New Revenge Manga Series "Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū" Unveiled
Kodansha's YanMaga Web has just dropped an exciting announcement for manga enthusiasts: a brand new series titled "Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū" (Bullying, Frogs, Mama, and Revenge) is set to debut on June 18. This highly anticipated title brings together the talents of Shigemitsu Harada and Takumi Kobayashi, promising a dark and intriguing narrative that will undoubtedly captivate readers. Mark your calendars for its launch next month.
A Story of Bullying, Solace, and Shocking Proposals
"Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū" plunges readers into the complex life of Makoto, a character described as a "frog." This moniker likely alludes to his seemingly aimless existence working at a local factory, perhaps a metaphor for being overlooked or downtrodden. Makoto finds an unexpected source of solace in Miyuki, the mother of his childhood tormentor, Kazuya. This unusual dynamic forms the emotional core of the story.
The plot takes a dramatic turn with Kazuya's return to town. His re-entry into Makoto's life, combined with Miyuki's subsequent "shocking proposal," sets the stage for what promises to be a gripping tale of revenge, blurred moral lines, and intense emotional stakes. The title itself, "Bullying, Frogs, Mama, and Revenge," explicitly outlines the key themes, suggesting a narrative rich with psychological depth and potentially dark undertones. Fans looking for a compelling drama with a strong focus on character relationships and retribution will find this series particularly appealing.
Shigemitsu Harada's Diverse Manga Portfolio
Shigemitsu Harada, the writer for "Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū," boasts an impressive and versatile career in the manga industry. Harada is well-known for contributing to a wide range of genres, demonstrating a remarkable ability to craft engaging stories across different styles.
Earlier this year, in March 2023, Harada launched "Hikaru to Hikaru" with artist Hachi Sendō in Kadokawa's Dragon Age magazine, with its third volume recently shipped in April 2025. Prior to this, Harada collaborated with Shinjirō on "Shinyaku Kani Kōsen" (The Crab Cannery Ship: New Testament), which ran in Young Animal from June 2021 to November 2022. This series saw its final digital volume released in December 2022.
Perhaps most widely recognized are Harada's contributions to the "Cells at Work!" universe. Harada penned two popular spinoffs: "Cells at Work! Code Black" and "Hataraku Saibō Lady." "Cells at Work! Code Black," illustrated by Issei Hatsuyoshi, debuted in June 2018 and concluded in January 2021, earning significant acclaim and an English release by Kodansha USA Publishing. "Hataraku Saibō Lady," with art by Akari Otokawa, launched in January 2020 and wrapped up on September 26, further showcasing Harada's ability to explore unique perspectives within established worlds. This extensive background highlights Harada's skill in storytelling and world-building, making their involvement in "Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū" a strong indicator of quality.
Takumi Kobayashi's Artistic Contributions
Joining Harada on this new venture is Takumi Kobayashi, the artist bringing "Ijime to Kaeru to Fukushū" to life. While the article primarily focuses on Harada's extensive bibliography, Kobayashi also has a notable work in their past. Digital Manga's Project H licensed Kobayashi's "An Innocent Relationship" for English release back in 2012. This previous work suggests a background in crafting emotionally resonant narratives and visually compelling art, which will be crucial in depicting the nuanced character dynamics and intense emotional landscape of "Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū." Readers can anticipate a visually striking and emotionally impactful rendition of Harada's narrative.
Get Ready for a Gripping New Manga
The collaboration between seasoned writer Shigemitsu Harada and artist Takumi Kobayashi on "Ijime to Kaeru to Mama to Fukushū" is poised to be one of the most intriguing manga debuts of the year. With its premise exploring themes of bullying, an unconventional solace, a mysterious woman's proposal, and the promise of revenge, this series is set to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking experience. Be sure to check out "Bullying, Frogs, Mama, and Revenge" when it launches on YanMaga Web on June 18 to immerse yourself in this compelling new drama. The unique blend of dark themes and complex relationships ensures that this series will be a captivating read for anyone seeking a fresh and intense story.
