Hiroya Oku Confirms Thunder 3 Pen Name
Manga enthusiasts received an exciting confirmation this week as acclaimed creator Hiroya Oku, known for his groundbreaking works like Gantz and Inuyashiki, officially revealed his authorship of the recently concluded series, Thunder 3. Oku announced on social media that he wrote Thunder 3 under the pseudonym Yuki Ikeda. This strategic decision was made to preserve a crucial story surprise in the initial chapter, ensuring first-time readers experienced the narrative twist without preconceived notions associated with the renowned Hiroya Oku name.
The series, which culminated its run on June 5, brought a unique blend of adventure and sci-fi to readers. Fans can now appreciate the distinct storytelling approach knowing it came from the mind behind some of manga's most impactful narratives.
Diving Into the World of Thunder 3
Thunder 3 plunges readers into a fantastical parallel universe, a concept that immediately captivates. The story centers around three ordinary schoolboys who stumble upon a mysterious DVD. This seemingly innocuous item purportedly grants access to an alternate dimension. The plot thickens when Pyontaro's younger sister, Futaba, inadvertently passes through the gateway and is subsequently kidnapped by extraterrestrial beings that have taken over this parallel Earth.
What makes the premise particularly intriguing is the boys' discovery that their cartoonish bodies grant them superhuman abilities within the hyper-realistic landscape of the parallel universe. Empowered by their unexpected strengths, the trio embarks on a perilous mission to rescue Futaba. This imaginative concept, blending familiar slice-of-life elements with grand sci-fi adventure, truly reflects the creative depth now officially attributed to Hiroya Oku. Kodansha USA has been publishing the series in English, allowing a global audience to experience this unique journey.
Thunder 3's Publication Journey and Conclusion
Yuki Ikeda, now revealed as Hiroya Oku, launched Thunder 3 in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Magazine in May 2022. The series experienced a dynamic publication history, leading up to its eventual conclusion. It entered its climactic phase in January 2025, building significant anticipation among its readership. However, the series then went on a temporary hiatus in March 2025, necessitated by the author's health, a common challenge in the demanding world of manga creation.
After a period of recovery, the manga successfully returned from its hiatus in February, much to the relief of its dedicated fanbase. The full story arc finally concluded on June 5. Kodansha released the manga's 10th compiled volume on August 17, offering fans the complete physical collection. Meanwhile, Kodansha USA shipped the eighth English volume on February 10, ensuring international readers kept pace with the unfolding narrative.
Anime Adaptation Hits Streaming Worldwide
Adding another layer to the Thunder 3 phenomenon, an anime adaptation premiered, bringing the vibrant world to life on screen. The anime debuted on the +Ultra programming block on Fuji TV and other channels on July 8 at 24:45 JST, which is effectively July 9 at 12:45 a.m. JST. For global audiences, the anime is exclusively streaming worldwide on Netflix, also starting on July 8. This simultaneous release strategy allowed fans across the globe to immerse themselves in the animated adventures of the schoolboys and their quest immediately, amplifying the series' reach and appeal.
Hiroya Oku's Future Plans and Legacy
Beyond Thunder 3, Hiroya Oku has also shared significant news regarding his long-term career. In an August interview with Courrier Japon, Oku announced his intention to retire from manga creation once he completes his current project, Kanrekihime, translated as The Sweet Sixty Princess. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for fans of his distinctive style and storytelling.
Oku launched The Sweet Sixty Princess manga in Shogakukan's Big Comic Superior magazine in December 2025. The first compiled book volume of this much-anticipated final work was published on May 29. As Oku prepares for retirement, his influence on the manga industry remains profound, promising a poignant conclusion to an illustrious career.
The Enduring Impact of Gantz and Beyond
Hiroya Oku's legacy is perhaps most famously cemented by his iconic Gantz manga, which captivated readers from 2000 to 2013. Gantz transcended its print origins, inspiring a television anime series, a critically acclaimed CG anime film, and two Japanese live-action films. Its narrative depth and unique aesthetic also led to the creation of two spinoff manga, expanding the Gantz universe further. Dark Horse Comics played a crucial role in bringing the original manga to North American audiences.
Oku has continued to revisit this rich universe, launching the GANTZ:E historical spinoff manga with artist Jin Kagetsu in January 2020. Furthermore, Shueisha's Jump TOON vertical-scrolling manga service introduced a new vertical-scrolling full-color edition of the manga, titled GANTZ: T, in July 2025, adapting it for modern digital reading platforms. The global recognition of Gantz is evident with reports from The Deadline website in November 2021 confirming a Hollywood live-action adaptation is in development, showcasing the enduring appeal and cinematic potential of Oku's visionary work.
A New Chapter for a Manga Visionary
Hiroya Oku's confirmation as the creator of Thunder 3 adds another fascinating title to his diverse portfolio. This revelation, combined with the series' recent conclusion and its concurrent anime adaptation, highlights Oku's continued impact on the entertainment landscape. As he prepares to embark on his final manga journey with Kanrekihime before retirement, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the grand finale from a creator who has consistently pushed the boundaries of genre and narrative in the manga world. His innovative approaches and memorable stories ensure his place as a true visionary in the industry.
