Key Facts Block

・Teenage Mercenary anime adaptation officially announced
・Ranked No.1 on LINE Manga in both 2023 and 2024
・Over 1.86 billion global reads as of May 2025
・Follows mercenary Soma Tatewaki’s return to high school life
・Set for global release with support from fans worldwide

Teenage Mercenary (입학용병, also known in Japanese as Nyūgaku Yōhei), the mega-popular webtoon on LINE Manga, is officially getting an anime adaptation. The series has amassed a staggering 1.86 billion global views and topped LINE Manga’s annual rankings two years in a row. Starring the battle-hardened Soma Tatewaki, a former child soldier turned high school student, the action-packed story has captivated fans with its emotional depth and thrilling fight sequences. Originally launched in Japan in April 2021, the series has gained global momentum through multilingual distribution—and now, its long-awaited anime version is finally on the way.

A Global Hit Born from LINE Manga

Teenage Mercenary began its serialization on LINE Manga in April 2021, quickly rising through the ranks thanks to its vertical-scroll full-color format optimized for smartphones. Its wide appeal has led to more than 7.3 billion reads in Japan alone, and 1.86 billion globally. The series also inspired a successful pop-up store in Shibuya, demonstrating its street-level popularity. Currently, the title is available in 10 different languages, confirming its status as a truly global franchise.

Author and Illustrator Share Their Excitement

Series creator YC expressed deep gratitude to the fans, saying, “I still remember how nervous I was when we first started. Reaching the anime stage is thanks to everyone's support.” Illustrator rakhyun echoed the sentiment: “I never expected this level of love. I'm thrilled to meet our fans worldwide through animation.” Their heartfelt comments show just how meaningful this milestone is for the creative team behind Teenage Mercenary.

FAQ

Q: What is Teenage Mercenary about?
A: It follows Soma Tatewaki, a former child mercenary who returns to Japan and enrolls in high school, tackling everyday problems with his combat-hardened skills.

Q: When will the Teenage Mercenary anime be released?
A: The anime adaptation is scheduled for release in 2025. An exact date has yet to be announced.

Q: Is Teenage Mercenary available outside Japan?
A: Yes, the webtoon is published in 10 languages and is widely read across the globe.

Source : ORICON NEWS