Yuki Ikeda’s acclaimed manga series, Thunder 3, is officially set to resume serialization in February. The announcement was made in the January issue of Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Magazine, revealing the end of its hiatus, which began in March of the previous year. Fans can anticipate the continuation of the science fantasy epic that has garnered significant praise since its debut.
A Return to the Multiverse: Thunder 3‘s Resumption
The return of Thunder 3 marks an anticipated moment for readers following the adventures of Pyontaro Tezuka, Hiroshi Ochanomizu, and Tsubame Azuma, collectively known as the “Small Three”. The series, which mixes elements of isekai, mystery, and science fantasy, first began its run in Monthly Shōnen Magazine in May 2022. Its serialization was paused in March, leading to speculation among its growing fanbase. The confirmation of its return in February 2026 indicates that the narrative will pick up from where it left off, promising further developments in its unique, dimension-hopping plot.
Understanding the World of Thunder 3
Thunder 3 plunges readers into a thrilling narrative centered around three ordinary middle school students. The protagonists, Pyontaro, Hiroshi, and Tsubame, accidentally stumble upon a mysterious disc that opens a gateway to a parallel world known as the Multiverse. This discovery quickly turns perilous when Pyontaro’s younger sister, Futaba, is inadvertently pulled into this alternate dimension and captured by its alien inhabitants.
Plot Overview and Unique Art Style
The core of the story follows the “Small Three” as they venture into the Multiverse to rescue Futaba. In this new world, they discover that their seemingly cartoonish bodies grant them superhuman abilities, making them “invincible, like characters in a comic book” in the hyper-realistic parallel universe. The manga is particularly noted for its striking artistic contrast, with Ikeda skillfully employing different art styles to depict the protagonists’ mundane home world versus the tense, realistic, and alien-dominated Multiverse. This visual distinction enhances the narrative, creating a strong impact on readers and emphasizing the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
Since its launch, Thunder 3 has received significant critical acclaim. It was nominated for the 2022 Next Manga Award in the print manga category and the eBook Initiative Japan Manga Award 2023. Notably, it ranked fourth on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga of 2024 for male readers. Reviewers have praised the series for its compelling premise, realistic and detailed artwork in the Multiverse, and its ability to continually surprise readers with new elements. Some commentators have even speculated about the mysterious identity of author Yuki Ikeda, with some suggesting it could be an alias for a more established mangaka, though the editorial team has deliberately maintained the mystery.
Publication Details and English Release
Thunder 3 has been consistently serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Magazine since May 6, 2022. As of January 17, 2025, eight tankōbon volumes have been released in Japan.
For international readers, Kodansha USA announced in March 2024 that they had licensed the manga for print release in English under their Vertical Comics imprint. The first English volume was published on November 5, 2024, with the second volume following on January 7, 2025. This provides an opportunity for a broader audience to delve into the “Great Adventures in the Multiverse” as the story continues to unfold. The series is seen as a unique blend of genres, offering a fresh take on science fiction adventure.
