Deadman Wonderland Creators Work on a New Manga “Retropolis Scratch”

Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou, the dynamic duo behind the gripping Deadman Wonderland series, are gearing up for another manga adventure! The announcement came straight from Kataoka's X on a cozy Sunday, setting the manga world abuzz with anticipation. While details about their upcoming project remain under wraps, the mere mention of a new manga from these creators is enough to send fans into a frenzy.

The creative partnership of Kataoka and Kondou recently wrapped up their latest venture, Retropolis Scratch, on September 8. This manga, which made its debut in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine in July 2022, concluded its run with the release of the third and final compiled volume on October 6. As the curtain falls on one story, the promise of a new beginning looms on the horizon.

Their collaborative journey has seen them traverse diverse genres, and one standout creation is the "steampunk action" manga Smokin' Parade. Launched in Kadokawa's Monthly Shōnen Ace magazine in August 2015, this series took readers on a thrilling ride through a world of gears and gadgets. The final chapter of Smokin' Parade unfolded in April 2021, leaving behind a legacy encapsulated in the 10th and final volume published by Kadokawa in July 2021. English-speaking fans had the chance to experience the excitement, thanks to Yen Press, which released the manga in English.

Of course, the duo's claim to fame is the 13-volume Deadman Wonderland manga, an epic tale that first graced the pages of Monthly Shōnen Ace in 2006. The series concluded in July 2013, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of readers. Tokyopop kickstarted the English journey by publishing the first five volumes, but alas, their North American publishing division shuttered in 2011. Viz Media took up the mantle and completed the English release, ensuring that fans across North America could dive into the captivating world of Deadman Wonderland.

The Deadman Wonderland saga didn't stop with the manga, though. The series leaped onto the small screen with a 12-episode television anime adaptation in 2011. Funimation, ever the bearer of good news for anime enthusiasts, brought the series to North America on DVD in 2012. The excitement culminated in a Blu-ray/DVD combo package released in July 2014, cementing Deadman Wonderland's status as a must-watch anime for fans of the macabre and mysterious.

But wait, there's more! Kataoka and Kondou aren't just a one-hit wonder. They also lent their creative prowess to the Eureka Seven manga, showcasing their versatility in storytelling and artistic expression. Their collaborative works have left an indelible impact on the manga and anime landscape, drawing in fans with their unique blend of action, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.

As we eagerly await the unveiling of their new manga series, one thing is certain—the dynamic duo of Kataoka and Kondou is poised to deliver yet another thrilling narrative that will captivate readers and leave a lasting impression on the world of manga.