New Grappler Baki Manga Series to be Released in English by Kodama Tales
One of the most iconic and brutal works in the world of martial arts, New Grappler Baki, is finally getting the physical releases it deserves. Publisher Kodama Tales has officially announced that it has acquired the English publishing rights for this legendary series written by Keisuke Itagaki. According to the announcement, the first two volumes of the series will hit shelves simultaneously this November. This move turns the long-awaited physical collection dream of the series' fans into a reality.
New Grappler Baki was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine between 1999 and 2005 and was published in a total of 31 volumes. The series covers the "Most Evil Death Row Convicts" arc, which is a fan favorite and known for its anime adaptation that took the Netflix platform by storm. Focusing on the relentless struggle of our main character Baki Hanma against the five strongest criminals in the world, this period propelled the series' popularity to its peak on a global scale.
Series creator Keisuke Itagaki has established a unique, inimitable style in the manga world with his emphasis on anatomical details and exaggerated fight choreographies. Since the original Grappler Baki series that began in 1991, the Baki universe has transformed into a massive body of work with five main series and countless side stories. Kodama Tales' licensing move proves once again how strong the interest in classic fighting series is in the Western manga market.
With the release in November, readers will be able to follow Baki's development and the path to his inevitable showdown with his father Yujiro Hanma (The Ogre) in high-quality prints. Although it is not yet clear at what intervals Kodama Tales will release the remaining volumes of the series, the fact that the first two volumes will be released at the same time offers a great start for collectors. If you are looking for muscle mass, strategic fights, and boundary-pushing action, don't forget to add this series to your list!
