Boichi Draws New Rokudenashi Blues Manga

A Clash of Titans: Onizuka vs. Kasai in New Rokudenashi Blues Gaiden Manga
A new manga is on the horizon for fans of Masanori Morita’s classic series, Rokudenashi Blues. Titled Rokudenashi Blues Gaiden: Onikazura, this side story promises to delve into a battle that remained unseen in the original run.
Boichi Takes the Helm
The upcoming manga will feature the artistic talents of Boichi, known for his work on popular series such as Dr. Stone and Sun-Ken Rock. Morita will be credited for the original work, ensuring that the new story remains true to the spirit of Rokudenashi Blues.
A Long-Awaited Showdown
According to Morita’s post on X/Twitter, the story is set in the first half of the 1990s, during the timeline of the original manga. However, it is not a sequel. Instead, it focuses on a specific conflict that occurred but was never explicitly depicted: the fight between Onizuka and Kasai. These two characters are members of the “four heavenly kings,” adding to the anticipation surrounding this clash.
What is Rokudenashi Blues?
Rokudenashi Blues originally ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from 1988 to 1997, spanning 42 volumes. The manga follows Taison Maeda, a student at Teiken High School in Kichijōji, Tokyo, who aspires to become a professional boxer. The series chronicles his journey as he faces numerous formidable opponents.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The popularity of Rokudenashi Blues led to various adaptations, including a 1992 anime film and another in 1993. In 1996 and 1998, two live-action films were released, followed by a live-action television series in 2011. The series was even adapted into a stage play in December 2010.
The Creative Minds Behind the Manga
Masanori Morita is also known for other manga series such as Rookies, Beshari Gurashi, and Zashisu. Boichi’s recent work includes The Marshal King, which launched on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ service in February 2023 but went on hiatus in December of the same year.
Release Details
Rokudenashi Blues Gaiden: Onikazura is scheduled to launch in Grand Jump magazine this summer. Fans can look forward to seeing Boichi’s artistic interpretation of this pivotal battle in the Rokudenashi Blues universe.