Exciting news for manga fans this week as Titan Manga announces an omnibus edition of Aoashi, the acclaimed sports manga by Yūgo Kobayashi. Meanwhile, Kenji Tsurubuchi embarks on a dark and gritty journey with his brand-new series Meaheim, a brutal fantasy tale filled with swords, secrets, and vengeance.
Aoashi Omnibus – A Sports Manga Classic Returns
Titan Manga has officially acquired the English-language rights to Aoashi, the award-winning soccer manga by Yūgo Kobayashi, and will release an omnibus edition of the series. Originally serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits since 2015 and currently boasting over 30 volumes in Japan, Aoashi follows the story of Ashito Aoi, a young and fiercely determined soccer player from a rural town, who dreams of making it big in the world of football.
This omnibus release is expected to cover multiple early volumes in a single collection, offering new readers an accessible entry point into one of Japan’s most celebrated sports dramas. The manga has been praised for its realistic depiction of training, team dynamics, and the psychological challenges athletes face. It also inspired a TV anime adaptation in 2022, which broadened its international appeal and boosted fan interest globally.
Meaheim – A New Dark Fantasy Rises
Launching in Monthly Big Gangan magazine by Square Enix, Kenji Tsurubuchi’s Meaheim introduces a grim fantasy world where a former executioner named Kaiser embarks on a bloody quest for revenge. Set in a brutal world of swords and politics, Kaiser finds himself entangled with a mysterious boy named Mea, who is hunted by powerful forces due to an unknown secret tied to his very existence.
Tsurubuchi’s previous works (Touge Oni, Rouge) are known for gritty storytelling and intense action, and Meaheim looks to follow in that legacy. With stark artwork and morally complex characters, it positions itself as a must-read for fans of dark fantasy narratives similar to Berserk and Vinland Saga.
Character Summaries
- Ashito Aoi (Aoashi): A passionate high school student with raw soccer talent. Although lacking formal training, his instincts and determination earn him a spot in a prestigious youth club. His journey is one of growth, loss, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
- Kaiser (Meaheim): Once an executioner of the kingdom, Kaiser now lives in exile, haunted by his past. His encounter with the boy Mea sparks a new mission—to protect the child at all costs and uncover the truth behind the dark forces chasing them.
- Mea (Meaheim): A mysterious boy with a hidden power or heritage that makes him a target. His bond with Kaiser becomes the emotional core of the story, representing innocence amid a cruel world.
Did You Know?
- Aoashi won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for General Manga in 2020.
- The anime adaptation of Aoashi was produced by Production I.G., known for Haikyuu!! and Ghost in the Shell.
- Meaheim is serialized in the same magazine that hosts titles like Goblin Slayer and Happy Sugar Life.
- Kenji Tsurubuchi is known for emotionally intense and violent manga grounded in historical and fantasy settings.
