The popular web manga The Ramparts of Ice, also known as Koori no Jyōheki, is officially getting a TV anime adaptation. This announcement has sparked excitement among fans of the slice-of-life series, which originally gained traction as a digital webtoon. The manga’s creator, Kocha Agasawa, shared a commemorative illustration and expressed their surprise and gratitude for the adaptation.
From Webtoon to Anime: A Story of Icy Walls and Warm Connections
The Ramparts of Ice first appeared as a webtoon on the LINE Manga app in January 2020, running until April 2022. The story revolves around Koyuki Hikawa, a high school freshman known for her cold demeanor and aloof nature, earning her the moniker “Queen.” Koyuki prefers to keep to herself, spending most of her time with her childhood friend, Mihime Azumi. However, her solitary world begins to shift when Minato Amemiya, a friendly classmate, persistently tries to break through her icy exterior. As the story unfolds, a fourth character, the laid-back Yōta Hino, enters the picture, creating a complex dynamic among the group. The narrative explores themes of friendship, social interaction, and the challenges of navigating youth, all while delving into the subtle emotions and unspoken feelings of its characters.
The Journey of The Ramparts of Ice
The manga has seen significant success. Following its initial run as a webtoon, Shueisha began publishing the series in collected tankōbon volumes, starting in July 2023. The final, 14th volume is scheduled for release on February 4, 2025. The series has also garnered critical acclaim, including a nomination for the 69th Shogakukan Manga Awards in 2023. It secured the 15th position for male readers in the 2024 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook, and also ranked second in the “Vertical Scroll Comic” category at the second Rakuten Kobo E-book Awards. Furthermore, The Ramparts of Ice ranked second in AnimeJapan’s sixth “Most Wanted Anime Adaptation” poll in 2023, showcasing its popularity and anticipation for an animated version.
A Unique Webtoon Origin
The Ramparts of Ice stands out as a notable example of a webtoon that has successfully transitioned to a traditional manga format. Webtoons, which originated in South Korea, are designed for vertical scrolling on smartphones, while manga are typically read horizontally in print. The author, Kocha Agasawa, has stated that if it weren’t for the webtoon format, they might not have debuted as a manga artist. The webtoon format’s accessibility for amateur artists lowers the barrier to entry, leading to the discovery of new talent for the traditional, horizontally read manga.
What to Expect from the Anime Adaptation
While specific details like the animation studio, cast, and release date for The Ramparts of Ice anime are yet to be revealed, the announcement alone has excited many. The anime will likely focus on the core themes of the manga:
- Social Isolation and Connection: Koyuki’s struggle to connect with others and her gradual opening up due to Minato’s persistence.
- Friendship Dynamics: The complex relationships between Koyuki, Mihime, Minato, and Yōta.
- Youthful Exploration: Navigating the emotional ups and downs of high school life.
Fans anticipate that the anime will capture the delicate balance of humor, drama, and romance present in the manga, while also adding new depth through animation.
Kocha Agasawa’s Other Works
Notably, Kocha Agasawa is also the creator of You and I Are Polar Opposites, another manga series which is also getting a TV anime adaptation, set to premiere in January 2026, produced by Studio Lapin Track. This adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding Agasawa’s works and the upcoming anime adaptations.
The Growing Popularity of Webtoon Anime Adaptations
The Ramparts of Ice joins a growing list of webcomics and webtoons that have been adapted into anime series, highlighting the increasing influence of online publications on the anime industry. Some notable examples include:
- One-Punch Man: Originally a self-published webcomic by ONE, it gained massive popularity and was later adapted into a critically acclaimed anime series.
- Tower of God: A popular Korean manhwa that was adapted into an anime series, showcasing the creative potential of webcomics.
- Noblesse: Another popular Korean manhwa that has received an anime adaptation.
- My Roommate is a Cat: A heartwarming slice-of-life story that began as a webcomic on Comic Polaris.
- Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun: A comedic webcomic that was adapted into an anime, showcasing the behind-the-scenes world of manga creation.
These adaptations often retain the unique charm and ingenuity of their source material while offering visually stunning animation and storytelling, appealing to both long-time fans and new viewers.
Webtoons and the Anime Industry
The rising popularity of webtoon adaptations reflects a shift in the anime industry, with creators and studios recognizing the potential of online comics as a source of fresh and engaging stories. Webtoons, often published in full color and designed for scrolling, can offer unique visual styles and narratives that translate well to animation. This trend highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of anime and manga, with more diverse stories and styles making their way to the screen.
Conclusion
The announcement of The Ramparts of Ice anime adaptation is a testament to the growing popularity and quality of web-based comics. It is anticipated that this adaptation will bring a unique blend of slice-of-life, drama, and romance to the screen. With the final volume of the manga on the horizon and an anime in development, fans have much to look forward to from Kocha Agasawa’s world of icy exteriors and warm hearts.
