Kingdom fans, get ready for an extraordinary celebration! Yasuhisa Hara's epic historical manga, Kingdom, is commemorating its incredible 20th anniversary with a special, highly anticipated publication. Shueisha is set to release Kingdom Magazine on August 19, packed with exclusive content honoring two decades of captivating storytelling, grand warfare, and unforgettable characters that have garnered a massive global following. This commemorative issue is a must-have collector's item, meticulously crafted to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of this monumental series.
Kingdom Magazine: A 20th Anniversary Treasure
The upcoming Kingdom Magazine, launching August 19, promises a wealth of exclusive features. Fans will discover brand new, original art by creator Yasuhisa Hara, proudly gracing the cover and included as a pull-out poster. Inside, the magazine will reveal the results of the manga's third official character poll, highlighting fan-favorite figures. An extensive, long-form interview with Yasuhisa Hara will provide unparalleled insights into his creative process and vision for Kingdom's future. The special issue will also feature a comprehensive retrospective, tracing the manga's remarkable journey from its 2006 launch in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine to its current status as a record-setting global phenomenon. This magazine is a profound tribute to a series that has defined historical manga for two decades.
Two Decades of Epic Storytelling
Yasuhisa Hara's Kingdom manga began its serialization in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump in 2006, swiftly captivating readers with its intricate narrative and dynamic artwork. The series continues its impressive run, with Shueisha publishing its 79th compiled book volume on May 19. For international readers, Viz Media has licensed the manga, releasing its eighth volume on June 16. The story centers on Xin, an orphaned slave boy driven by the dream of becoming a great general for the state of Qin. He aligns with Ying Zheng, the ambitious young Qin king, who shares the monumental goal of unifying all of China. Xin's journey is one of relentless ambition and strategic genius, as he strives to become a supreme commander, capable of defeating the formidable Seven Warring States and helping King Zheng achieve his vision. Kingdom masterfully blends historical facts with thrilling fictionalized accounts, creating a rich tapestry of ancient warfare and political intrigue.
Kingdom's Multimedia Legacy
The enduring appeal of Kingdom extends beyond the manga, thriving across successful anime adaptations and blockbuster live-action films. The anime series began in 2012, with subsequent seasons premiering in 2013, 2020 (resuming 2021), 2022, and most recently in January 2024. These animated journeys, streamed by Funimation and Crunchyroll, bring intense battles and character development to a global audience.
On the cinematic front, the live-action films have achieved significant success. The first film (2019) earned 5.73 billion yen. The second film, Kingdom II: Harukanaru Daichi e (To Distant Lands), released in 2022, was Japan's highest-earning live-action film that year. The franchise continues with the fourth film, Kingdom: Taishogun no Kikan (Return of the General), set for July 2025 release and global streaming on Netflix. Even sooner, the fifth film, Kingdom: Tamashii no Kessen (Decisive Battle of the Soul), is slated for release on July 17. These multimedia adaptations underscore the universal power and broad appeal of Yasuhisa Hara's original manga.
Join the Celebration
As Kingdom proudly marks its 20th anniversary, its profound impact on manga and beyond is undeniable. Yasuhisa Hara's masterful storytelling has cultivated a legendary franchise, beloved by millions. The upcoming Kingdom Magazine is not just a commemorative publication; it's a heartfelt tribute to two decades of groundbreaking work and a testament to the passionate community that continues to embrace this historical epic. Make sure to get your copy on August 19 to join in the festivities and delve deeper into the extraordinary world of Kingdom.
