Akujo Ranking: New Manga from Killing Bites Creator Debuts in Dragon Age

We've got news that'll make manga fans sit up and pay attention. The creative mind behind Killing Bites is back with something completely different, and honestly, we're intrigued.

Shinya Murata is joining forces with artist Wakata Wakuta for a brand new series called Akujo Ranking (Villainess Ranking). The announcement dropped in the March issue of Kadokawa's Monthly Dragon Age magazine, with the first chapter scheduled to hit shelves on March 9.

A Partnership Worth Watching

Murata handles the story while Wakuta brings the visuals to life. It's always fascinating when established creators venture into new territory, especially when they're pairing up with fresh artistic talent.

Wakuta shared their excitement on social media, posting a photo of the magazine announcement. There's something genuine about seeing creators celebrate their upcoming work—it reminds us that behind every manga, there are real people pouring their creativity into these stories.

The Man Behind the Mayhem

For those keeping track, Murata isn't exactly new to the game. He launched Killing Bites alongside artist Kazasa Sumita back in March 2017 in Monthly Hero's. The series has since moved to the Comiplex website and is still going strong with 26 compiled volumes as of January 29.

The series even got the anime treatment in January 2018, airing on the Animeism programming block. Amazon Prime Video streamed an unaired director's cut worldwide, giving international fans access to all 12 episodes without censorship.

Another Project in the Mix

As if that wasn't enough, Murata and Sumita also launched Saikyō Skill "Inochigoi" de Kuyashii kedo Musō Shichau Moto Ōsama no Sekai Seifuku Katsudō on Comiplex in June 2023. The title alone is a mouthful, but that's part of the charm with these light novel-style manga titles.

What to Expect

Details about Akujo Ranking are still scarce. The "villainess" theme has been gaining serious traction in recent years, with readers eating up stories that flip traditional narratives on their heads. Whether Murata will stick to familiar tropes or shake things up remains to be seen.

Given his track record with Killing Bites—a series known for its intense action and unique premise—we're expecting something with bite (pun absolutely intended). The partnership with Wakuta adds another layer of curiosity. Fresh artistic perspectives can breathe new life into even the most well-worn genres.

March 9 isn't far off. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for early reactions when that first chapter drops. In the meantime, if you haven't checked out Murata's previous work, now's a good time to catch up.

Mark your calendars and get ready to see what kind of villainesses this creative duo has in store for us.