Darwin’s Game is a Japanese manga series by FLIPFLOPs, published from December 2012 to October 2023. The manga ended in January 2024 with the final 30th volume, containing the 125th chapter. The series also features a spin-off story focusing on Rein Kashiwagi, who won a popularity poll in November.
Darwin’s Game, a manga by Yuki Takahata and Shu Miyama, began serialization in 2013 and was later adapted into an anime in 2020 by Nexus. The anime stars Yusuke Kobayashi, Reina Ueda, and Nichiki Omori, directed by Yoshinobu Tokumoto. The english version of this novel has not been published yet. Let’s dive into the more details of Darwin’s Game Manga.
Table of Contents
Darwin’s Game Anime Overview
The 16th volume of the manga was announced for an anime television series adaptation, directed by Yoshinobu Tokumoto and written by Shū Miyama. The series, starring Kazuya Nakanishi and Kenichiro Suehiro, aired from January 3 to March 20, 2020, on Tokyo MX and other channels.
The story follows Kaname Sudō, a 17-year-old high school sophomore, is invited to play an app game called Darwin’s Game. The game involves a fight between life and death. Players are given a Sigil, an ability that varies from player to player. Kaname decides to clear the game and seek out and kill the Game Master, who is one of many in the multiverse. The Game Master is benevolent, but Monsters called Greed are infiltrating worlds and causing Armageddon. Darwin’s Game is meant to train Champions to eliminate them.
Upon opening the game, a green snake bites Kaname’s neck, leaving him unconscious. He dismisses the experience as a hallucination and boards the train home. However, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he starts his first match. However, his in-game opponent appears and attempts to hunt him down with a knife. Kaname realizes that Darwin’s Game is not an ordinary game but a brutal fight for survival.
Some Main Characters
The Sunset Ravens are a clan in the game that forbids the game from being played in their territory, Shibuya. They are benevolent and forbid the game from being played there. So, here are some protagonits of Darwin’s Game Anime.
Kaname Sudo, a 17-year-old high school student, accidentally gets roped into Darwin’s Game after the death of his friends. His Sigil “The Fire God’s Hammer” allows him to recreate weapons and objects he has touched before, but this exhausts him easily. Kaname possesses a kind heart and tries not to kill unless the situation calls for it.
Shuka Karino, an 18-year-old girl from a rich family, becomes Kaname’s main romantic interest. Her Sigil “Princess of Thorn” allows her to control wire-like objects and wield spiked chains. She is the “Undefeated Queen” that terrorizes the area of Roppongi.
Rein Kashiwagi, a 13-year-old middle school student, acts as an informant for the players of Darwin’s Game. Her great intellect, maturity, and ability to stay calm have earned her the respect of many players. Her Sigil “Laplace’s Demon” allows her to calculate physical vectors and knowledge to the point where she can visualize the near future.
Ryūji Maesaka, a 21-year-old man initially enemies with Kaname, became friends after working together. His Sigil “Lie Detector” allows him to discern if someone is lying or not. He joins Sunset Ravens and is often seen alongside Sui/Sōta, the youngest member of the clan with a dual personality due to the presence of her deceased older twin brother Sōta’s soul within her body.
Liu Xuelan, the top-ranked player of Darwin’s Game and a hitwoman-for-hire, primarily relies on her assassin abilities instead of her Sigil. She is known for her signature move “Killing Intent” which allows her to psych out opponents by simulating themselves being stabbed by a katana.
Ichiro Hiiragi, a middle-aged man who initially was at odds against Kaname during an event, worked together with the group against Wang and the Eighth. He is known as “The Florist” due to his Sigil giving him the ability to control plants and other people.
Episodes
There are 11 thrilling episodes ahead! I’ve broken them down for you — let’s dive in and explore each one!
1. First Game
Kaname Sudou gets dragged into Darwin’s Game, a deadly survival game where players use unique powers (Sigils) to fight. After defeating a formidable opponent, Banda-kun, Kaname meets Shuka, a top-ranked player, who tests his abilities. Kaname unlocks his Sigil, which lets him recreate weapons, and defeats Shuka, leading to an alliance.
2. Gemstone Mine
Kaname learns about clans and the treasure hunt event. Shuka explains the rules of the game, including the ban on revealing it to non-players. Kaname teams up with Rein, an information expert, during the event, where players must collect rings to survive.
3. Ignition
Kaname and Rein face danger from “The Florist,” who manipulates plants. Together, they strategize to survive his traps and drugged minions in a hotel.
4. Fireworks
Kaname battles The Florist, unlocking the deeper potential of his Sigil to win. Realizing the Eighth clan poses a threat, Rein proposes forming a temporary team to protect their rings and fight back.
4.5. Logline
Recap of the first four episodes.
5. Aquarium
Kaname’s group expands as they recruit Ryuji and later Sui, a dual-personality player who controls water. Shuka is saved from a trap, and the group deciphers the event’s true objective using clues hidden in the rings.
6. Hardness
Ichiro sacrifices himself to help the team escape from the Eighth clan. Rein deciphers the final code, leading to a coin locker containing the true treasure: a wish from the game master. Kaname learns he cannot quit the game but uses his wish to make killing less frequent in the game.
7. Eighth
The Sunset Ravens form their clan, led by Kaname. Ichiro’s sacrifice delays the Eighth’s assault, allowing the team to decode the event. However, they face Wang, the ruthless Eighth leader. Kaname’s cleverness secures the treasure and buys time for the team to regroup.
8. Fragile
Kaname wishes to quit the game but is denied. Instead, he uses the wish to establish anti-killing measures in his territory. The clan begins solidifying their unity, preparing for the battles ahead.
9. Heads Up
Kaname recruits powerful allies, including Xuelan, a top assassin. She joins the Sunset Ravens after being bested by the team in combat. Meanwhile, Wang kidnaps Kaname’s friend Shinozuka, forcing the team into action.
10. Old One
The Sunset Ravens confront the Eighth. Despite gaining a Sigil, Shinozuka dies at Wang’s hands. Kaname, now fully embracing the need to kill, leads a decisive assault on the Eighth’s hideout.
11. Sunset Ravens
Kaname challenges the Eighth to a clan battle, eliminating them entirely. The Sunset Ravens assert control over their territory, warning others against violence. Kaname sets his sights on the next event, determined to find a way to clear the game.
Darwin’s Game Manga – Ends After 125 Chapters
Darwin’s Game manga by FLIPFLOPs duos, consisting of artist Yuki Takahata and writer Shu Miyama (Ginko), has officially ended. The Manga ended after nine years of serialization in Akita Shoten’s Bessatsu Shonen Champion magazine. The final 30th volume will be released on January 5, 2024, and will compile the final 125th chapter. The manga, which began serialization in January 2013, was later adapted into an anime by Nexus in 2020, directed by Yoshinobu Tokumoto and written by Shu Miyama.
A light novel, titled Darwin’s Game: Flag Game, was also published. The manga, which began serialization in December 2012, centres on Kaname Sudo, a high school boy who becomes involved in a social game where the stakes are life or death. The manga was inspired by a television anime, which premiered in January 2020 and debuted on Crunchyroll and HIDIVE in February. A prequel novel was also launched in January 2020, focusing on Shuka and Rain’s past. FLIPFLOPs plans to launch a spin-off manga focusing on Rein Kashiwagi, also known as Rain.
FAQs
1. What is Darwin’s Game about?
Darwin’s Game, follows Kaname Sudou, a high school student, as she navigates a deadly mobile game using Sigils for survival.
2. How long did Darwin’s Game run?
Darwin’s Game was serialized from December 2012 to January 2024, running for just over 11 years.
3. How many volumes does the manga have?
The manga is collected into 30 volumes.
4. Is the ending satisfying?
The ending wraps up the major story arcs and character journeys. While opinions may vary, many fans appreciate how the conclusion addresses the themes and conflicts introduced throughout the series.
5: Is there an anime adaptation of Darwin’s Game?
Yes, an anime adaptation aired in 2020 with a total of 11 episodes.
Final Thoughts
The Darwin’s Game manga has officially ended after nine years of serialization in Akita Shoten’s Bessatsu Shonen Champion magazine. The final 30th volume will be released on January 5, 2024, and will compile the 125th chapter. The manga, inspired by a television anime, has been streamed on Funimation Now and Crunchyroll. A spin-off story focusing on Rein Kashiwagi will also be released.
