Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of Akira, revealed on Aug 6, 2022, that he is currently working on a new manga.

The author revealed the information in a Q&A session on the official Twitter account for Complete Works of Otomo. A fan had asked Otomo if he planned to draw any new manga in the future, to which he replied that he is currently working on one.

He added that this new manga may be published somewhere in the future.

“Actually, I am drawing it and it may be published somewhere in a little while. Manga is hard work,” Otomo replied to the question.

実は描いていて、もう少ししたら何処かに載るかもしれません。漫画は大変です。（大友） https://t.co/kAOhW3aPOX

— 大友全集 (@otomo_zenshu) August 6, 2022

The author’s last work was a one shot titled Kibun wa mou Sensou 3 (Datta kamo Shirenai), which released in 2012. Otomo’s last serialized manga was The Legend of Mother Sarah, which was published in Kodansha’s Young Magazine from 1990 – 2004. It’s chapters have been collected into 7 tankobon volumes.

After directing the 1988 film Akira, Otomo turned his attention to directing movies, with acclaimed titles like Steamboy and Metropolis under his belt. He has also directed the live-action adaptation of Mushihi.

The Complete Works of Otomo is a collection of his complete works including manga, artworks, storyboards, illustrations, and even comments made by him. It is being published by Kodansha from January 2022.

According to the official website, by covering everything related to the author, the editorial department is aiming to clarify the evolution of Otomo as an artist and convey that attitude to the next generation of creators.

Otomo made his debut as a manga artist in 1973 with a manga adaptation of Prosper Mérimée’s short story Mateo Falcone, titled A Gun Report. He published his most popular work, Akira, in 1982. It continued serialization till 1990.

Before working on Akira move, Otomo had directed segments in Neo Tokyo and Robot Carnival, both of which released in 1987.

Source: Official twitter account of Otomo’s Complete Works.