New Rokudenashi Blues Manga Delayed to Winter, Yuki Yoshimoto Replaces Boichi
Rokudenashi Blues's new manga has slipped further for fans. According to Anime News Network, the new series has been delayed to the winter season; a change has also been made to the artist lineup. Yuki Yoshimoto will now take over from Boichi, who was previously announced to handle the project's artwork.
For those who don't know Rokudenashi Blues, let's briefly summarize: This cult series by Masanori Morita, published in Weekly Shōnen Jump between 1988 and 1997, tells the story of Taiyo Asano, a high school-age delinquent who dreams of boxing. Asano is a young man who has made a name for himself in school fights, but his real goal is to become the world champion. During its run, the series became one of the most beloved works of the delinquent genre, and with its 42-volume body of work, it gave Morita a masterpiece like Rookies in later years.
The new manga caused a huge stir when it was first announced, thanks to the Boichi factor. Boichi, known for his cinematic artwork in series like Dr. Stone, Origin, and Sun-Ken Rock, was expected to bring his signature style to boxing and street fight scenes, which seemed quite ambitious. That's why the artist change became one of the most important developments to affect the project's fate. In the manga world, artist changes often happen due to health issues, busy schedules, or editorial decisions. The delay to winter also means extra preparation time for both the new artist and the series' quality.
The return of Rokudenashi Blues holds great significance, especially for old-school Shōnen Jump fans. Introducing this kind of cult series to a new generation already makes the project special. The new series is expected to be released in the winter months; however, a specific date has not been announced yet. Whether Yuki Yoshimoto can add his own interpretation to the series without remaining in Boichi's shadow will be one of the most anticipated questions in the coming months.
