The June
issue of Kadokawa's Monthly Comic Gene magazine revealed
on June 13 that the novel DOPE: Mayaku Torishimari-bu
Tokusōka—written by Chiaki Kisaki—will be adapted into a manga
by artist Makimayo. The premiere is scheduled for July 15,
2025 in the next issue of the magazine.
A
futuristic Japan invaded by drugs
The story
is set in the near future, where Japan is facing a serious crisis
due to the proliferation of a dangerous drug called "Dope". The
protagonist, Yūto Saiki, is a young agent who has recently joined
the government anti-drug department, marked by the loss of his mother to this
substance during his childhood.
Assigned to
the special investigation unit, Yūto teams up with veteran Teppei
Jinnai, and together they face the darkest cases related to the trafficking
and consumption of Dope.
From the
novel to manga and television
The
original novel was published in August 2022 and includes
illustrations by Tomio Ogata. Its popularity has been such that it
will also feature a live-action adaptation that will premiere
on television on July 4 on the TBS channel in
Japan.
An
author with experience in urban crime
Chiaki
Kisaki is no stranger to readers. His most recognized work, Hakata
Tonkotsu Ramens, debuted in 2014 and ended with its 14th volume in May
2024. This series won first place at the 20th Dengeki Novel Awards and
featured a special collaboration with Ryohgo Narita's popular
Durarara!! franchise.
Hakata
Tonkotsu Ramens was also adapted into anime in 2018, being streamed by Crunchyroll and
dubbed into English by Funimation. With the launch of DOPE in
manga format and its leap into live-action, Kisaki's narrative universe
continues to grow and attract both readers and viewers who love urban
crime and psychological drama.
