Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine has crowned a new prodigy! High school senior "Dokoka no Dareka" (meaning "Someone Somewhere") has made history at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the 116th Newcomer Manga Award.
His award-winning work, "I'll Die After Killing the Demon Lord" (Maou wo Koroshite Ore mo Shinu), was featured in the 40th issue of Weekly Shonen Magazine, released on the 2nd.
"I'll Die After Killing the Demon Lord" plunges readers into a low-fantasy world where swords and magic exist in modern times. The story follows a protagonist who dies and is resurrected, caught in an endless loop of battling and defeating monsters.
Now freshly turned 18, author "Dokoka no Dareka" revealed that he secretly drew manga in middle school, only to be mocked by his classmates. That experience fueled his determination: "I absolutely have to become a manga artist, make a name for myself, and make those people eat their words!" And so, his journey as a manga artist began.
He poured his spring breaks and holidays into completing this work, which earned him the "Special Selection" award at the 116th Newcomer Manga Award – the first "Special Selection" winner in four years! The editorial department is clearly hyped, stating, "We believe Dokoka no Dareka will continue to bring a fresh wave to the manga world with his talent and drive. Please keep a close eye on his future work!"
~ About the Author: "Dokoka no Dareka" ~
Hometown: Osaka Prefecture
Hobbies: Karaoke, Kenshi Yonezu, Super Sentai, Ramen, Hiking
Favorite Manga: "Ajin: Demi-Human," "We Did It," "Chainsaw Man" Part 1, "MAD"
How he started drawing manga: After reading a "Kirby" manga at school in elementary, he began creating his own "Kirby" manga.
Current favorite thing: Jiro-style ramen, perfected down to every last detail.
Editor's Top Recommendation: The editorial department raves, "This is just insane! 17-year-old talent combined with overwhelming drive. A world-shattering worldview paired with breathtaking developments that will leave you stunned even on the very last page...!"
Adding to the praise, Mikami Saka, author of the youth manga "The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity" and a judge for this year's Newcomer Manga Award, also raved about the work. She commented, "It's incredibly good. The action sequences are fantastic, and the story constantly throws out 'Oh, so that's how it goes!' twists, keeping you totally hooked. The execution is particularly outstanding, making for a superb reading experience right to the end."
She further added, "To achieve this level at 17 years old is astonishing. If he continues to hone his fundamental drawing skills, I can't even imagine how much he'll grow – it's incredibly exciting. As a fellow professional, I honestly feel his future is going to be absolutely massive."
The 17-year-old prodigy, "Dokoka no Dareka," who just snagged the youngest-ever Newcomer Manga Award, has officially debuted in Weekly Shonen Magazine. All eyes are now on this high school manga artist's future!
▼ The one-shot "I'll Die After Killing the Demon Lord" is now available on "Magapoke"
via： 週刊少年マガジン公式サイト