P.A. Works’ new vampire anime stars a competitive NewTuber and vampire who teamed up for their interests, but is Mayonaka Punch based on a manga?
Here are the detailed origins of the series that’s becoming a fan-favorite show in the summer season.
Is Mayonaka Punch Based on a Manga? Origin Explained
Mayonaka Punch, also known as Midnight Punch, is an original anime series animated by P.A. Works and produced by Kadokawa Corporation.
It is not based on a manga or light novel series, similar to P.A. Works’ other anime titles such as Narenare—Cheer for You!, Komada -A Whisky Family, Buddy Daddies, and Akiba Maid War, to name a few!
But before the Mayonaka Punch anime dropped its first episode, a manga adaptation illustrated by Tomomi Usui began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Arc magazine in March 2024.
In addition, a light novel adaptation written by Tsuzuro Hibi and illustrated by Tsukasa Kotobuki is scheduled to be released by Fujimi Shobo in July 2024.
There are numerous plausible reasons an original anime, such as Mayonaka Punch, receives a manga and light novel adaptation, as opposed to other anime shows that have existing source material before being adapted.
One of the best possible reasons is that the producers want to expand their audience and reach different demographics, attracting readers who might not watch the original anime.
Another reason is to allow for more detailed storytelling, exploring side stories, character backgrounds, and additional plotlines, as the original anime might be limited to a specific number of episodes.
Of course, it’s also possible that Mayonaka Punch’s manga and light novel adaptation could act as promotional tools for the original anime to maintain interest.
Where to Read the Mayonaka Punch Manga and Light Novel
As of writing, the Mayonaka Punch manga and light novel adaptations have no official English translations, so fans should expect to read or purchase the print and digital editions of both mediums in Japanese.
The first volume of the Mayonaka Punch manga is available to read for free on the official website of Comic Walker and Book Walker Japan. The next chapter is scheduled to arrive on July 18, 2024, in Japan.
Fans can also digitally purchase the first volume of the manga from online retailers such as Amazon Japan, BookLive, Renta, and CMOA Japan.
Meanwhile, the light novel adaptation of Mayonaka Punch is scheduled to be released on July 20, 2024, in Japan under Fujimi Shobo’s Fantasia Bunko imprint.
There’s no word yet on any English publishing company that could distribute the manga and light novel series in the US, so stay tuned for any updates.
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