Toei Animation, GameOn, and NEOWIZ have jointly announced a thrilling development: a smartphone game rooted in Makoto Raiku’s beloved manga series, Zatch Bell (Konjiki no Gash!!). Bearing the title “Konjiki no Gash Bell!! Towa no Kizuna no Nakama-tachi” (Zatch Bell: Friends are an Eternal Bond), this eagerly anticipated game is set to make its debut later this year.
Taking charge of the game’s development is NEOWIZ, as they pave the way for a captivating gaming experience. Enthusiasts can submit their applications for the exclusive closed beta testing phase, which spans from now until September 6th. The closed beta session is scheduled for a mid-September timeframe.
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The manga series initially graced the pages of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in 2001, drawing to a close in 2007 after a successful run. Comprising 33 compiled volumes, the series gained significant traction. While Viz Media released the first 25 volumes of the manga in North America before discontinuing, its narrative essence remains timeless.
The story follows Kiyomaro Takamine, a brilliant junior high student, who undergoes an unexpected transformation when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Gash. This magical encounter leads to the revelation of Gash’s spellbinding powers, sparking a transformative journey for both characters.
The manga’s popularity birthed a 150-episode anime adaptation, which aired from 2003 to 2006. Additionally, the anime universe expanded with the release of films like Zatch Bell: 101st Devil and Zatch Bell: Attack of Mechavulcan in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
Notably, Toonami brought the anime to the screens of many, broadcasting 77 episodes from 2005 to 2007. Viz Media contributed to the series’ success by distributing the first 100 episodes through well-received DVD compilations between 2005 and 2007.
Raiku’s journey took an intriguing turn when a legal dispute prompted a separation from Shogakukan. This paved the way for the launch of Konjiki no Gash!! 2 in March 2022, available across various digital book platforms.
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While Raiku’s portfolio boasts diverse creations, such as the well-received Animal Land (Dōbutsu no Kuni) manga that graced Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from 2009 to 2013, and the intriguing yet short-lived Vector Ball, his legacy is indelibly tied to the world of Zatch Bell. Now, with this upcoming smartphone game, fans both old and new are poised to embark on a fresh adventure within the cherished Zatch Bell universe.
Source | Comic Natalie
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