New Sci-Fi Manga Kraken Mare Brings International Talent to Japan For fans of sci-fi manga like Blame! and Akira, this is one to keep on your radar By Christian Dakin October 29, 2025 Volume 1 of Kraken Mare, an original manga by French author IZU and Italian illustrator Hagane, has just been released in Japan. Published in Kodansha’s seinen magazine Afternoon, which has previously released hits such as Parasyte and Vinland Saga, Kraken Mare marks a major landmark for foreign artists looking to break into the air-tight world of Japanese manga. Volume 1 also comes recommended by Tsutomu Nihei, author of the cult sci-fi manga Blame! List of Contents: Kraken Mare Synopsis Comments from the Creators Where To Read Kraken Mare Related Posts Kraken Mare Synopsis In the distant future, in pursuit of a valuable energy source known as “Black Aether,” humanity has nearly been wiped out after awakening monsters known as the Kraken, which had been lying dormant in a black hole. Now, 1000 years later, the remnants of humanity cling to life. The church known as Ecclesia, which worships the Krakens as deities, rules over the surviving civilization. However, smugglers known as “Scavengers” go their own ways, not influenced by the church. These Scavengers brave all dangers to mine Black Aether for profit. The crew of the scavenging ship Pulsar, led by Captain Paze, takes on a dangerous mining operation near a black hole, commissioned by the Martian pirate group Red Sand. However, lurking among the crew is the Church’s operative and atomancer, Oriale. She has been masquerading as the innocent chef “Eden,” but when the Pulsar is noticed by the Kraken in the black hole, she is forced to reveal her true identity to save the ship… A full-scale sci-fi story where a heroine with wild power and cunning spycraft clashes with a world swirling with revolution and conspiracy! Source: https://www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainment/anime-and-manga/sci-fi-manga-kraken-mare/