Shohei Manabe’s acclaimed manga, “Ushijima the Loan Shark,” is set to receive a vibrant update with a full-color, vertical-scrolling edition. This new format aims to revitalize the gripping narrative for a new generation of readers, offering a fresh perspective on the dark and compelling world of underground finance.
A New Look for a Classic
The announcement came in the 10th issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine, marking a significant milestone for the series. The digital edition is scheduled to launch on February 28th across various e-book platforms in Japan. This move caters to the growing popularity of digital manga consumption, particularly on smartphones, where vertical scrolling enhances the reading experience.
What is Vertical Scrolling?
Vertical scrolling, often associated with webtoons and digital comics, presents manga panels in a linear, top-to-bottom format. This design is optimized for smartphone reading, allowing users to scroll seamlessly through the story without the need to zoom or navigate traditional page layouts. The full-color treatment will further enhance the visual impact of Manabe’s artwork, bringing the gritty realism of the manga to life.
Celebrating 20 Years of Ushijima
In addition to the digital release, “Ushijima the Loan Shark” will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special art exhibition. The exhibition will be held at two locations:
- Shinjuku Marui Men department store’s event space in Tokyo from March 25 to April 6.
- Namba Marui department store’s event space in Osaka from July 11 to July 27.
These exhibitions will offer fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Ushijima, showcasing artwork and celebrating the manga’s enduring legacy.
A Deep Dive into “Ushijima the Loan Shark”
“Ushijima the Loan Shark” (闇金ウシジマくん, Yamikin Ushijima-kun) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Shohei Manabe. Serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine from May 2004 to March 2019, the series offers a stark and unflinching look into the lives of those trapped in the cycle of debt and the often brutal world of loan sharking.
Synopsis
The manga revolves around Ushijima, the owner of a small, shady money-lending company called Kaukau Finance. Ushijima is portrayed as a ruthless and calculating individual who preys on the vulnerable and desperate. The series follows the stories of various characters who become entangled with Ushijima and his high-interest loans, showcasing the devastating consequences of their choices.
Themes
“Ushijima the Loan Shark” explores several dark and relevant themes, including:
- Poverty and Debt: The manga highlights the crushing impact of poverty and the desperation that drives people to seek out high-risk loans.
- Social Inequality: The series depicts the vast disparities in wealth and opportunity that exist in Japanese society, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation.
- Human Nature: “Ushijima” delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of greed, desperation, and the lengths people will go to for money.
- Moral Decay: The manga presents a bleak view of society, where traditional values have eroded, and individuals are often left to fend for themselves in a cutthroat world.
Critical Acclaim and Adaptations
“Ushijima the Loan Shark” has received widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of its subject matter and its unflinching depiction of the human condition. The manga won the General category of the 56th Shogakukan Manga Awards in 2011 and was nominated for the Osamu Tezuka Culture Prize in 2008 and 2010, as well as for France’s Angoulême Comics Awards in 2008.
The manga’s popularity has led to numerous adaptations, including:
- Live-Action Television Series: A live-action television drama series adaptation aired from October to December 2010. A second season premiered in January 2014, and a third season premiered in July 2016.
- Live-Action Films: The first film adaptation was released in August 2012. A second film, “Ushijima the Loan Shark 2,” was released in May 2014. Two additional films, “Ushijima the Loan Shark 3” and “Ushijima the Loan Shark The Final,” were also released.
- Spin-off Manga: Several spin-off manga series have been created, including “Yamikin Ushijima-kun Gaiden: Ramen Namerikawa-san” and “Yamikin Ushijima-kun Nikumamushi Densetsu.”
Spinoff Series
The world of “Ushijima the Loan Shark” has expanded through several spin-off series, further exploring different facets of its universe:
- Naniwa Time Leap Aizawa-kun (Osaka Time Traveling Aizawa-kun): Launched in Shogakukan’s Monthly Spirits magazine in April 2024 by Satoshi Sasasani.
- Shōnen-in Ushijima-kun (Ushijima-kun in Penal School): Launched in Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app in January 2023 by Ōdō Yamazaki.
- Yamikin Ushijima-kun Gaiden: Ramen Namerikawa-san (Ushijima the Loan Shark Side Story: Ramen Namerikawa): Launched on Shogakukan’s online magazine Yawaraka Spirits in December 2017 and ended in May 2019. Also by Ōdō Yamazaki.
- Yamikin Ushijima-kun Nikumamushi Densetsu (Ushijima the Loan Shark: The Legend of Nikumamushi): Launched on Shogakukan’s online magazine Yawaraka Spirits in February 2017 by Yū Hayato and is still ongoing.
The Enduring Appeal of “Ushijima”
Despite its dark and often disturbing content, “Ushijima the Loan Shark” remains a popular and influential manga series. Its unflinching portrayal of social issues and its complex characters resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view. The upcoming full-color, vertical-scrolling edition promises to introduce the series to a new audience, ensuring that Ushijima’s story continues to captivate and disturb for years to come. The series’ success lies in its ability to blend social commentary with gripping storytelling, making it a relevant and thought-provoking work. The shift to a digital format with color enhancements could very well extend its reach, introducing the gritty world of Ushijima to a new generation of manga enthusiasts.
