Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Honored in New Manga Biography from Shogakukan
Japanese RPG fans have a unique opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of one of gaming’s most influential figures, as Yuji Horii—the creator of the beloved Dragon Quest series—is set to be featured in a forthcoming manga biography.
Following the recent trend of celebrating renowned game developers through illustrated retellings, publisher Shogakukan will be releasing 'Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii: New Educational Manga Biography' in Japan on February 24, 2024, for 1,210 yen (approximately £6 or $8). Yuji Horii is a monumental figure in the world of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), having pioneered the Dragon Quest franchise since its inception in 1986.
The series has sold over 82 million units worldwide and remains an enduring staple on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and via the Nintendo eShop, continuing to influence the RPG genre globally. According to the details available via Automaton’s English translation, the upcoming manga takes an "RPG-inspired approach" to storytelling.
Readers will experience a dramatized biography of Horii’s journey, particularly concentrating on his groundbreaking work with Dragon Quest.
Interestingly, the narrative is structured much like an RPG itself—Horii is portrayed as gathering a party of collaborators and "leveling up" as he acquires new skills throughout his career. Published by Shogakukan and illustrated by Iori Makoto, the manga promises not only to entertain but also to educate, offering insights into Horii-san’s enduring impact on the industry.
At the conclusion of the book, readers will find an exclusive interview with Horii, providing a first-person perspective on his decades-spanning career and the development of one of gaming's most iconic franchises. This title joins Shogakukan's expanding series of game developer biographies.
The publisher previously released a well-received profile of Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, in 2018, which also chronicled the genesis and explosive rise of Nintendo’s legendary monster-catching RPG.
More recently, Masahiro Sakurai, celebrated designer behind the Super Smash Bros.
series, received a manga biography, further highlighting the demand for in-depth looks at the creative minds shaping the gaming landscape. Currently, 'Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii: New Educational Manga Biography' is scheduled for release exclusively in Japan, and no official English localization has been announced.
However, given the global acclaim for Dragon Quest and the growing popularity of game industry retrospectives, international fans will likely be watching closely for further news. For collectors, Nintendo enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the development history of major game franchises on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, this manga provides an informative and engaging window into Yuji Horii’s storied legacy.
Following the recent trend of celebrating renowned game developers through illustrated retellings, publisher Shogakukan will be releasing 'Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii: New Educational Manga Biography' in Japan on February 24, 2024, for 1,210 yen (approximately £6 or $8). Yuji Horii is a monumental figure in the world of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), having pioneered the Dragon Quest franchise since its inception in 1986.
The series has sold over 82 million units worldwide and remains an enduring staple on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and via the Nintendo eShop, continuing to influence the RPG genre globally. According to the details available via Automaton’s English translation, the upcoming manga takes an "RPG-inspired approach" to storytelling.
Readers will experience a dramatized biography of Horii’s journey, particularly concentrating on his groundbreaking work with Dragon Quest.
Interestingly, the narrative is structured much like an RPG itself—Horii is portrayed as gathering a party of collaborators and "leveling up" as he acquires new skills throughout his career. Published by Shogakukan and illustrated by Iori Makoto, the manga promises not only to entertain but also to educate, offering insights into Horii-san’s enduring impact on the industry.
At the conclusion of the book, readers will find an exclusive interview with Horii, providing a first-person perspective on his decades-spanning career and the development of one of gaming's most iconic franchises. This title joins Shogakukan's expanding series of game developer biographies.
The publisher previously released a well-received profile of Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, in 2018, which also chronicled the genesis and explosive rise of Nintendo’s legendary monster-catching RPG.
More recently, Masahiro Sakurai, celebrated designer behind the Super Smash Bros.
series, received a manga biography, further highlighting the demand for in-depth looks at the creative minds shaping the gaming landscape. Currently, 'Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii: New Educational Manga Biography' is scheduled for release exclusively in Japan, and no official English localization has been announced.
However, given the global acclaim for Dragon Quest and the growing popularity of game industry retrospectives, international fans will likely be watching closely for further news. For collectors, Nintendo enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the development history of major game franchises on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, this manga provides an informative and engaging window into Yuji Horii’s storied legacy.
