Chainsaw Man and Dandadan Creators Collaborate to Recommend Must-Read Manga

In the competitive realm of shōnen manga, opportunities for collaboration among leading artists are rare, especially when time is at a premium. However, the celebrated creators of Chainsaw Man and Dandadan, Tatsuki Fujimoto and Yukinobu Tatsu, have notably put their weight behind Centuria, a captivating work by Tohru Kuramori.

Serialized on Jump+ and accessible on Manga Plus outside Japan, Centuria transports readers into a medieval dark fantasy setting reminiscent of Berserk, yet it flows with a pacing similar to that of Chainsaw Man. This influence is palpable across the 37 concise chapters released since the series debuted in April 2024. Notably, Tohru Kuramori served as an assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto prior to launching Centuria.

Much like Fujimoto’s renowned storytelling, Centuria intertwines a bleak narrative with hopeful and deeply human themes. The series features some of the most strikingly grotesque monster designs in contemporary shōnen and isn’t shy about depicting raw and visceral action scenes. This makes Centuria a gem among currently running manga that deserves greater recognition—especially for fans intrigued by medieval fantasy.

Acclaimed Manga Artists Encourage Readers to Explore Centuria

Fujimoto and Tatsu Advocate for Centuria

The physical volumes of the second and third installments of Centuria are adorned with a special sleeve featuring commentary from both Fujimoto and Tatsu. This marketing move not only elevates the series’ profile but shows genuine appreciation from these celebrated artists, given that recommendations from them are a rare occurrence, especially considering the immense popularity of their own works.

Centuria chronicles the journey of Julian, a boy who endures a harsh upbringing in an orphanage. Following a desperate escape, he becomes a stowaway on a slave ship, only to find himself enslaved. However, he experiences kindness from fellow captives who share his plight. As expected in a dark fantasy tale, tragedy looms large; Julian finds himself isolated once again just as he starts to comprehend the warmth of human connection.

Faced with the challenge of nurturing a newborn alone, Julian discovers a village willing to offer refuge, yet sinister threats are not far behind. While Centuria delves into dark themes, it overwhelmingly promotes positive messages, illustrating the transformative power of love and familial bonds amid ominous forces. Julian stands out as a relatable protagonist, and the supporting cast is equally engaging. The series’ stunning action sequences and imaginative monster designs enhance this gripping narrative.

Celebrating the Talent of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Protégés

A Legacy of Talent: Fujimoto’s Assistant’s Successes

While it’s common for manga artists to collaborate with skilled assistants, it’s rare for those assistants to launch successful series of their own. Tatsuki Fujimoto, a prominent name in the manga landscape, has had several talented individuals work under him who are now making their mark.

Yukinobu Tatsu, creator of Dandadan, honed his skills under Fujimoto during the creation of Fire Punch and Chainsaw Man. Another notable former assistant is Yuji Kaku, whose series Hell’s Paradise captivated audiences with its recent anime adaptation in 2023. Now, Tohru Kuramori, the newest of Fujimoto’s once-assistants, is rapidly gaining recognition as Centuria progresses through its early chapters.

Fans immersed in the world of dark fantasy should not overlook Centuria. With its accolades and recommendations from esteemed creators like Fujimoto and Tatsu, it stands poised to become one of the most exciting and underrated offerings on Manga Plus. Building momentum, Centuria looks set to make waves in the manga community well into 2025 and beyond.

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