New Series Launch: NOMADS by Hideyuki Kurata

NOMADS, the highly anticipated manga series by noted author Hideyuki Kurata, made its debut on January 17 in Comic Newtype. This series marks Kurata's first new release in 13 years, accompanied by stunning illustrations from Taiwanese artist Antenna Gyōgyo.

NOMADS manga illustration Image via Comic Newtype's X/Twitter © Hideyuki Kurata, Antenna Ushigyo, Kadokawa

Series Overview

The story of NOMADS transports readers to a universe where humanity has spread across distant galaxies and planets. The narrative follows:

Mads: A Martian on the run from the mafia
Vine: The renowned singing idol of Venus

These two characters' fates intertwine when they stumble upon a mysterious pearl.

Kurata's Recent Works

In addition to NOMADS, Kurata is known for his work on the R.O.D: Read or Die series. In 2016, he, alongside Studio Orphee, released a 12th volume for this series—note that this volume was initially announced as the last one.

Update on R.O.D Series

Interestingly, the Read or Die narrative continues, with plans for a total of 13 volumes. The 13th volume was expected to publish in 2017 but remains unreleased.

Publication Highlights

R.O.D: Read or Die began in 2000, with the 11th volume released in 2006.
The series received a three-episode original video anime adaptation in 2001 and a TV adaptation in 2003.
A new anime project for the novels was rumored in 2016.

Adaptations and Spin-offs

The Read or Die novels also inspired multiple adaptations, including:

A manga serialized alongside the main series
A sequel titled Read or Dream published in North America by Viz Media
A spinoff manga titled R.O.D Rehabilitation

Kurata played a pivotal role in scripting the Read or Die OAV and the R.O.D - The TV series.

Previous Releases:

Released in North America by Manga Entertainment and Geneon Entertainment.
Aniplex of America later released both series on Blu-ray Disc.