Wataru Karasuma, known for the manga series Not Lives, is set to debut a new manga titled Bakko in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine on October 24. The upcoming series is described as an occult sword battle manga, introducing readers to a gloomy protagonist whose life takes an unexpected turn after a fateful visit to a shrine.
Delving into Bakko: An Occult Sword Battle Awaits
Bakko will center on Bakko Shinno, an introverted middle school girl. The narrative begins with her, as usual, cleaning the classroom, a task left to her by her classmates. Following this, she secretly visits a shrine to pray for a peaceful life and, somewhat ironically, for misfortune to befall extroverts. It is at this moment that a mysterious demon reportedly calls out to her, targeting her and placing her life in peril, thereby kickstarting the occult sword battles.
The premise suggests a blend of supernatural action with a character-driven story, exploring themes around an outcast protagonist thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The choice of an “occult sword battle” genre indicates a shift from some of Karasuma’s previous works, promising a fresh experience for his readership.
Wataru Karasuma’s Previous Works and Career
Wataru Karasuma has an established history in the manga industry, with several notable titles to his name. His most recognized work, Not Lives, was serialized in Kadokawa’s Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh magazine starting in 2011. The series concluded with its 10th and final compiled volume in January 2017. Seven Seas Entertainment licensed Not Lives for English publication, making all ten volumes available to a wider audience.
The World of Not Lives
Not Lives is an action and science fiction manga that garnered attention for its unique premise. It follows Mikami Shigeru, a high school student and gaming prodigy who inadvertently gets drawn into a deadly virtual reality game. In a bizarre twist, he finds himself transformed into a girl, Amamiya Kyouka, within the game’s world. Mikami must then navigate this survival game where losing means not only the demise of his avatar but also his own life. The series blended gaming themes with high stakes action and a gender-bending element, contributing to its popularity.
Kakuregami and Other Endeavors
Following Not Lives, Karasuma launched Kakuregami (Hidden Gods) in Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh in February 2020. This suspense story focused on five friends who, after visiting a local shrine during a summer festival and interacting with a “nodule” (the shrine’s divine vessel), find their existences erased from the world. However, Kakuregami notably ended abruptly in 2021 due to “various circumstances,” with Kadokawa publishing two volumes for the series.
Karasuma also worked on Mahōtsukai to Dragon’s Loft (Witch and Dragon’s Loft), which debuted in November 2017, set in a world where dragons rule the skies.
The launch of Bakko marks another chapter in Wataru Karasuma’s diverse creative output, offering fans a new story to immerse themselves in, blending action and occult elements with a compelling character dynamic.
