The creative duo known as Akira Himekawa, renowned for their manga adaptations of the iconic Legend of Zelda video game series, are set to release their original fantasy manga, Kamudo, in print. This highly anticipated series marks a departure from their work on existing franchises, showcasing their talent for crafting elaborate fantasy worlds. The first volume of Kamudo is scheduled for release in the fall of 2025 by Viz Media.
A New Fantasy World from Zelda’s Illustrious Artists
Akira Himekawa, the pen name for two female manga artists, have spent over three decades in the industry, with almost 25 years dedicated to adapting The Legend of Zelda games into manga. Their extensive work with Nintendo includes manga adaptations of popular titles like Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, The Minish Cap, A Link to the Past, Phantom Hourglass, and most recently, Twilight Princess. Fans have praised their art style for adding depth and personality to the various Zelda characters, especially Link. Their ability to expand on the game’s lore, delving into character relationships and settings, has cemented their reputation as masters of the fantasy genre.
Having established a strong foundation in fantasy storytelling through their Zelda manga, Akira Himekawa announced their original creation, Kamudo, in 2017. However, they continued working on the Twilight Princess manga, which officially concluded in January 2022 after 58 chapters and 11 volumes. This allowed them to focus entirely on Kamudo, which began serialization in the fall of 2024.
Kamudo: A Story of Dragons and Humans
Kamudo unfolds in a fantastical realm where demi-dragons once maintained peace. These demi-beings, appearing half-human and half-beast, ruled the skybound paradise of Hinoaruchi for millions of years. The world is disrupted when the first human is magically born from an egg. This child, named Kamuna, is prophesied to either bring salvation or disaster to the world. The story explores the tensions between the established order of demi-dragons and the arrival of humans, promising a compelling narrative filled with action and intrigue.
The manga features a similar fantasy-adventure tone as The Legend of Zelda manga, but with a completely original story, which allows the duo to explore new ideas without the constraints of a pre-existing narrative. This freedom is expected to allow Himekawa to delve deeper into the world and characters they create.
Simultaneous English Release by Viz Media
Viz Media announced at New York Comic Con that they would be releasing Kamudo simultaneously in English, making it accessible to a broader audience. The first two installments of the manga were made available for free on the Viz Manga service and app, allowing fans to sample the new series. This simultaneous release demonstrates Viz Media’s confidence in the series and its potential to resonate with fans worldwide.
The release of the first print volume of Kamudo in the fall of 2025 is highly anticipated by manga enthusiasts and Zelda fans alike. Many fans are eager to see Himekawa’s fresh perspective and creativity unleashed in an original story, especially after their long dedication to the Zelda universe.
A Legacy of Fantasy Manga
Akira Himekawa’s journey in the manga industry spans over three decades, during which they have become synonymous with high-quality fantasy storytelling. Their work on The Legend of Zelda manga is a testament to their ability to adapt existing worlds and characters into compelling narratives. They’ve created ten manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of The Legend of Zelda, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons, and Four Swords.
Their most recent Legend of Zelda manga, Twilight Princess, is notable for its extensive length and depth, comprising 11 volumes. The series allowed them to explore the complex relationship between Link and Midna, adding significant depth to the characters that the game did not fully cover.
The print release of Kamudo is not just the launch of a new series; it signifies a milestone in Akira Himekawa’s career as they embark on an original journey. Their experience with The Legend of Zelda franchise has prepared them well to craft new and immersive worlds, and fans eagerly anticipate their latest contribution to the world of manga.
What to Expect from the Print Edition of Kamudo
The print edition of Kamudo, set for release in the fall of 2025, will offer fans the opportunity to experience Himekawa’s art in its physical form. Viz Media is among the publishers bringing new content to market in the fall of 2025, including Maid to Skate, MamaYuyu, and a variety of other series. With Kamudo the publishing company is adding to the list of new manga available to purchase. The physical release allows for a more tangible experience, making it a coveted item for collectors and manga enthusiasts.
The simultaneous release of Kamudo in English ensures that fans around the world can join the adventure. The series promises to deliver a rich blend of fantasy, adventure, and compelling characters, all while maintaining the high standard of artwork and storytelling that Akira Himekawa is known for. It represents an exciting chapter for the acclaimed manga creators and their fans, as they embark on an original journey into a new world with Kamudo.
