Masahiro Anbe, the acclaimed manga artist best known for the hit series Squid Girl, is set to launch a new manga series titled Akuma de Fukei in February 2025. This announcement has generated considerable excitement among manga fans, eager to see what Anbe has in store after his previous successful works. The new series will debut in Young Magazine on February 3, 2025.
A Devilish Romantic Comedy
Akuma de Fukei, which roughly translates to “disrespecting the devil” or “protecting the devil,” is a romantic comedy set in a rural police station. The story revolves around a demon “policewoman” named Eclair, who has stationed herself at a police box with the mission of finding an evil human to become her servant. Her plans take an interesting turn when she is met by her coworker, Daichi Kuwahara, who is determined to send her back to the demon world. However, Eclair’s clumsy personality makes it difficult for him to accomplish his goal. This unlikely pairing creates a dynamic that promises to be both humorous and heartwarming.
Wordplay in the Title
The title, Akuma de Fukei, is a clever wordplay. The term “fukei” can be interpreted in two ways depending on the kanji used. By writing “fukei” in hiragana, Anbe leaves the meaning ambiguous, suggesting both “disrespecting the devil” and “protecting the devil”. This duality adds a layer of intrigue to the series, making readers curious about the true nature of the characters and their relationships.
Publication and Release Details
The first volume of Akuma de Fukei is scheduled to be released on June 6, 2025, under Kodansha’s Young Maga KC Special imprint. However, the series will begin its serialization in Young Magazine on February 3, 2025, following the magazine’s weekly schedule. This serialization format will allow fans to experience the story chapter by chapter leading up to the release of the compiled volume.
The Journey to Serialization
Initially, there was some speculation that the new manga would be released directly in tankobon format (collected volumes) without prior serialization in a magazine. This was due to the first volume being listed on Rakuten, a Japanese online marketplace, without any mention of a magazine serialization. However, Kodansha confirmed that the series would indeed be serialized in Young Magazine, much to the delight of fans who prefer the weekly format.
Masahiro Anbe: The Creative Force
Masahiro Anbe, born on May 4, 1983, is a Japanese manga artist renowned for his unique storytelling and distinctive characters. Before Akuma de Fukei, Anbe’s most notable work is undoubtedly Squid Girl, which captivated audiences with its quirky humor and endearing characters.
Squid Girl: A Legacy
Squid Girl, known in Japan as Shinryaku! Ika Musume (ä¾µē„!ć¤ć«åØ), was serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly ShÅnen Champion from 2007 to 2016. The story centers on a squid girl who comes to the surface with the goal of invading humanity as revenge for their pollution of the ocean. However, she ends up working at a beachside restaurant. The manga’s success led to two anime television series adaptations, which aired in 2010 and 2011, further solidifying Anbe’s reputation as a skilled manga artist. The anime series was streamed by Crunchyroll and licensed by Sentai Filmworks.
Other Works by Anbe
In addition to Squid Girl, Anbe also created Atsumare! Fushigi Kenkyū-bu (Assemble! Mystery Research Club), which ran from 2016 to 2024. This manga series further showcased his talent for creating engaging, character-driven stories. Although Atsumare! Fushigi Kenkyū-bu has not been officially published in English, it has gained a loyal following among manga readers.
What to Expect from Akuma de Fukei
Given Anbeās track record, Akuma de Fukei is expected to be a delightful mix of comedy and romance with unique characters and a compelling plot. The premise of a clumsy demon policewoman and her interactions with her human coworker offers plenty of opportunities for humorous situations and heartwarming moments. Fans can anticipate Anbe’s signature blend of quirky humor and endearing characters, making this new manga a highly anticipated addition to the manga landscape.
A Unique Romantic Comedy
The setting of a rural police station adds an interesting twist to the romantic comedy genre. The clash between the supernatural nature of Eclair and the mundane world of her human coworkers should provide ample material for comedic situations. Moreover, the potential romantic tension between Eclair and Daichi will add another layer of depth to the narrative.
Potential for International Release
While there are no confirmed English release plans for Akuma de Fukei yet, the popularity of Squid Girl internationally suggests that this new series may also find its way to international audiences. Given the increasing global demand for manga, it’s highly likely that publishers will take an interest in bringing Anbe’s latest work to English-speaking readers.
Conclusion
Masahiro Anbe‘s upcoming manga, Akuma de Fukei, is generating significant buzz within the manga community. With its unique premise, quirky characters, and the promise of Anbe’s signature humor, this new series is poised to be a hit. Fans can mark their calendars for February 3, 2025, when the serialization begins in Young Magazine. The first volumeās release in June 2025, is also an event that many manga fans are looking forward to. As fans eagerly await its debut, it’s clear that Akuma de Fukei is set to be a must-read manga series in 2025.
