The latest installment of Captain Tsubasa by Yoichi Takahashi, titled Captain Tsubasa Rising Sun FINALS, Volume 1, was released today, January 4, as a digital comic. Unusually, there are no plans for a print edition. Volume 2 is scheduled for release on February 4.

This work, serialized on the Captain Tsubasa WORLD website since July 2024, marks a new chapter in the legendary series. Due to declining physical health and changes in his work environment, Takahashi shifted from drawing traditional manga to producing the story in a storyboard-like "name" format, continuing the series' narrative after the manga serialization ended in April 2024.

Starting with the digital comic release, chapters included in these collections (except for the first chapter) will be paid content, while other chapters remain available for free.

Additionally, the Captain Tsubasa Original Artwork Exhibition FINAL and Beyond!, held in Tokyo during summer 2024, will begin its nationwide tour. The exhibition, showcasing the past, present, and future of Captain Tsubasa, will open at Daimaru Umeda in Osaka on February 17, 2025.

Since its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump in April 1980, Captain Tsubasa has followed the journey of soccer prodigy Tsubasa Ozora, capturing the hearts of fans with its inspiring story, unique characters, and thrilling techniques. The series has had a profound influence on real-world soccer, inspiring countless professional players worldwide.

Over the decades, the series has expanded to multiple arcs, with its total manga sales exceeding 90 million copies globally. It has also been adapted into TV anime and games.

Takahashi explained the decision to end the traditional manga serialization, citing health challenges and a desire to focus on leaving behind the series' "story" rather than continuing the manga to the very end. "I’ve been pondering for years how much of the story I could realistically complete. While it might take over 40 years to fully manga-ize my remaining ideas, creating storyboards could allow me to preserve the narrative."

Although Takahashi plans to retire from manga, he expressed his ongoing passion for storytelling and illustration, stating, "I may semi-retire, but I’ll continue to engage in creative activities I love."

Source : ORICON NEWS