Masahiro Anbe, the acclaimed creator behind the beloved "Squid Girl" series, is set to debut a brand-new manga titled "Badokon!" in the 34th issue of Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion magazine, scheduled for release on July 23rd. This latest offering from Anbe promises a fresh foray into the realm of "girls’ badminton comedy," marking a new chapter in his diverse and celebrated career. The announcement, made in the 27th issue of the magazine, has already generated considerable buzz within the manga community, eager to see Anbe’s unique comedic sensibilities applied to the dynamic world of competitive badminton.
A New Ace for Weekly Shonen Champion
The forthcoming series, "Badokon!", signifies Anbe’s return to Weekly Shonen Champion, the very publication that first introduced his iconic "Squid Girl" to the world in 2007. This strategic move back to his foundational magazine underscores the strong relationship between the artist and the publisher, and suggests a confidence in the potential of "Badokon!" to resonate with the magazine’s established readership. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the ongoing serialization of other popular titles, positions "Badokon!" as a significant new addition to Weekly Shonen Champion’s lineup for the latter half of the year. The magazine, known for its diverse range of shonen manga, has a history of successfully nurturing comedic and sports-themed series, making it an ideal platform for Anbe’s new venture.
The announcement was accompanied by a post on Masahiro Anbe’s official X/Twitter account, @masahiro_lemon, featuring an image that likely offers a glimpse into the aesthetic and tone of "Badokon!". While specific plot details remain under wraps, the genre classification as a "girls’ badminton comedy" strongly suggests a narrative focused on young female characters, their pursuit of athletic excellence, and the humorous situations that arise from their experiences both on and off the court. Badminton, a sport characterized by its speed, strategy, and often intense rallies, provides a fertile ground for both thrilling action and comedic misunderstandings, a combination that Anbe has masterfully employed in his previous works.
A Legacy of Laughter and Intrigue
Masahiro Anbe’s career is marked by a consistent ability to blend humor with engaging narratives, often featuring eccentric characters and unexpected plot twists. His most famous creation, "Squid Girl" (Shinryaku! Ika Musume), which ran in Weekly Shonen Champion from 2007 to February 2016, became a global phenomenon. The manga followed the misadventures of an anthropomorphic squid girl who emerges from the ocean to conquer humanity, only to find herself entangled in the everyday lives of the humans she intended to subjugate. The series’ unique premise, coupled with Anbe’s distinctive art style and sharp comedic timing, led to two highly successful television anime adaptations in 2010 and 2011, which were widely streamed by Crunchyroll and released on home video by Media Blasters, and later rereleased by Sentai Filmworks. The enduring popularity of "Squid Girl" serves as a testament to Anbe’s skill in crafting characters and situations that are both hilarious and endearing.
Beyond "Squid Girl," Anbe has demonstrated his versatility with other notable series. "Atsumare! Fushigi Kenkyu-bu" (Assemble! Mystery Research Club), which concluded in Weekly Shonen Champion in July 2024 after launching in September 2016, explored the quirky activities of a high school mystery research club. This series, which saw its 20th compiled volume published by Akita Shoten in October 2024, further solidified Anbe’s reputation for creating engaging school-life comedies with a touch of the extraordinary.
More recently, Anbe embarked on a new project with Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine. The manga "Cheeky Devil Cop!" (Akuma de Fukei!), launched in February 2025, concluded its run in September 2025. The series’ third and final compiled book volume was released by Kodansha in December 2025, and Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the title for an English release, with the first volume slated for September 2026. This recent serialization in a different magazine and its subsequent licensing for international markets highlight Anbe’s continued output and his appeal to a global audience.
Chronology of Masahiro Anbe’s Recent Works:
- 2007: Launch of "Squid Girl" (Shinryaku! Ika Musume) in Weekly Shonen Champion.
- 2010-2011: "Squid Girl" receives two television anime series adaptations.
- February 2016: "Squid Girl" manga concludes its serialization.
- September 2016: Launch of "Atsumare! Fushigi Kenkyu-bu" in Weekly Shonen Champion.
- July 2024: "Atsumare! Fushigi Kenkyu-bu" concludes its run.
- October 2024: 20th compiled volume of "Atsumare! Fushigi Kenkyu-bu" published by Akita Shoten.
- February 2025: Launch of "Cheeky Devil Cop!" (Akuma de Fukei!) in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine.
- September 2025: "Cheeky Devil Cop!" concludes its serialization.
- December 2025: Kodansha publishes the third and final compiled book volume of "Cheeky Devil Cop!".
- September 2026: Seven Seas Entertainment plans to release the first volume of "Cheeky Devil Cop!" in English.
- July 23, 2026: Scheduled debut of "Badokon!" in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion.
Implications and Future Prospects
The introduction of "Badokon!" at a time when Anbe’s recent work "Cheeky Devil Cop!" is preparing for its international release suggests a strategic approach to maintaining and expanding his presence in both domestic and global manga markets. The decision to return to Weekly Shonen Champion for "Badokon!" is particularly noteworthy. This magazine has a strong legacy in sports manga, having serialized titles that have achieved significant commercial and critical success. The success of "Badokon!" could not only bolster the magazine’s sales figures but also potentially inspire a new generation of readers to engage with the sport of badminton.
The "girls’ badminton comedy" genre itself offers a rich tapestry for storytelling. It allows for the exploration of themes such as teamwork, perseverance, rivalry, and the emotional journeys of young athletes. Given Anbe’s proven ability to imbue his characters with relatable flaws and aspirations, "Badokon!" is likely to feature a cast of distinct personalities whose interactions and growth on and off the badminton court will form the core of the narrative. The comedic element, a hallmark of Anbe’s work, suggests that the series will not shy away from lightheartedness, potentially incorporating slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and situational comedy derived from the inherent challenges and eccentricities of high school life and competitive sports.
The announcement itself, originating from the latest issue of Weekly Shonen Champion and amplified by Anbe’s social media presence, indicates a robust marketing strategy already in motion. The inclusion of the Japanese text from the announcement, along with a link to the original tweet, provides direct access to the source information and allows fans to engage with the announcement in its original context. This transparency and engagement are crucial in building anticipation and fostering a direct connection with the audience.
As "Badokon!" prepares for its debut, the manga industry will be watching closely. Masahiro Anbe’s track record suggests that this new series has the potential to become another hit, captivating readers with its unique blend of humor, heart, and athletic endeavor. The sport of badminton, while popular globally, often receives less attention in manga compared to sports like baseball or soccer. "Badokon!" could very well serve to elevate the sport’s profile within the manga landscape, introducing its fast-paced action and strategic nuances to a wider audience. The success of this new venture will undoubtedly be a significant development for both Masahiro Anbe and Weekly Shonen Champion.
