Manga Titan Yasuo Ohtagaki Concludes Experimental Anthology 'Candy Box Creations'; Compiled Volume Set for December Release

Master manga storyteller Yasuo Ohtagaki, globally celebrated for epic narratives such as Moonlight Mile and the intensely dramatic Gundam Thunderbolt, has officially concluded his highly inventive one-shot series, Candy Box Creations. The final installment of this critically lauded anthology appeared in the 23rd issue of Shogakukan's Big Comic Original magazine on November 20, 2025. This marks the finale of a brief yet profoundly impactful collection that highlighted the vast range of Ohtagaki's artistic vision.

Since its debut in December 2024, Candy Box Creations quickly captivated readers by demonstrating the mangaka's mastery of the short-form format. This unique series assembled five distinct, standalone narratives, each functioning as a flavorful piece within Ohtagaki's expansive creative repertoire. These stories spanned diverse thematic territories, ensuring that every installment offered a fresh journey.

The Five Creations

Highlights of the anthology include the emotionally resonant family dynamics explored in 'Mamma Mia,' the dark, tense atmosphere of 'Scorpion,' and the festive exploration of connection found in 'TREE.' Furthermore, the collection ventured into the mysterious with 'Ikai Hakubutsukan' (Alien Museum) and offered a delightful blend of self-referential fiction with 'Sign Kai' (Book Signing Event).

Critics universally praised the series for its exceptional artistic fluidity and its ability to weave supernatural and sci-fi elements into deeply human, emotional plots.

For devoted followers eager to own the complete set, a single compiled book volume containing all five unique stories is slated for release just in time for the holidays, hitting shelves on December 19, 2025.

Ohtagaki's decades-long career continues to be defined by groundbreaking successes, including the space opera Moonlight Mile, which was adapted into an anime in 2007, and the beloved war saga Gundam Thunderbolt, which wrapped up its main serialization in 2023 following two acclaimed original net anime adaptations and subsequent compilation films. While the conclusion of Candy Box Creations brings one chapter to a close, fans have much more to anticipate: Ohtagaki is already preparing for his next major serialization, scheduled to launch in Big Comic Superior next summer, ensuring his legacy of innovative storytelling remains firmly intact.