Japanese release of Ito Ogure's "Smoke" manga on May 15th

Saurav Kumar Mar 24, 2026 90
Japanese release of Ito Ogure's "Smoke" manga on May 15th

Ito Ogure’s Smoke Manga Finally Arrives in Japan

There is some really great news for all the manga lovers out there who follow the works of the legendary artist Ito Ogure, popularly known as Oh! great. It has been officially confirmed that the Japanese version of his first-ever full-color manga, titled Smoke, is all set to be released on May 15th. This is a very big deal because Ogure is famous for his incredible detail and art style, but seeing it fully coloured is going to be a completely different experience for the fans.

Actually, Smoke is originally a bande dessinée piece, which basically means it is a French-style comic. It was first released in advance in France, and since then, many readers in Japan and other parts of Asia have been waiting for a local release. Now that it is finally coming to the Japanese market, we can expect to see how Ogure has blended his signature manga style with European comic influences. If you are someone who appreciates unique storytelling, then checking out the smoke manga is definitely recommended for you.

Plot and Setting of the Smoke Manga

The story of Smoke is quite intriguing and slightly different from what we usually see in mainstream shonen. It is set in a far future where the world has changed completely. In this timeline, AI and humans coexist, but things are not peaceful at all. Humanity has been ostracized and pushed to the edges of society, while the advanced AI seems to be in control. The narrative follows a man who is on a very dangerous, life-threatening journey. And you won't believe what he is searching for—it’s cigarettes. In this bleak future, such a simple thing has become a rare treasure worth risking everything for.

Why You Should Be Excited

Ito Ogure’s first full-color venture is more than just a regular book release. It shows the evolution of an artist who has already given us hits like Air Gear and Tenjou Tenge. The smoke manga offers a gritty atmosphere that only he can pull off so perfectly. Here are a few things to look forward to:

  • Stunning Full-Color Art: Experience every detail in vibrant colors, which is quite rare for traditional manga artists of his stature.
  • Unique Sci-Fi World: A deep dive into a future where the power balance between AI and humans has totally flipped.
  • European Influence: The bande dessinée format allows for a different pacing and layout compared to standard weekly manga chapters.
  • High Stakes: The journey of the protagonist is intense and filled with action, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

So, mark your calendars for May 15th. This release is surely going to be a collector's item. Whether you are a fan of sci-fi or just love looking at top-tier artwork, this is one manga you simply cannot afford to miss out on this year.

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