RIOT Manga – Wikipedia & Details

Tokyo, May 27, 2024 – A new manga series, RIOT, launched in Shogakukan’s Monthly Big Comic Spirits magazine, offering a fresh take on youth culture and the power of independent publishing.

A Zine is Born: New Manga Explores the Allure of DIY Media

The series follows two boys inspired to create their own paper magazine in a town lacking traditional media outlets.

• RIOT is written and illustrated by Yūta Tsukada.
• The manga centers on Shanghai and Aiji, two protagonists who find inspiration in paper magazines.
• The series began serialization in Monthly Big Comic Spirits on May 27, 2024.
• As of October 2025, three collected volumes, or tankōbon, have been released.

The story revolves around Shanghai and Aiji, two boys living in a rural community devoid of bookstores and record stores. Despite this, they are captivated by the world of paper magazines and decide to embark on a journey to create their own publication. The series promises a nostalgic and relatable exploration of youth, creativity, and the desire to connect through tangible media.

Early Recognition for Tsukada’s Work

RIOT has already garnered critical acclaim, signaling its potential to become a significant work in the seinen manga landscape. The series was ranked third in Da Vinci magazine’s 2025 Book of the Year ranking.^[6]

Further solidifying its position, RIOT, alongside Nba!, secured the fourteenth spot in the 2026 edition of takarajimasha‘s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook’s list of top manga for male readers.^[7] This recognition highlights the series’ appeal to a broad audience and its innovative approach to storytelling.

The first tankōbon volume of RIOT was released on November 28, 2024.^[1] Volumes two and three followed, released on October 2025.^[3]

What makes RIOT stand out? The manga’s focus on the creation of a physical magazine in a digital age offers a unique and compelling narrative, resonating with a desire for tangible experiences and independent expression.

1. ^ Volume 1 of “RIOT”, a cultural youth story by a Reiwa high school student who wants to create a paper magazine. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. November 28, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
2. ^ The new Tsukispi series is a cultural youth story in which Reiwa high school students are immersed in “making paper magazines”. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 27, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
3. ^ ^{a b} ＲＩＯＴ ３ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
4. ^ ＲＩＯＴ １ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
5. ^ ＲＩＯＴ ２ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
6. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 9, 2025). “Ao Kojima’s Hon Nara Uru Hodo Tops 2025 Da Vinci Manga Ranking”. Anime News Network. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
7. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 22, 2025). “Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Editors Unveil Full List of Top 2026 Manga”. Anime News Network. Retrieved January 9, 2026.