Beastars
A manga and anime series about anthropomorphic animals in a divided society.
Beastars is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, serialized in Akita Shoten's Weekly Shōnen Champion from September 2016 to October 2020. The story is set in a modern world of civilized, anthropomorphic animals, exploring the cultural divide between carnivores and herbivores in a society where eating meat is strictly illegal. The manga won multiple major awards in 2018, including the 11th Manga Taishō, the New Creator Prize at the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, the 42nd Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category, and the New Face Award at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival.
- Author
- Paru Itagaki
- Genre
- Shōnen manga
- Serialization
- Weekly Shōnen Champion (September 2016 – October 2020)
- Volumes
- 22 tankōbon volumes
- English publisher
- Viz Media
- Anime studio
- Orange
- Awards
- 11th Manga Taishō, 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize (New Creator Prize), 42nd Kodansha Manga Award (shōnen), 21st Japan Media Arts Festival (New Face Award)
Lore & Background
The story follows Legoshi, a timid gray wolf attending Cherryton Academy, where he lives with other carnivorous students. After the murder and devouring of an alpaca named Tem, tensions between herbivores and carnivores escalate. Legoshi meets Haru, a Netherland Dwarf rabbit, and develops conflicted emotions toward her. Louis, a red deer and star actor of the drama club, leaves school to lead the Shishigumi, a lion-dominated crime syndicate, later relinquishing control to Melon, a leopard-gazelle hybrid. Legoshi trains under Gohin, a giant panda physician in the Black Market, where illegal meat is traded. The murderer is revealed to be Riz, a bear, whom Legoshi defeats after consuming Louis's leg. Legoshi avoids prison but receives a criminal record as a devourer, nullifying his eligibility to marry Haru. After meeting his Komodo dragon grandfather Gosha, Legoshi confronts Yahya, a horse, and later agrees to arrest Melon in exchange for a cleared record. Legoshi survives being shot twice and begins a relationship with Haru.
Reader's Guide
Beastars is significant for its award-winning exploration of predator-prey dynamics within a fully realized anthropomorphic society, addressing themes of prejudice, identity, and morality. The manga's critical success—winning the Manga Taishō, Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, Kodansha Manga Award, and Japan Media Arts Festival award in 2018—established it as a landmark work in the shōnen genre. The anime adaptation by studio Orange, released on Netflix, further expanded its global reach, with the first season holding a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series also won a CGWORLD Award and the Spanish Manga Barcelona award for Best Anime. By October 2021, the manga had over 7.5 million copies in circulation. Its legacy includes influencing the furry fandom, winning Ursa Major Awards for Best Graphic Story and Best Dramatic Series, and being nominated for an Eisner Award. The final season of the anime, split into two parts, concluded in March 2026.
Did You Know?
- Beastars is set in the same universe as Beast Complex, another manga by Paru Itagaki that originally served as its predecessor.
- The manga won the 11th Manga Taishō in 2018, the first time an Akita Shoten title received that award.
- The anime's first season opening theme 'Wild Side' was performed by ALI and won 'Best Opening Sequence' at the 5th Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
- A stage play adaptation was cancelled in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; a stage reading musical adaptation was held in September 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beastars?
Beastars is a Japanese shōnen manga and anime set in a modern world of anthropomorphic animals where a strict law forbids carnivores from preying on herbivores. The story explores the social tensions, personal desires, and identity struggles that arise within this divided society.
Who created Beastars?
Paru Itagaki both wrote and illustrated the manga, which was serialized in Akita Shoten's Weekly Shōnen Champion. The anime adaptation was produced by the studio Orange.
What is the central conflict in Beastars?
The series revolves around the cultural and legal divide between carnivorous and herbivorous animals in a civilized society where consuming meat is a criminal offense. Characters must navigate personal cravings, deep-seated prejudice, and questions of identity within this rigid social structure.
How many volumes of Beastars are there?
The manga concluded after 22 tankōbon volumes, serialized from September 2016 through October 2020. English-language editions are published by Viz Media.
What major awards has Beastars won?
In 2018 the series collected several top honors, including the 11th Manga Taishō, the New Creator Prize at the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, and the 42nd Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category. It also received the New Face Award at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival.
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