Kingdom Manga Finally Coming to the US!

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Generally, highly acclaimed manga series like “Kingdom” initially debut in Japan, and based on demand, they’re later released internationally. For instance, Yasuhisa Hara’s renowned “Kingdom” manga started publishing in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine on January 26, 2006. Since then, it has been distributed in countries like Germany, France, Spain, but not the United States. Fans in North America have long awaited an English translation, akin to anticipating the release of “Slam Dunk.” However, despite the series having sold over 110 million copies globally, fans’ hopes seemed dwindling. Now, there’s good news! Thanks to VIZ Media confirmation, “Kingdom” will finally receive an English-language physical and digital release starting on November 11th.

Showcasing the wars of the orphan Xin from the Qin kingdom during China’s Warring States period, “Kingdom” is a renowned seinen manga that has sold millions worldwide. Although it may not be included in the Seinen Big Three (Berserk, Vagabond, Vinland Saga) due to limited English release, this situation is about to change as both physical editions of all 74 volumes (with more to come) and digital versions are being prepared for distribution. The manga chronicles Xin’s journey to become the greatest general under heaven while unifying China to establish the first imperial dynasty. With VIZ Media and Shueisha now bringing this exceptional gem of seinen manga to a larger audience than ever before, fans can finally access it in their preferred format.

Kingdom’s English Release Is Coming on November 11th, 2025

If you’re among those who have followed the live-action films or Pierrot anime adaptation of Kingdom, you might be taken aback to learn that the manga has yet to officially arrive in the U.S. But for those who found the pacing issues in the anime and early CGI seasons less than satisfying, this is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the series exactly as it was originally intended – untouched and complete. Hara’s work is highly acclaimed not only for its compelling narrative that spanned over 800 chapters, but also for its unique shading technique and focus on intricate character (and horse) designs. It’s rare for a popular, long-running manga like Kingdom to have such a limited number of issues released at a time, as many other skilled mangaka struggle under the pressure of weekly deadlines.

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Starting November 11th, “Kingdom” is set to debut in North America, allowing fans to experience the series unadulterated from Volume 1 onwards. Given the vast number of graphic novel volumes planned, collectors may need to clear a sizable area on their shelves for this epic historical war tale. For those with limited physical storage, the digital Shonen Jump service will provide access to each new volume after its release.

The Manga World Adores Yasuhisa Hara & Kingdom

It’s well-known that Hara has gained a great deal of admiration, not just from fans but also from colleagues and mentors, during his remarkable manga run in the seinen genre. One such admirer is Takehiko Inoue, the creator of famous works like “Slam Dunk,” “Vagabond,” and “REAL.” Interestingly, Hara worked as an assistant under Inoue, and Inoue has offered valuable feedback on Hara’s unique style. Additionally, in a 2021 interview for the “Guidebook from the Kingdom Shin Exhibition,” Inoue shared his thoughts on Hara’s exceptional qualities, which were later posted on Reddit.

In every chapter, Inoue observed, Hara seemed to be giving his absolute best, a determination he likened to the phrase in basketball when someone gives their maximum effort – ‘give it your all on the court,’ which essentially means exerting yourself to the fullest of your abilities.

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Inoue, a renowned mangaka, is admired by many for his unparalleled dedication to craft, earning him legendary status within the industry. However, this greatness has led to an ongoing break in the creation of his most cherished series, “Vagabond.” Therefore, any praise from him carries significant weight. Furthermore, Inoue’s appreciation for Hara extends beyond just a few kind words, which is appropriate considering their respective mangas occupy prestigious spots in Weekly Young Jump magazine. During the same interview, Inoue also shared this compliment:

“Hara’s work is truly exceptional.

Currently, every character within Kingdom is growing more convincing, making the narrative as a whole increasingly compelling for readers. It’s truly remarkable; I wish I could create such captivating characters myself.

Beyond his existing work, Hara’s talent has been highly valued in significant manga productions across the industry. One of his most notable achievements was being part of the 42 esteemed artists who each provided their unique interpretations of Akira Toriyama’s characters for the Dragon Ball Super Gallery project. In this project, Hara creatively depicted Goku wearing Warring States-era armor, while maintaining his signature orange color scheme, atop a horse in the Kingdom style, as a tribute to Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Volume 34 cover. The localization of Kingdom’s manga is a long-awaited opportunity for North American fans to appreciate or reappreciate this legendary artist’s work like never before.

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Beginning on November 11th, Kingdom will debut its Volume 1 and subsequent releases, thanks to VIZ Media’s distribution efforts, in conjunction with Shueisha’s announcement through a pre-release press communication.

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2025-02-07 20:11