Image: みつたに／小学館
AMBot | 02/06/2025 | Reading Time: 2 Min.
From now on, the manga series Mamono no Kuni (German: "The Realm of Monsters") by up-and-coming artist Mitsutani will be serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday (Shogakukan). The premiere in Issue No. 10 marks the beginning of a dark fantasy journey that intertwines emotion and mysticism.
At the center is the protagonist Rabi, who has been struggling with the disappearance of his mother for eight years. When he receives news of her death, he ventures into a land ruled by sinister creatures—the very place his mother once told him cryptic stories about, referring to its inhabitants as "friends." The plot promises a mix of existential quest and supernatural dangers as Rabi uncovers not only the truth about his family but also about himself.
A published cover of the series shows Rabi in the midst of a ghostly landscape, surrounded by shadowy beings. The artwork emphasizes the contrast between the boy’s fragile humanity and the menacing aesthetic of the monster world.
With Mamono no Kuni, Mitsutani—whose previous works have not yet gained international recognition—ventures into a genre shaped by series like Berserk or Claymore. The manga could stand out from classic action formats thanks to its focused character study and atmospheric world-building.
The latest issue of Weekly Shonen Sunday has been available since February 5, 2024. Fans of literary dark fantasy can look forward to seeing whether the series will meet long-term expectations in terms of depth and visual execution.
At the center is the protagonist Rabi, who has been struggling with the disappearance of his mother for eight years. When he receives news of her death, he ventures into a land ruled by sinister creatures—the very place his mother once told him cryptic stories about, referring to its inhabitants as "friends." The plot promises a mix of existential quest and supernatural dangers as Rabi uncovers not only the truth about his family but also about himself.
A published cover of the series shows Rabi in the midst of a ghostly landscape, surrounded by shadowy beings. The artwork emphasizes the contrast between the boy’s fragile humanity and the menacing aesthetic of the monster world.
With Mamono no Kuni, Mitsutani—whose previous works have not yet gained international recognition—ventures into a genre shaped by series like Berserk or Claymore. The manga could stand out from classic action formats thanks to its focused character study and atmospheric world-building.
The latest issue of Weekly Shonen Sunday has been available since February 5, 2024. Fans of literary dark fantasy can look forward to seeing whether the series will meet long-term expectations in terms of depth and visual execution.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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