R.O.D: Read or Die author Hideyuki Kurata has launched his first new series in 13 years, titled NOMADS, featuring artwork by Taiwanese illustrator Antenna Gyōgyo.
The series debuted on Kadokawa’s Comic Newtype platform, initially as a full-color, vertical-scrolling comic on January 17, before transitioning into a traditional manga format on February 7.
Set in a universe where humanity has expanded across distant galaxies and planets, the story follows Mads, a Martian on the run from the mafia, and Vine, a Venusian who happens to be the most famous singing idol in the galaxy. Their fates become intertwined when they come into possession of a mysterious pearl.
Kurata and Studio Orphee previously revived the R.O.D: Read or Die novel series with the release of its 12th volume in 2016—the first new installment in a decade.
Initially, the postscript of the 11th volume had indicated that the 12th would conclude the series. However, the series has since been extended to 13 volumes, with the 13th originally planned for a 2017 release but still unpublished.
Read Or Die
Shueisha’s Super Dash imprint originally published the first volume of R.O.D: Read or Die in 2000, with the 11th volume following in 2006.
The novels, illustrated by Taraku Uon, inspired a three-episode original video anime (OVA) adaptation in 2001, followed by a television anime series in 2003. In 2016, a new anime project based on the novels was under consideration.
The Read or Die novels also spawned a manga adaptation and its sequel, Read or Dream, both of which were published in North America by VIZ Media.
Additionally, the series led to a spinoff manga titled R.O.D Rehabilitation. Kurata himself wrote the scripts for the Read or Die OVA as well as R.O.D -The TV-, the anime adaptation of Read or Dream.
The 2001–2002 Read or Die OVA was previously distributed in North America by Manga Entertainment, while Geneon Entertainment (formerly Pioneer) released the 2003–2004 television series sequel. Later, Aniplex of America re-released both series on Blu-ray Disc.
