Narumi Kakinouchi and Toshiki Hirano, the creative duo behind the iconic Vampire Princess Miyu franchise, have launched a new manga series titled Vampire Princess Miyu-Yui. The manga, which sees the meeting of Miyu and Yui for the first time, began publication on Friday, January 31, 2025, under SB Creative’s GA Bunko label.
A New Chapter in the Vampire Princess Miyu Saga
The Vampire Princess Miyu franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its blend of horror, supernatural elements, and compelling characters. The original manga, created by Kakinouchi and Hirano, debuted in 1988 in Akita Shoten’s Susperia magazine and ran until 2002, spanning ten volumes. The series follows Miyu, a half-human, half-vampire girl forever trapped in her teenage form. Her duty is to hunt down demonic beings known as Shinma who have crossed over into the human world, and return them to the Darkness.
The franchise has expanded to include a four-episode original video animation (OVA) series (1988-1989), co-directed by Hirano, a television anime remake of the OVA in 1997, directed by Hirano, and several spin-off manga series.
The Creative Team Behind the New Manga
Vampire Princess Miyu-Yui reunites key figures from the franchise’s history:
- Narumi Kakinouchi: As the artist, Kakinouchi’s signature style brings the characters to life and captures the dark, ethereal atmosphere of the Vampire Princess Miyu universe. Kakinouchi is a Japanese manga artist, animator, director, and character designer. She began her career at Studio Beebo and later worked at other studios. She made her manga and character designer debut with Vampire Princess Miyu.
- Toshiki Hirano (Toshihiro Hirano): Credited with the original work, Hirano’s vision and storytelling expertise continue to shape the franchise. Hirano is an anime director.
- Chiaki J. Konaka: Konaka is credited with the scenario, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.
A Fateful Encounter: Miyu and Yui
Vampire Princess Miyu-Yui marks the first official meeting between Miyu and Yui. Yui is from the Vampire Yui spin-off manga, which ran in Susperia from 1989 to 1995. This crossover promises to explore new dynamics and expand the lore of the Vampire Princess Miyu universe.
The Enduring Legacy of Vampire Princess Miyu
The Vampire Princess Miyu franchise has left an indelible mark on the manga and anime landscape.
From Manga to Anime: A Cross-Media Phenomenon
The success of the original manga led to various anime adaptations, including the OVA series and the television series. These adaptations further broadened the franchise’s reach and introduced new audiences to Miyu’s world.
Other Manga Series in the Miyu Universe:
- New Vampire Princess Miyu: Published beginning in 1992.
- Vampire Miyu: Saku (Vampire Princess Miyu: New Moon): Debuted on Akita Shoten’s Champion Cross website in December 2017 and ended in September 2022 with seven volumes. The story begins with Miyu transferring into a middle school in a town with student disappearances.
- Vampire Yui: A spin-off manga that ran from 1989 to 1995 and spawned The Wanderer and Yui Kanonsho spin-offs.
- Vampire Yui – Saishūshō (Vampire Yui – Final Chapter): Launched in Champion Cross in November 2017 and ended in June 2018 with two volumes. It is a sequel to Vampire Yui, originally self-published by Kakinouchi.
The Creative Powerhouse: Narumi Kakinouchi
Narumi Kakinouchi is a prolific manga artist, animator, director, and character designer. Her career began at Studio Beebo, where she worked under the guidance of Tomonori Kogawa. She later joined Studio Io, Artland, AIC, and other studios, contributing as an animator, designer, and animation director to numerous TV series and OVAs. She is married to anime director Toshiki Hirano.
Kakinouchi’s Key Contributions:
- Manga and Character Design Debut: Kakinouchi’s breakthrough came with Vampire Princess Miyu, where she showcased her skills in both manga creation and character design.
- Versatile Artist: Her talents extend beyond manga, encompassing animation, direction, and character design for various projects.
- Other notable works: Shaolin Sisters and Shaolin Sisters Reborn
Recognition and Influence
Kakinouchi’s artwork has garnered widespread recognition, extending beyond the anime and manga sphere. Her contributions have solidified her status as a respected figure in the industry.
Toshiki Hirano: A Visionary Director
Toshiki Hirano, also known as Toshihiro Hirano, is a renowned anime director. He is the husband of Narumi Kakinouchi.
Hirano’s Directorial Highlights:
- Vampire Princess Miyu Anime Adaptations: Hirano directed both the OVA series and the television anime remake, bringing Kakinouchi’s manga to life on screen.
- Other Notable Works: Hyper Combat Unit Dangaioh, Fight! Iczer-1.
A Lasting Impact on Horror and Supernatural Manga
The Vampire Princess Miyu franchise has inspired countless creators and captivated fans with its unique blend of horror, supernatural themes, and compelling characters. The launch of Vampire Princess Miyu-Yui marks a new chapter in this enduring saga, promising to deliver the same dark, atmospheric storytelling that has made the franchise a beloved classic. The meeting of Miyu and Yui is a highly anticipated event, and fans are eager to see how their interactions will unfold.
