Berserk, Tsutomu Nihei, and Cthulhu Inspired Shonen Jump’s Darkest New Series

Shonen series like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Dragon Ball aren’t shy about depicting intense, bloody battles. Characters don’t hesitate to get gritty in these fights. With major series such as My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen wrapping up their stories, there’s a noticeable gap in the manga world’s top publishers. However, a new manga is stepping up to take its place, and the creator has revealed that both Band of the Hawk and Cthulu have played a role in shaping what could potentially be the next big hit.

If you’re not familiar with Centuria, a new manga from Shonen Jump was launched in April by artist Tohru Kuramori. The story revolves around the protagonist Julian, who is enslaved on a ship. He develops a bond with a woman named Mira, but tragically, the slaves are massacred by the captain and the strength of the slaves and Mira herself are transferred into Julian. Now burdened with protecting Mira’s newborn daughter and seeking revenge for the murdered slaves, Julian embarks on a dark journey while also trying to save the baby under his care. Given this plotline, it’s clear that Kuramori drew inspiration from both H.P. Lovecraft and Kentaro Miura in creating this series.

Centuria’s Creator Speaks

In a recent conversation with Shueisha, Tohru Kuramori shared insights about the development of his series and the inspiration behind it. He revealed that the initial idea for Centuria’s first chapter stemmed from the painting “The Slave Ship” by Joseph Mallord William Turner. He envisioned the main character of the story aboard this slave ship, and then expanded upon the narrative from there. The concept of a protagonist who had been given the life of one hundred people evolved from this foundation. Kuramori attributes his greatest influences to Kentaro Miura’s Berserk, works by Tsutomu Nihei, and the Cthulu mythos.

In addition to delving into the heavier aspects of his work, Kuramori also shared some lighter insights. Speaking as an observer, it was fascinating to hear him talk about the serene countryside setting where he creates his ominous manga masterpieces, immersed in nature’s tranquility. He mentioned that this environment allows him to focus more intently on his work. Moreover, he revealed a cherished aspect of his creative process: a favorite penholder that he consistently employs while meticulously hand-inking each piece. His devotion to the tools he uses adds an interesting layer to his artistic approach.

Centuria Anime When?

It’s quite possible that the Shonen Jump series, Centuria, could get an anime adaptation soon. Given its recent start in April of last year, it might require some additional time to generate enough content for a whole season. Any studio would consider themselves fortunate to bring Kuramori’s narrative to life on screen.

Via Manga Plus

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2025-01-28 23:09