The popular manga series Bungo Stray Dogs has expanded its universe with a new spin-off manga, Bungo Stray Dogs: STORM BRINGER, which began serialization today, January 24, 2025. This highly anticipated manga focuses on the fan-favorite character, Chuuya Nakahara, and delves deeper into his past. The manga is an adaptation of the eighth light novel of the same name in the Bungo Stray Dogs series and is penned by Hoshikawa Shiwasu, a mangaka already familiar with the franchise.
Chuya Nakahara’s Story Takes Center Stage
STORM BRINGER is set one year after the events of the “Arahabaki Incident,” a pivotal moment in Chuuya Nakahara’s life, and his subsequent joining of the Port Mafia. The narrative explores Chuuya’s journey as a 16-year-old as he navigates his new life within the mafia. This spin-off promises to shed more light on Chuuya’s character, his ambitions, and the challenges he faces as he seeks to rise through the ranks of the Port Mafia.
A New Threat Emerges
The story introduces a new character, a European detective named Adam, who arrives with the mission of protecting Chuuya from a dangerous assassin known as Paul Verlaine. Verlaine claims to be Chuuya’s older brother and has vowed to kill everyone Chuuya cares about. This sets the stage for a high-stakes conflict with explosive battles and personal revelations.
The Creative Team
The STORM BRINGER manga is written by Hoshikawa Shiwasu, who also worked on the Bungo Stray Dogs: Dazai, Chuuya, Jūgosai and Bungo Stray Dogs: Beast spin-off manga. Hoshikawa’s familiarity with the franchise ensures a faithful adaptation, while also bringing a fresh perspective to this intense storyline. The original Bungo Stray Dogs manga is written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa.
Where to Find It
The manga is serialized in Kadokawa’s Monthly Shōnen Ace magazine, with the first chapter released in today’s issue. The cover of the magazine features the STORM BRINGER manga, further highlighting its significance to the Bungo Stray Dogs franchise.
What is Bungo Stray Dogs?
Bungo Stray Dogs is a Japanese manga series written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa. The series has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace magazine since 2012. The story centers around individuals with supernatural abilities, each named after famous literary authors, and their powers are based on the authors’ works. It follows the members of the Armed Detective Agency as they try to protect Yokohama from various organizations, including the Port Mafia.
The Premise
The manga’s premise combines action, mystery, and supernatural elements, with a strong emphasis on its diverse cast of characters. The series is known for its complex storylines, well-developed characters, and the integration of literary references. Each character’s ability is a nod to the author they are named after, adding depth and layers to the story.
Other Adaptations
The Bungo Stray Dogs franchise has expanded beyond its manga roots, with an anime television series adaptation produced by Bones. There are also multiple light novels, stage plays, and other manga spin-offs. This popularity has cemented its place in the anime and manga world, and it enjoys a dedicated fanbase.
Chuuya Nakahara: A Closer Look
Chuuya Nakahara is a prominent character in Bungo Stray Dogs, known for his fiery temper and powerful ability. He is an executive of the Port Mafia, one of the most powerful members of the organization. His ability, “Upon the Tainted Sorrow,” allows him to manipulate gravity.
Chuuya’s History
Before joining the Port Mafia, Chuuya was a member of a group called Sheep, a gang of delinquent youths from the slums. He was betrayed by them which led to him joining the Port Mafia. He also has a long and complicated history with Osamu Dazai, with whom he formed the infamous “Twin Dark” duo. Despite his position in the mafia, Chuuya has a strong sense of justice and often knows when to stop a fight, although he is more than willing to get his hands dirty.
The Focus of STORM BRINGER
STORM BRINGER delves into Chuuya’s past and explores his life within the Port Mafia, particularly his ambition to become an executive. This new manga adaptation offers fans an in-depth look at his struggles, relationships, and inner conflicts. His partnership with the mysterious Adam as he faces a threat from his supposed brother, Paul Verlaine, further complicates Chuuya’s journey and will undoubtedly lead to interesting developments in the story.
Why This Manga is a Must-Read
The STORM BRINGER manga is a must-read for fans of Bungo Stray Dogs, offering a deeper look into one of the series’ most complex characters. The manga is not only a chance to explore Chuuya’s character, but it also introduces new characters and storylines. This manga will undoubtedly become a highlight within the franchise for its action-packed narrative, emotional depth, and exploration of Chuuya Nakahara’s past.
A Faithful Adaptation
With Hoshikawa Shiwasu at the helm, fans can expect a faithful yet fresh take on the Storm Bringer light novel. This adaptation will add another layer to the already rich and intricate world of Bungo Stray Dogs, further solidifying its place in the manga landscape. The series is already receiving positive feedback from fans with many expressing their excitement for the launch.
Where to Find More Bungo Stray Dogs
The original Bungo Stray Dogs manga series has 25 volumes available in Japanese, and 23 volumes available in English. In addition to the manga, there is an anime adaptation, several light novels, and other manga spin-offs. The franchise also has stage plays, a movie, and a radio drama. The different series within the franchise often explore the past of different characters, such as the Bungo Stray Dogs: Dazai, Chuuya, Jūgosai which focused on the two characters in their teenage years.
The release of Bungo Stray Dogs: STORM BRINGER marks a new chapter in the franchise, which continues to captivate audiences with its compelling characters and intricate stories. The first chapter of the manga is now available, and fans can follow the story in Monthly Shōnen Ace.
