He awakens in a fantasy world straight out of a heavy metal album cover, complete with dragons and werewolves. However, there’s a catch: this fantastical realm has never heard of heavy metal music. Armed with his trusty guitar, Alex embarks on a quest to introduce the power of metal to this unsuspecting world, using his musical instrument as a magical weapon against monsters.
From Tokyo Stage to Fantasy Realm
Before his isekai adventure, Alex is portrayed as a metalhead in Tokyo, dedicated to his band, Level 99 (whose logo bears a striking resemblance to Metallica’s). Despite facing scrutiny and judgment for his lifestyle as he approaches his thirties, Alex remains passionate about metal. The story begins with Level 99 disbanding, but Alex is determined to continue his musical journey. It is during a performance that he is transported to the fantasy world.
A Fusion of Metal and Fantasy Tropes
In this new world, Alex embraces his destiny as a “Level 999 Metaller” and encounters various fantasy creatures. He meets:
- Tyreal: A werewolf beastman.
- Lizzy: A mage.
- Lee: A merchant.
- David: A human warrior.
Alex draws inspiration from metal album covers and musicians, comparing the beastkin to Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark at the Moon” cover. He aims to spread peace through metal music, using his guitar to battle monsters.
Titan Manga to Release Isekai Metaller in Two Volumes
Titan Manga plans to release the first volume of Isekai Metaller on October 14, 2025, followed by the second volume on January 13, 2026. This release will bring Kasuga Dragon’s unique blend of comedy, action, and heavy metal fantasy to English-speaking audiences.
Kasuga Dragon: The Author Behind the Metal
Kasuga Dragon (Kasuga Ryo) is the author and artist behind Isekai Metaller. While information about Kasuga Dragon is scarce, their work on Isekai Metaller showcases a blend of action, dark fantasy, comedy, and heavy metal.
Isekai Metaller: A Hit in Japan
Isekai Metaller launched on Hero’s Inc.’s Comiplex website in March 2024 and is currently ongoing. Hero’s published the third compiled volume in Japan on October 29, 2024, indicating the series’ popularity in its home country.
Themes and Influences in Isekai Metaller
The manga incorporates themes of:
- Isekai: Transportation to another world.
- Metal Music: A central element of the story, with references to metal bands and album covers.
- Fantasy: Dragons, werewolves, and magical elements.
- Comedy: The series blends humor with its action and fantasy elements.
Reception and Potential
Isekai Metaller has garnered attention for its unique premise and heavy metal influences. It has the potential to appeal to fans of both isekai manga and heavy metal music. The series pays homage to metal icons while maintaining originality in its fantasy setting.
