Pornographer Series' Maki Marukido Launches New Manga on March 25

Okay, here is a blog post based on the provided article, following all your instructions:

New Manga Series Announced: PAX Happiness Management Bureau

Maki Marukido, the creator known for works such as "Pornographer," is set to launch a new manga series titled "PAX Happiness Management Bureau." The series will debut in the next issue of Kodansha's Afternoon magazine, scheduled for release on March 25. This announcement was made in the April issue of the magazine.

Story Setting and Premise

"PAX Happiness Management Bureau" is set in a futuristic Japan where the government implements a unique system for managing its citizens. This system revolves around educating people about happiness, all under the umbrella of the National Happiness Management Act, also known as the "PAX System." This act essentially governs how companies operate and how individuals are guided towards a state of contentment.

Plot Introduction

The story centers around Momochi, an employee working at a ward office. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives orders to transfer to a specialized unit within the Happiness Management Bureau's cabinet office. This unit is known as the Special Response Unit. Upon joining this new team, Momochi quickly finds himself entangled in an incident that directly involves the new "PAX System." The manga will likely explore the complexities and potential pitfalls of a society that attempts to regulate and manage its citizens' happiness.

About the Author: Maki Marukido

Maki Marukido is a manga artist recognized for their distinctive storytelling and character development. Marukido gained significant attention with the boys' love manga "Pornographer," which was published in Shodensha's on BLUE magazine in 2016. The series was compiled into a single book volume. The success of "Pornographer" led to a spinoff manga titled "Indigo no Kibun," also published in on BLUE in 2016, and later a sequel manga called "Zoku Pornographer Playback."

Previous Works and Adaptations

"Pornographer" has enjoyed considerable success beyond the manga pages. The series inspired a television drama adaptation that premiered on Fuji TV's FOD (Fuji TV On Demand) streaming service in July 2018. A second series adapting the "Indigo no Kibun" arc premiered in March 2019, further expanding the world and characters of "Pornographer." In February 2021, "Zoku Pornographer Playback" was adapted into a live-action film, showcasing the enduring popularity of Marukido's work.

English Publication of Marukido's Works

For English-speaking fans, digital manga publisher futekiya is making Marukido's works accessible. futekiya is publishing "Pornographer," "Indigo no Kibun," and "Zoku Pornographer Playback" in English. Additionally, futekiya is also publishing Marukido's "Me wo Tojite mo Hikari wa Mieru yo" manga, providing a wider range of the author's works to international readers.

"The End of the World, With You"

Before "PAX Happiness Management Bureau," Marukido created "The End of the World, With You" (Bokura no Micro na Shūmatsu), which was launched in on BLUE magazine in February 2020 and concluded in December 2021. Shodensha released the two compiled book volumes of the manga simultaneously in February 2022. Like other works by Marukido, "The End of the World, With You" also received a live-action television series adaptation, which debuted in 2023.

Anticipation for the New Series

With a track record of creating engaging stories and compelling characters, Maki Marukido's "PAX Happiness Management Bureau" is generating anticipation among manga readers. The series' intriguing premise, set in a future Japan grappling with the concept of managed happiness, promises to explore relevant themes and offer a unique perspective on society and individual well-being. The launch of the manga on March 25 is eagerly awaited.