Portland publisher ABLAZE has announced that it would be adding the shoujo manga series Magical Beast Sherbert to its growing catalog of manga. The manga is an adaptation of the upcoming 52-episode anime of the same name that is currently in development. It will be available in print and digital formats worldwide in 2023.
Magical Beast Sherbert is written by Rai☆ and illustrated by artist Mochiusagi (Aikatsu Go Go Go). The manga will be distributed in print by Diamond Comic and Diamond Book Distributors.
Sherberts’ Production released a PV trailer last June, showcasing various scenes from the manga to promote the adaptation. Maria Naganawa voices the main heroine Erika Togawa in the trailer while Kappei Yamaguchi plays her familiar, the titular Sherbert.
Takashi Yamamoto (Jewelpet Twinkle, Onigiri) is directing the 52-episode anime at ZEXCS. K-LINE — a company that makes cosplay pajamas and fur suits — is credited with the original character design. Sherberts’ Productions are credited as writer and producer for the series.
A Kickstarter campaign for the manga of Magical Beast Sherbert was launched by Sherberts’ Productions last year. 293 backers have pledged US$34,907 in total towards the project.
The series is described in further detail as:
Sherbert is a magical creature from the parallel world of Lylasia, one of an infinite number of worlds existing simultaneously with our Earth. Living in the shadow of his older brother, Lylasia’s great hero Gelato, Sherbert desperately wants to be a hero as well. But his enthusiasm gets him in trouble, and he is attacked by the Kuuka, an outcast species who can possess the minds of those with negative emotions. Sherbert’s dormant magical powers suddenly awaken, and he teleports himself and the enemy to Tokyo.
Erika Togawa is an 11-year-old girl living in Tokyo, she saves Sherbert from a monster and is bestowed with the ability to transform into a magical girl. A little bit headstrong, Erika builds a close bond with Sherbert, which strengthens their magic ties. Erika’s magic is based on Sherbert’s “mix” of rabbit, deer, and dragon DNA. She gains different outfits when their bond is strengthened, and enhanced abilities like PyonPyonAcceleration. Sherbert doesn’t quite understand the meaning of a hero, but with Erika’s help, Sherbert grows into a true hero, willing to fight for his friends and all innocent creatures throughout the universe.
Source: Press Release
