Kodansha USA confirmed to Anime News Network that it has licensed the fantasy manga adaptation of Nahoko Uehashi's The Beast Player manga for digital release on May 14, 2024. The first tankobon volume will be available upon release on all participating digital providers.
Itoe Takemoto is in charge of art for The Beast Player manga, with Uehashi in charge of the story. The manga was serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine from October 25, 2008 to April 8, 2016. A total of 11 tankobon volumes have been released as of April 2016. The manga is republished under Bunkoban form on September 12, 2014.
© Itoe Takemoto, Nahoko Uehashi/Kodansha
Uehashi, who is known for his works on The Deer King and Moribito, published the original novel series from November 21, 2006 to August 11, 2009. Five volumes, covering one side of the story, were released. total. A sequel titled The Beast Warrior was released in August 2009.
A 50-episode anime television series by Production IG and Trans Arts was released in 2009 titled Erin.
Kodansha USA describes The Beast Player's synopsis as follows:
Ten-year-old Elin is in love with her beautiful and brave mother, a talented veterinarian tasked with caring for the Toda—terrifying giant snakes that the kingdom's warriors ride into battle. Their modest but happy life together is shattered when a mysterious illness strikes the entire precious snake cage overnight, and Elin's mother is responsible. Before she knows it, Elin finds herself thrust away from everything she has ever known, alone in a far away land, with only her mother's words and the kindness of strangers to guide her. Miss.
You can find a free preview of the manga's first chapter on the main website.
Source: Anime News Network, press release