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Monthly Afternoon

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Monthly Afternoon
Cover of the October 2011 issue, featuring Mysterious Girlfriend X
Editor-in-ChiefAkira Kanai[1]
Former editorsTatsuya Shishikura
CategoriesSeinen manga[2][3]
FrequencyMonthly
Circulation
  • 22,800[4]
  • (October – December 2025)
PublisherKodansha
First issueDecember 25, 1986
CountryJapan
Based inTokyo
LanguageJapanese
Websiteafternoon.kodansha.co.jp

Monthly Afternoon (Japanese: 月刊アフタヌーン, Hepburn: Gekkan Afutanūn) is a Japanese monthly seinen manga anthology published by Kodansha. The first issue was published in December 1986, with new issues released on the 25th of each month.[5] Monthly Afternoon has spawned many successful manga series such as Oh My Goddess!, Genshiken, Blade of the Immortal and Big Windup!. A spin-off magazine, named good! Afternoon, started publishing in November 2008.

History

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The magazine was founded as a sister magazine to Morning by the same publisher, Kodansha. Its first issue was released on December 25, 1986, with the cover date of February 1987.[1] Initially, its editorial department was not yet separate from Morning.[6] According to Frederik L. Schodt, stories that the editors of Morning liked but felt did not fit the magazine would often land in Afternoon.[7]

Afternoon eventually gained a reputation for its sheer quantity of both titles and pages, alongside its diverse selection of manga.[8] From 1992 to 1997, an average issue would contain over 1,000 pages.[1][8] Adding to its diversity was the novel approach of inviting foreign artists and writers to create manga in Afternoon, much like in Morning.[7][9]

Many of the artists working for the magazine used to publish amateur doujinshi and were influenced by lolicon amateur manga. Sharon Kinsella claims that around half of all series featured in Afternoon between 1994 and 1997 were inspired by lolicon aesthetics. She lists Discommunication, Gunsmith Cats, Assembler 0X, Seraphic Feather, Aqua and Oh! My Goddess as examples.[10]

From October 1999 to October 2002,[11][12] Afternoon Season Zōkan (アフタヌーンシーズン増刊) was published as a quarterly spin-off magazine to Afternoon. After the magazine was suspended, some of its series, like Mushishi and Mokke, were transferred to Afternoon. Another spin-off magazine, good! Afternoon, began publishing on November 7, 2008.[13]

Between 2006 and 2009, Afternoon was part of Kodansha's "e-1day" series, a comprehensive website which also included Morning and Evening, its other sister magazine.[14] Since November 2013, new issues of Afternoon are distributed simultaneously in print and digitally.[15]

Newcomer award

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Since 1987, Monthly Afternoon holds the quarterly Afternoon Shiki Shō (アフタヌーン四季賞; lit. 'Afternoon Four Seasons Award') to potential newcomer manga artists. A number of winning works have become serialized hits in Monthly Afternoon, such as Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, Blame!, and Love Roma.[6] In 2013, Kodansha published a selection of past winners in several volumes.[16]

Circulation and demographic

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Like with most major manga magazines, the magazine's circulation has been declining since the 1990s:

In the late 1990s, the magazine's editors guessed that about a third of the readers of the magazine could be called otaku.[10]

Features

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Ongoing

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There are currently 36 manga titles being serialized in Monthly Afternoon. Out of them, Big Windup!, Historie, Wandering Island and Yakuza Fiancé are on hiatus. Nella of the Horizon is serialized on an irregular schedule.

Series title Author Premiered
Asayake Refrain (あさやけリフレイン, Asayake Rifurein) Hikari Matsuda March 2025
Big Windup! (おおきく振りかぶって, Ōkiku Furikabutte) Asa Higuchi September 2003
Blue Period (ブルーピリオド, Burū Piriodo) Tsubasa Yamaguchi June 2017
The Darwin Incident (ダーウィン事変, Dāwin Jihen) Shun Umezawa June 2020
Dig It (ディグイット, Digu Itto) Yoshidamaru April 2025
Fragile (フラジャイル, Furajairu) Bin Kusamizu (story) and Megumi Saburo (art) June 2014
Furu Kara-suya Satoshi (フルカラ～スヤサトシ) Satoshi Karasuya January 2024
Fushichō Koroshi (不死鳥殺し) Akira Suga August 2025
Golden Phantom (ゴールデンファントム, Gōruden Fantomu) Daiki Yamazaki February 2026
Heavenly Delusion (天国大魔境, Tengoku Daimakyō) Masakazu Ishiguro January 2018
Hellhound (ヘルハウンド, Heruhaundo) Ryōji Minagawa June 2022
Historie (ヒストリエ, Hisutorie) Hitoshi Iwaaki January 2003
Kaettekita Karasuya Satoshi (帰ってきたカラスヤサトシ) Satoshi Karasuya January 2018
Kraken Mare Izu (story), Hagane (art) and Masato Hara (translation) February 2025
Manga Lover (マンガラバー, Manga Rabā) Kou Fumimura April 2025
Medalist (メダリスト, Medarisuto) Tsurumaikada May 2020
Mirairaifurai (ミライライフライ) Ao Ameta October 2023
Mojiponica! (モジポニカ!) Masaki Andō May 2025
Moyashimon+ (もやしもん＋) Masayuki Ishikawa November 2024
Nella of the Horizon (水平線のネラ, Suiheisen no Nera) Yuki Urushibara February 2025
Omori Omocat (story) and Nui Konoito (art) June 2024
Paris ni Saku Étoile (パリに咲くエトワール, Pari ni Saku Etowāru) Zelihan November 2025
PAX Kokumin Kōfuku Kanrikyoku (PAX 国民幸福管理局) Maki Marukido March 2026
Poo-Neko (プ～ねこ, Pu~ Neko) Masayuki Kitamichi December 2003
Seven Sleeping Beauties (7人の眠り姫, Shichinin no Nemuri Hime) Fiok Lee March 2023
Skip and Loafer (スキップとローファー, Sukippu to Rōfā) Misaki Takamatsu August 2018
Tengu no Daidokoro (天狗の台所) Ai Tanaka September 2021
The Chronicles of Leende (レーエンデ国物語, Rēende Kuni Monogatari) Rei Tasaki (story) and Nezu Usugumo (art) October 2024
The Under Three (アンダー3, Andā Surī) Shunji Enomoto April 2014
Toppu GP (トップウGP) Kōsuke Fujishima May 2016
Wandance (ワンダンス, Wandansu) Coffee January 2019
Wandering Island (冒険エレキテ島, Bōken Erekite-tō) Kenji Tsuruta September 2011
Wave, Listen to Me! (波よ聞いてくれ, Nami yo Kiitekure) Hiroaki Samura July 2014
When the Chameleon Flowers Bloom (どくだみの花咲くころ, Dokudami no Hanasaku Koro) Shiho Kido November 2023
Where Stillness Speaks (新月の盤に, Shingetsu no Ban ni) Akino Miyabi July 2025
Yakuza Fiancé (来世は他人がいい, Raise wa Tanin ga Ī) Asuka Konishi August 2017

Past

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1980s

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1990s

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  • Compiler (コンパイラ, Konpaira) by Kia Asamiya (1990–1992)
  • Gunsmith Cats by Kenichi Sonoda (1990–1997)
  • Discommunication (ディスコミュニケーション, Disukomyunikēshon) by Riichi Ueshiba (1991–1999)
  • Magical Super Asia (深く美しきアジア, Fukaku Utsukushiki Ajia) by Chen Uen (1991–1994)
  • Wahhaman (ワッハマン) by Yoshitoh Asari (1992–1999) (moved from Morning Party Zōkan)
  • Dr. Kishiwada's Scientific Affection (岸和田博士の科学的愛情, Kishiwada Hakase no Kagaku Teki Aijō) by Tony Takezaki (1992–1998) (moved from Morning Party Zōkan)
  • Tensui (天水) by Kazuichi Hanawa (1992–1994)
  • A Diffusion Disease (拡散, Kakusan) by Hideji Oda (1992–1998)
  • Ice Blade (地雷震, Jiraishin) by Tsutomu Takahashi (1992–1999)
  • Assembler 0X (アセンブラ0X, Asenbura Zero Ekkusu) by Kia Asamiya (1992–1995)
  • Tsuyoshi Motto Shikkari Shinasai (ツヨシもっとしっかりしなさい) by Kiyoshi Nagamatsu (1992–1994)
  • Gogo Sanji no Mahō (午後3時の魔法) by Narumi Kakinouchi (1993–1999)
  • Boku wa Otōto (ぼくはおとうと) by Shinji Ohara (1993–1994)
  • Kami no Ude (神の腕) by Jaime Brocal Remohí (1993–1994)
  • Yōsei Jiken (妖精事件) by Yun Kōga (1993–1999)
  • Ikkyū (あっかんべェ一休, Akkanbe Ikkyū) by Hisashi Sakaguchi (1993–1995)
  • Blade of the Immortal (無限の住人, Mugen no Jūnin) by Hiroaki Samura (1993–2012)
  • Dominator (ドミネーター, Dominētā) by Tony Luke (original work, art) and Alan Grant (story) (1993–1994)
  • Seraphic Feather (セラフィック・フェザー, Serafikku Fezā) by Yo Morimoto, Toshiya Takeda (story) and Hiroyuki Utatane (art) (1993–2008)
  • Yugo (勇午, Yūgo) by Shinji Makari (story) and Shū Akana (art) (1993–2004) (transferred to Evening)
  • Hanashippanashi (はなしっぱなし) by Daisuke Igarashi (1993–1996)
  • Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (ヨコハマ買い出し紀行) by Hitoshi Ashinano (1994–2006)
  • Aqua by Kazuhiko Tsuzuki (1994–1995)
  • Dai Nihon Tengu-tō Ekotoba (大日本天狗党絵詞) by Iou Kuroda (1994–1996)
  • Imaginary Magnitude (空想の大きさ, Kūsō no Ōki-sa) by Jon J Muth (art) and John Kuramoto (story) (1994–1997)
  • Kagerowic Diary (陽炎日記, Kagerō Nikki) by Shimoku Kio (1994–1996)
  • Chronowar (電夢時空, Denmu Jikū) by Kazumasa Takayama (1994–1995)
  • Blue World (ブルー・ワールド, Burū Wārudo) by Yukinobu Hoshino (1995–1997)
  • Vendémiaire no Tsubasa (ヴァンデミエールの翼, Vandemiēru no Tsubasa) by Mohiro Kitoh (1995–1997)
  • Hiroki Endo's Tanpenshu (遠藤浩輝短編集, Endō Hiroki Tanpenshū) by Hiroki Endo (1995–1997) (transferred to Afternoon Season Zōkan)
  • Inugami (犬神) by Masaya Hokazono (1996–2002)
  • Discommunication: Gakuenhen (ディスコミュニケーション 学園編, Disukomyunikēshon Gakuen-hen) by Riichi Ueshiba (1996–1997)
  • Sumire Gahō (菫画報) by Shinji Ohara (1996–1999)
  • Blame! by Tsutomu Nihei (1997–2003)
  • Kamikaze (神・風, Kami Kaze) by Satoshi Shiki (1997–2003)
  • Cannon God Exaxxion (砲神エグザクソン, Hōjin Eguzakuson) by Kenichi Sonoda (1997–2004)
  • Eden: It's an Endless World! by Hiroki Endo (1997–2008)
  • Genzō Hitogata Kiwa (幻蔵人形鬼話) by Yuzo Takada (1997–2004)
  • The 4th Grade (四年生, Yonensei) by Shimoku Kio (1997–1998)
  • Shadow Star (なるたる, Narutaru) by Mohiro Kitoh (1998–2003)
  • From Kobe (神戸在住, Kōbe Zaijū) by Kon Kimura (1998–2006)
  • The 5th Grade (五年生, Gonensei) by Shimoku Kio (1998–2001)
  • Niraikanai (ニライカナイ) by Megumu Okada (1999–2002)
  • Space Family Carlvinson (宇宙家族カールビンソン, Uchū Kazoku Kārubinson) by Yoshitoh Asari (1999–2000)
  • Discommunication: Seireihen (ディスコミュニケーション 精霊編, Disukomyunikēshon Seirei-hen) by Riichi Ueshiba (1999–2000)
  • Hato no Oyome-san (ハトのおよめさん) by Haguki (1999–2012)
  • Coo's World (クーの世界, Kū no Sekai) by Hideji Oda (1999–2000)
  • Kazoku no Sorekara (家族のそれから) by Asa Higuchi (1999–2000)

2000s

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2010s

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2020s

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  • Tomodachi toshite Daisuki (友達として大好き) by Mikumi Yuuchi (2020–2021)
  • Spotlight (スポットライト, Supottoraito) by Kaze Miura (2020–2021)
  • Mō, Shimasen Kara: Seiun Risshi-hen (もう、しませんから。 ～青雲立志編～) by Hideo Nishimoto (2020–2023)
  • Maō no Kikan (魔王の帰還) by Michi Ichiho (story) and Nori Arashiyama (art) (2021)
  • Q, Koi tte nan desu ka? (Q、恋ってなんですか?) by Fiok Lee (2021–2022)
  • Bitter End Roll (ビターエンドロール, Bitā Endo Rōru) by Shun Sakura (2021–2022)
  • Sing a Bit of Harmony (アイの歌声を聴かせて, Ai no Utagoe o Kikasete) by Yasuhiro Yoshiura (original story) and Megumu Maeda (art) (2021–2022)
  • Chaos Game (カオスゲーム, Kaosu Gēmu) by Daiki Yamazaki (2022–2024)
  • Minzoku Gakusha Akasaka Yaichirō no Jiken-bo (民俗学者 赤坂弥一郎の事件簿) by Richard Woo (story) and Seimu Yoshizaki (art) (2022–2023)
  • Medium: Reibai Tantei Jōtsuka Hisui (medium 霊媒探偵城塚翡翠) by Sako Aizawa (story) and Hiro Kiyohara (art) (2022–2023)
  • Suzume (すずめの戸締まり, Suzume no Tojimari) by Makoto Shinkai (story) and Denki Amashima (art) (2022–2023)
  • Saihate no Serenade (最果てのセレナード, Saihate no Serenādo) by Hinohiruko (2022–2025)
  • A Kingdom of Quartz (クオーツの王国, Quartz no Ōkoku) by Bomhat (2022–2025)
  • Jigoku no Ashita (地獄のアシタ) by Mikumi Yuuchi (2023–2024)
  • Meimeimei Shoku Sanctuary (冥冥冥色聖域, Meimeimeishoku Seiiki) by Ayumu Seki (2023–2024)
  • Yamada-kun no Zawameku Jikan (山田君のざわめく時間) by Yuichi Nakamaru (2023)
  • Zach in Love (ザハの恋, Zaha no Koi) by Nori Arashiyama (2024–2025)
  • Dead Don't Talk (でっどどんととーく, Deddo Donto Tōku) by Aki Kaneda (2025–2026)

References

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  1. ^ a b c Kanai, Akira (January 10, 2023). アフタヌーンってどんな雑誌問題 [What kind of magazine is Afternoon?]. note.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 29, 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Men's Manga" (in Japanese). Japanese Magazine Publishers Association. September 2016. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  3. ^ Thompson, Jason (2007). Manga: The Complete Guide. Del Rey Books. p. 327-239. ISBN 978-0-345-48590-8.
  4. ^ アフタヌーン (第71回: 2025年10月～2025年12月) (in Japanese). Japanese Magazine Publishers Association. Archived from the original on May 16, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  5. ^ アフタヌーン. Kodansha AD Station (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on January 20, 2012.
  6. ^ a b 四季賞とアフタヌーンの関係性変化問題 [The changing relationship between the Shiki Awards and Afternoon magazine]. note.com (in Japanese). March 8, 2023. Archived from the original on May 17, 2026. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  7. ^ a b Schodt, Frederik L. (1996). Dreamland Japan : writings on modern manga. Berkeley, California: Stone Bridge Press. pp. 104–105. ISBN 1-880656-23-X. OCLC 34597965.
  8. ^ a b "From Japan: L'Afternoon". Mangakana (in French). Archived from the original on August 10, 2002. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  9. ^ Gravett, Paul (2004). Manga : sixty years of Japanese comics. New York: Harper Design. p. 157. ISBN 978-1-85669-391-2. OCLC 159940421.
  10. ^ a b Kinsella, Sharon (2000). Adult manga : culture and power in contemporary Japanese society. Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Hawaiʻi Press. p. 138. ISBN 0-8248-2317-6. OCLC 42603226.
  11. ^ アフタヌーン増刊1999年11号詳細情報. manganetto.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 17, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  12. ^ アフタヌーン増刊2002年14号詳細情報. manganetto.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 3, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  13. ^ 沙村新作の壁紙が届くメルマガ配信開始. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. November 18, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  14. ^ "e-1day". Kodansha. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  15. ^ 月刊青年コミック誌「アフタヌーン」、 紙の雑誌の発売日と同時に電子版配信開始!!. PR Times. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  16. ^ 『アフタヌーン四季賞ＣＨＲＯＮＩＣＬＥ １９８７－２０００ 冬Ｓｅｌｅｃｔｉｏｎ』（漆原 友紀，熊倉 隆敏，木村 紺，篠房 六郎，真鍋 昌平） 製品詳細 講談社コミックプラス (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on May 17, 2026. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  17. ^ a b "Magazine circulations in 2004 and 2005". Archived from the original on May 1, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  18. ^ JMPAマガジンデータ. October 28, 2007. Archived from the original on October 28, 2007. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  19. ^ JMPAマガジンデータ. September 20, 2008. Archived from the original on September 20, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
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