Exciting news for fans of Tappei Nagatsuki’s Re:Zero light novels. The popular series, which recently had its anime adapted, will now see its fifth story arc transformed into a manga as well.
Titled “Stars That Engrave History,” this arc will bring the complex characters and fantasy world of Re:Zero to life through sequential art when it debuts February 19th digitally on ComicWalker.
Published under Comic Alive’s label Comic Alive+, this manga promises to visualize the rich narrative originally told in novel format by Nagatsuki.
To celebrate this announcement, the official Twitter account for Monthly Comic Alive magazine also revealed that the manga adaptations of the first and third story arcs will be available to read for free on ComicWalker from February 5th through the 19th.
Both new and existing fans can catch up on key events in the series leading up to this highly anticipated fifth arc.
Re:ZERO, From Web Novel Origins to Manga Adaptations
The popular Japanese series Re:Zero, written by Tappei Nagatsuki, originated as a web novel published on Shosetsuka ni Naro in 2012.
Re: Zero Arc Five Manga confirmed to be starting the 19th of February in Alive+ after being delayed from Summer of last year!
Super hyped for it!#rezero pic.twitter.com/zFStDIvyko
— ストライド・ヴォラキア | Stride Vollachia (aka Ice) (@LoremIpsumVerb) February 5, 2024
It has since expanded into a successful light novel franchise from Media Factory. So far, thirty-six main volumes have been published, along with additional side stories and short story compilations – over nine collected works total at this point.
The engaging fantasy world and characters of Re:Zero have proven adaptable to manga as well. The first four story arcs of Nagatsuki’s novels have already been adapted into separate manga series by different artists and publishers over the years.
Daichi Matsue first spearheaded a Re:Zero manga of the debut arc in 2014-2015 through Media Factory. Makoto Fugetsu followed soon after, translating the second arc into an ongoing manga for Square Enix beginning in late 2014.
Matsue then returned to produce a manga of the third arc for Media Factory in May 2015. Most recently, artists Haruno Atori and Yu Aikawa collaborated to bring the fourth light novel arc into the manga format just last year.
So whether in novels or illustrious panels, Re:Zero continues to unveil its elaborate narratives to enthusiastic fans through various printed mediums. The ever-growing collection of books offers adventure awaiting any new reader ready to get lost in this fantasy world.
Originally a light novel series, Re:Zero has seen its vivid story and characters come to life through anime as well over the years. The first major adaptation was a 25-episode anime series produced by White Fox, which aired from April to September of 2016.
This was kicked off by an hour-long special episode, allowing viewers to really immerse themselves in the fantasy world right away.
The anime has continued beyond that first season too. In October 2018 and November 2019, two original video animation (OVA) episodes were released, checking back in with fan-favorite characters.
Then in 2020-2021, a second season aired which further progressed the storyline. This new season was split into two cours or parts – the first half aired from July to September 2020, while the second half aired from January to March 2021.
More About Re:ZERO
Subaru Natsuki is an aimless NEET who suddenly finds himself transported to a fantasy realm. Shortly after arriving, he meets a kind half-elf girl named Emilia, who is currently a candidate to become queen of the Kingdom of Lugunica.
However, when Subaru attempts to come to Emilia’s aid, he is killed. Shockingly though, Subaru then reawakens some hours in the past. He soon realizes he has acquired the supernatural ability to rewind time after dying.
Through this power, Subaru manages to help protect Emilia from the threat that originally killed him. Out of thankfulness and affection for the half-elf girl, Subaru then dedicates himself to supporting Emilia’s campaign to be appointed ruler.
He takes up residence in the mansion of a mage named Roswaal and serves as a butler. As Subaru uses his unique ability to help Emilia and other new friends, he must endure excruciating pain each time he dies and relives events.
The memories stay with Subaru too, while everyone else remains unaware of the time rewinding except him.
Despite the agony, Subaru persists in using his special power to come to the aid of Emilia and company, hoping to alter a dire fate.
His new fantasy world may be filled with magic and wonders, but it also contains lurking horrors only he recalls.
