ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jiro Taniguchi's Unpublished Manga 'Blue Fighter' Previewed

publication · 2026-05-05

J-POP Manga has released 'Blue Fighter', a previously unpublished manga in Italy by the late Jiro Taniguchi, created with Garon Tsuchiya (aka Caribu Marley), known for 'Old Boy'. The series, completed in 1987, follows Raggae, a silent boxer seeking redemption, blending drug addiction, alcohol, and violence in a style mixing classic manga with European comics. Jacopo Buranelli, literary director of J-POP Manga, stated the aim is to introduce readers to a pulpier, hard-boiled side of Taniguchi. The 290-page volume, priced at €15, will be available in bookstores and comic shops from January 31, 2018. The preview includes early pages.

Key facts

  • J-POP Manga published 'Blue Fighter' by Jiro Taniguchi, previously unpublished in Italy.
  • The manga was created with Garon Tsuchiya (Caribu Marley), known for 'Old Boy'.
  • The series was completed in 1987 after a long gestation period.
  • The story follows Raggae, a silent boxer seeking redemption.
  • Themes include drug addiction, alcohol, and gratuitous violence.
  • The art style blends classic manga with European comics.
  • Jacopo Buranelli, literary director of J-POP Manga, commented on the release.
  • The book is 290 pages, priced at €15, available from January 31, 2018.

Entities

Artists

  • Jiro Taniguchi
  • Garon Tsuchiya
  • Caribu Marley
  • Jacopo Buranelli

Institutions

  • J-POP Manga
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Italy
  • Milano

Sources