In a recent announcement, Ablaze has made it known that they have acquired the licensing rights for “Happyland” (Shūenchi), a manga series penned by Shingo Honda, acclaimed for his captivating narratives and artistry. Slated for release both physically and digitally on September 11, this introduction to the manga world is greatly anticipated by fans and newcomers alike.
“Happyland” presents itself as an excursion into the terrifying yet thrilling ambits of an extreme amusement park, where a seemingly perfect family, the Komiyas, find themselves in uncharted waters. Boasting a loving pair of parents and two children excelling academically and in extracurricular activities, their familial bliss is undeniable. However, their decision to visit Happyland Park marks the beginning of a chilling saga where their darkest secrets are unveiled in shockingly violent spectacles. This narrative promises a blend of horror and survival, ensuring readers are on the edge of their seats.
The conception of “Happyland” saw its initial serialization in Nihonbungeisha’s Manga Goraku Special magazine back in August 2019, coming to a conclusion in March 2021. The storyline encapsulated in two compiled volumes, with the concluding volume reaching the audience in Japan by June 2021, ensures that readers are riveted till the very end.
Shingo Honda is not new to the manga scene, having already established a niche with his unique storytelling methods. Post the wrap-up of “Happyland”, Honda ventured into another project, “Psycho x Past: Ryōki Satsujin Sennyū Sōsa” (Psycho x Past: Bizarre Murder Undercover Investigation), in December 2021, marking yet another milestone in his prolific career.
Before “Happyland”, Honda was highly recognized for his work on “Creature!” (Hakaijū), a manga series that commenced in 2010 under the publication of Akita Shoten’s Monthly Shōnen Champion and concluded in June 2017. The series, encapsulated across 21 volumes, has received digital English releases by Akita Publishing, demonstrating Honda’s widespread appeal and the global demand for his engaging narratives.
The anticipation for “Happyland” is palpable among enthusiasts of the genre, as Ablaze gears up for the release. This upcoming manga not only promises a gripping storyline but also further solidifies Shingo Honda’s standing as a distinguished creator in the realm of horror and psychological thrillers. As September 11 draws near, the excitement continues to build for what is expected to be a profoundly unsettling yet enthralling plunge into the depths of the human psyche and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the facade of normalcy.
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