The manga Head Runner follows Wataru Kazeshiro, a young man who feels he has nothing he wants to do with his life. His only acquaintance is an elderly man, and when that man suddenly commits suicide, Wataru makes the shocking decision to take the man’s living head and embark on a desperate flight. This bizarre and suspenseful premise of a living head escape drives the narrative forward as Wataru grapples with the old man’s final, unfulfilled desires.

The story is set in contemporary Japan, though specific locations are not detailed in the initial volume. The central conflict stems from Wataru’s internal struggle with his own aimlessness and the external pressures of carrying out this surreal journey while being pursued, likely by authorities or other unknown parties connected to the deceased. The plot revolves around uncovering what the old man truly wanted to accomplish and how Wataru will interpret and act upon those wishes.

Wataru Kazeshiro is the protagonist, portrayed as a listless individual haunted by his past and forced into extraordinary circumstances. The elderly man, whose name is not provided, serves as the catalyst, existing only as a disembodied head that drives Wataru’s actions. As the narrative progresses, it delves into Wataru’s internal conflicts and slowly reveals the shadows of his past, adding psychological depth to the suspenseful chase. The manga is created by Takashi Kajiyama, known for the popular series Kid Nabbers, and his detailed artwork enhances the tension and pacing. The first volume was released on August 7, 2025, by Nihon Bungeisha under their Nichibun Comics imprint.