Ken Wakui’s Latest Manga Set for Digital Release on Viz

Following the tremendous success of his manga series Tokyo Revengers (March 2017 – November 2022), renowned mangaka Ken Wakui is set to captivate audiences once again with a brand-new series that aims to evoke the same excitement. This upcoming series preserves his unique flair for blending sci-fi elements with delinquent narratives. While Tokyo Revengers explored the theme of time travel, Wakui’s new endeavor pivots to infuse the delinquent genre with superpowers intertwined with the dynamics of mob families.

During its early seasons, Tokyo Revengers, a standout in the delinquent fantasy genre, garnered widespread acclaim within the anime community. However, the fandom faced disappointment when the manga’s popularity waned in its concluding arc. Nonetheless, Wakui remains dedicated to the delinquent genre, returning with a thrilling twist.

Announcement: From the creator of Tokyo Revengers! Superpowers emerge after a meteor strikes Tokyo. Hibaru, heir to the Yotsurugi yakuza family, must harness his Astro powers to combat enemies—including his own siblings! Astro Royale, by Ken Wakui, launches Summer 2025. pic.twitter.com/IjRMXvfQKx

— VIZ (@VIZMedia) October 4, 2024

On Friday, Viz Media unveiled its exciting summer 2025 print releases alongside new licenses and digital exclusives arriving in spring 2025. Among these thrilling announcements is Astro Royale (Negai no Astro) by Ken Wakui, which brilliantly combines ‘superpowers × outlaws’ in his signature style.

What Does Astro Royale Have to Offer

Astro Royale follows Hibaru, the heir of the Yotsuguri family, navigating the aftermath of his father’s death. Along with the burden of new responsibilities, he grapples with twelve adopted siblings, all vying for the position of family leader. As the competition heats up for control of the Yotsurugi gang in Asakusa, a meteor shower disrupts the funeral proceedings, granting extraordinary powers to some individuals.

Astro Royale PV. Series just launched this week in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #20. pic.twitter.com/XxzQ19R5Kr

— Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga) April 14, 2024

The tale centers on Hibaru Yotsurugi, the sole biological son of Kongo Yotsurugi. As the story unfolds, it depicts the fierce power struggle that erupts among Kongo Yotsurugi’s sons. Power dynamics, when executed effectively, can enhance a storyline, and while the conflicts set forth in this series might initially appear conventional, Wakui spices it up with supernatural elements.

The meteorite crash in Japan leads to the granting of superpowers, directly affecting the members of the Yotsurugi clan. Thus, we can anticipate an explosive fusion of Tokyo Revengers and My Hero Academia in Astro Royale, promising to deliver the best of both worlds.

What to Expect From Astro Royale

[ #NegaAssComicsInformation !] Volume 2 of #NegaAssTomorrow is finally on sale today, Friday, October 4th! Awaiting Hibaru and his friends are a haunted mansion, a childhood friend, a strong third son, and a terrifying eldest son! The Roppongi arc, which was a hot topic in the magazine, is included up to the climax! This volume is also full of extras! Click here to purchase! https://t.co/kiE31lI0b0 pic.twitter.com/47pCybrxbF

— Negaino Astro [Official] (@negainoastro13) October 3, 2024

Translation: [Comics Information! The much-talked-about Roppongi chapter is included right up to the climax! This volume is also packed with extras! Click here to purchase! https://s-manga.net/items/contents.html]

Numerous manga enthusiasts have noted that Astro Royale shares similarities with various Shonen series, yet many find it invigoratingly unique. Currently, the landscape of popular manga and anime leans toward darker themes, as exemplified by titles like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hell’s Paradise, dubbed the “dark trio.” In contrast, Astro Royale offers a refreshing narrative. While unafraid to explore serious and violent themes, it also retains a significant amount of heart and depth.

At its core, the story emphasizes family. The protagonist aims to aid the weak, confront the strong, and ultimately preserve his father’s legacy. Wakui lays a solid foundation for an epic saga that intertwines family feuds, organized crime, and superpowers, all while showcasing character designs true to his illustrative style.

Potential to be the Next Big Thing?

We have opened an official #NegaiAstroX (formerly Twitter) account! A new illustration has arrived from Wakui-sensei! We are very grateful for the support of our readers! The official abbreviation has also been decided! It is now #NegaiAstro ! If you haven’t read it yet, please give it a read! Please click here! https://t.co/PFdluvS1cf pic.twitter.com/hUuPjUTSDx

— Negaino Astro [Official] (@negainoastro13) June 26, 2024

Translation: A new illustration has arrived from Wakui-sensei! We are very grateful for the support from our readers! The official abbreviation has also been determined! It is now #GanAsu! If you haven’t read it yet, please give it a try!

Click here! https://shonenjumpplus.com/episode/17106371853064375208

Astro Royale represents an exciting fusion of traditional Yakuza elements with sci-fi themes, particularly with the incorporation of superpowers. Considering the potential emergence of superpowers in this world, and with the Yotsuguri family positioned at its epicenter, many intriguing questions are poised to be explored. One certainty remains: the challenges faced by the Yotsuguri siblings will profoundly test their brotherly bonds.

As the narrative unfolds, we hope that Wakui learns from his previous experiences with Tokyo Revengers and avoids repeating past pitfalls in Astro Royale. If he succeeds, there is little doubt that Astro Royale can rise to prominence as a bestselling manga within the Shonen genre.

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