Kawade Shobo Shinsha (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / President: Masaru Onodera) has released a Kawade Bunko original anthology titled "Transformation Heroes Birth: Ishinomori Manga First Chapter Collection," featuring the first chapters of transformation hero manga created by Shotaro Ishinomori, including "Kamen Rider," on January 27, 2026.
The Extraordinary Heroes of Genius Manga Artist Shotaro Ishinomori
"Kamen Rider" premiered in 1971, instantly captivating children across Japan and triggering the "transformation boom." To commemorate the 55th anniversary of Kamen Rider's birth, "Transformation Heroes Birth: Ishinomori Manga First Chapter Collection" has been published.
The energy at the start of Ishinomori's manga serializations was particularly high, with captivating characters, worldviews, and mysterious settings layered one after another, inevitably building readers' anticipation. To convey this dynamism and excitement directly, this bunko edition reproduces the original serialized magazine format, including title logo pages. The two-page spread for the second chapter of "Kamen Rider" on pages 58–59 marks its first inclusion in a comics volume.
Featuring 10 works ranging from manga versions of hit shows like "Kamen Rider" and "Himitsu Sentai Gorenger" to masterpieces never adapted for live-action such as "Yoidore Tantei Tetsumen Cross" and "Gringlass," this anthology includes detailed commentary from the editorial team. It serves as both a perfect choice for longtime fans and an ideal introduction to Ishinomori's hero manga. Enjoy the charm and numerous masterpieces that remain fresh even after nearly half a century since their publication.
Featured Works
"Kamen Rider" Chapter 1: The Eerie Spider-Man
"Henshin Ninja Arashi" Chapter 1: Incarnation Ninja Group Dances in Darkness
"Jinzo Ningen Kikaider" (Serialization Chapters 1 & 2)
"Robot Keiji" (Serialization Chapter 1)
"Inazuman" (Serialization Chapter 1)
"Himitsu Sentai Gorenger" Directive No.1: Gather Under the Gorenger Flag!
"Uchu Tetsujin Kyodain" Brothers Reunion Chapter
"Yoidore Tantei Tetsumen Cross" Case No. 1: The Woman of Death Chapter
"Gringlass" ROLL 1: Flashback
"Kamen Rider Black" PART 1: New York Underground Waterway
Book Information
Title: Transformation Heroes Birth: Ishinomori Manga First Chapter Collection (Kawade Bunko)
Author: Shotaro Ishinomori
Supervision: Ishimori Pro
Design: Koichi Sakano (welle design)
Specifications: Bunko format / 456 pages
Price: ¥1,210 (¥1,100 before tax)
Release Date: January 27, 2026
ISBN: 978-4-309-42240-4
For more details, visit: https://www.kawade.co.jp/np/isbn/9784309422404/
An e-book version will be released soon. Please check individual e-book stores for details.
