Yokane no Kito Comics Volume 1: An unprecedented redraw of all pages

The first volume of the comic "Yokane no Kito," a manga by Natsume Genri that is currently being serialized in "Weekly Shonen Magazine" (Kodansha), will be released on August 12th. It has been revealed that the first volume will be a "completely redrawn version of every page of the first volume." While it is common for manga published in magazines to be revised for the comics, it is extremely unusual for every page to be redrawn. "Weekly Shonen Magazine" is a weekly manga magazine, and it would be difficult to redraw everything while the series is still being serialized, so the editorial department tried to persuade author Natsume to publish it with only "revisions," but Natsume was adamant, and the unusual redrawing was carried out.

Author Natsume explained the situation, saying, "When the first chapter was released, many people told me it was 'hard to read,' which made me realize how short-sighted I was and made me feel truly sorry. Even though I'm a professional manga artist, I was so embarrassed that I almost gave up. However, many of the comments I received were from people who were enjoying the story, and I felt it would be too ungrateful to give up now, so I asked them to redraw the entire first volume. I received permission on the condition that there would be no gaps in the serialization. I know that the manuscript is still quite rough, but I drew it hoping that it would be easier to read. I understand that replacing the manuscript will require both time and money. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to everyone involved."

"After working in a variety of jobs, including acting and embalming, I received a letter in response to a picture I drew as a hobby, saying, 'I would like to read your original work,' so I started drawing manga. When I received the letter, when it was decided that I would have a one-shot or a serial, when I created the story with my editor, the logo made by the designer, the comments I received on my work, the fact that so many people, including my assistants, are involved in this work, and the world and characters of 'Yokane no Kito' were born. For me, this is the greatest miracle that has ever happened in my life. I want to continue to work hard and hone my skills so that I can repay all the happy things I have received. Thank you so much for reading such a long piece of writing from a mere rookie manga artist."

The editor in charge said, "I was worried that Natsume might collapse. Other teachers should not try this at home!"

The series began serialization in the 23rd issue of Weekly Shonen Magazine, released on May 20th. The story is about a group of lonely, hated wizards who have suffered discrimination and persecution, and who are now the most feared people in the world. Set in a world where wizards are considered heretics and are feared more than any other, one day Roan, a wizard who has been forced to live a life worse than slaves in a circus troupe, meets Kito, an eccentric elf wizard. Kito's true identity is that of a member of the notorious vigilante group, Yasho, and the world's most hated people will save the world.