The latest volume of Kaijin Fugeki, the newest serialized manga by Air Gear creator Oh! great, was released on February 17, and its initial sales surged to 130% compared to Volume 2 within the first three days, according to Kodansha. Additionally, legendary manga artist Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell) has penned a long message praising the work.

Masamune Shirow’s High Praise for Kaijin Fugeki

Shirow commended Oh! great’s artistic mastery, stating:
"Oh! great was already an artist of exceptional caliber from the moment he debuted. Over 30 years, he has refined his craft into something both delicate and bold, blending literary elegance with artistic bravery. Witnessing his continuous evolution makes me feel that I am truly living in the golden age of manga."

He further expressed his admiration, albeit with a small wish:
"The book size is a bit small, making it difficult to fully appreciate the sheer brilliance of his artwork. I hope Kodansha will eventually release a larger edition (forgive me for saying this). I am already thoroughly enjoying the series, and I look forward to reading this and all of Oh! great’s future works."

A Rising Star in Weekly Shōnen Magazine

Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine since May 2024, Kaijin Fugeki is a fantasy saga by Oh! great.

The story revolves around the concept of "Yoru"—a supernatural force once considered a natural disaster. To appease its fury and safeguard their world, young warriors engage in ritualistic dances, invoking the power of the gods.

The protagonist, Jin, is a young boy from a rural Japanese town. His fate intertwines with Gao, a British soldier who lost his homeland to "Yoru." As they bond over their shared struggles, their peaceful days are shattered when "Yoru" strikes once again…

Explosive Sales and Unwavering Popularity

Volumes 1 and 2 were instantly reprinted due to high demand. A Kodansha representative revealed:
"This series trended on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of its serialization and went into reprints immediately after the first volume's release. Among Weekly Shōnen Magazine's new titles in the past year, it is the best-selling manga so far!"

Sales team members added:
"Even Volume 2 had an impressive launch, prompting a major reprint almost immediately. We've seen incredible support from bookstore staff and dedicated manga enthusiasts nationwide. Initially, fans were captivated by Oh! great’s breathtaking illustrations, but as the story progressed into Volume 2, its unique world-building has drawn even greater attention!"

Source : ORICON NEWS