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Will Aka Akasaka’s Risky Triple Manga Project Lead to Fan Disappointment?
Aka Akasaka, the celebrated mind behind the massive manga hits Kaguya-sama: Love Is War and Oshi no Ko, has announced two brand-new manga series. This move signals a significant expansion of his creative work. The announcement is particularly noteworthy because both projects are in collaboration with Crazy Raccoon, a prominent Japanese esports team. This partnership dives deep into the world of competitive gaming and online personalities, exploring fresh territory for the acclaimed author.
For fans accustomed to his intricate romantic comedies and dark critiques of the entertainment industry, these new titles represent a fascinating turn. Akasaka is now set to juggle three ongoing series simultaneously, a testament to his ambition and a source of both excitement and concern for his dedicated readership.
A Partnership Forged in Gaming
Aka Akasaka’s venture into the esports world is not a random choice. He is a well-known and passionate fan of video games, particularly the battle royale genre. His interest in titles like Apex Legends is public knowledge, and he has even participated in tournaments hosted by Crazy Raccoon in the past. This personal passion provides a strong foundation for the collaboration, rooting the new stories in a genuine appreciation for the culture of competitive gaming.
Crazy Raccoon is one of Japan’s biggest esports organizations, making this team-up a powerful fusion of storytelling talent and gaming-world authenticity. The two new manga draw directly from this world, one focusing on the high-stakes action of battle royales and the other on the unique life of a V-Tuber associated with the team.
A Fight for Survival: CRBR – Crazy Raccoon Battle Royale
The first of the two new titles is a shonen action manga titled CRBR – Crazy Raccoon Battle Royale. This series promises to blend intense drama with the electrifying world of esports.
The Story: The plot centers on a young man who becomes a recluse, immersing himself in online games after the tragic death of his older brother in a car accident. His life takes a dramatic and dangerous turn when he receives a mysterious email from the famous Crazy Raccoon esports team. The message contains a frightening offer: a chance to participate in a real-life battle royale where his life is on the line.
The Creative Team: For this project, Aka Akasaka and Crazy Raccoon are credited as the original creators. The story composition is handled by hiromono, with art provided by Andou. This team aims to deliver a compelling narrative that captures the psychological suspense and dark undertones of a life-or-death competition.
Release Information: The manga began its weekly serialization on August 20, 2025. It is available for readers in Japan on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket and Ichijinsha’s Comic Howl platforms. An English release date has not yet been announced.
A Comedy of a Different Kind: Karubi Momareru
The second project, Karubi Momareru, offers a sharp contrast to the grim stakes of CRBR. This manga is a full-color comedy series that shines a light on the world of virtual YouTubers, or V-Tubers.
The Story: The series is inspired by and centers on the V-Tuber Akami Karubi, who is a real-life member of the Crazy Raccoon team. It is described as a “super high-calorie” and hilarious manga that explores the work and larger-than-life online persona of its subject.
The Creative Team: This manga is also a collaborative effort. Aka Akasaka shares creator credits with Shiromanta, the author of the popular series My Senpai Is Annoying. Akami Karubi and Crazy Raccoon are credited with draft cooperation, lending further authenticity to the story.
Release Information: Karubi Momareru launched on the same day as CRBR, August 20, 2025, and also follows a weekly release schedule. Like its counterpart, it is available on Magazine Pocket and Comic Howl in Japan, with no English release date set at this time.
Juggling Worlds: The Future of Märchen Crown
With the launch of these two new series, Aka Akasaka is now actively working on three manga at the same time. His fantasy series, Märchen Crown, which he creates with artist Ajichika and writer Aoikujira, began publishing in March 2025 and remains ongoing. This heavy workload has sparked conversations among fans, many of whom are worried that the new projects might negatively impact the development or future of Märchen Crown.
The series has released over a dozen chapters, but the author’s divided attention is a valid concern for its followers. These worries may also be fueled by the mixed reception of some of Akasaka’s recent work, which has left some readers feeling apprehensive. However, for now, no official changes to Märchen Crown’s schedule have been confirmed, and fans can enjoy three distinct works from the creator.