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It’s finally here!

So I’m a huge fan of the Persona games. I’ve played Persona 3, Persona 4 and Persona 5 multiple times (don’t ask how I have that kind of free time…). I’ve watched the anime and cosplayed characters from Persona 4 and Persona 5, and played many of the spin-off titles too. So when the opportunity to edit this manga came up, I jumped on it.

Both the letterer and translator are huge fans of Persona 5 too. A couple years before we even got the go ahead to start working on the manga, the translator was giving me play through tips and hinting out which social links to pursue. Needless to say, I’m pretty sure all three of us are excited for this title. And if you’re a fan of the game (and the anime) then you probably are too!

The manga is nearly a one-for-one retelling of the video game. But if you’re confused about the Persona hype as of late, the manga is about a boy named Akira Kurusu. He thought he was doing the right thing when he rescued a woman who was being attacked by a mysterious man. Instead, he was expelled from his school and sent away from home and is re-enrolled in Shujin Academy on probation. Trouble finds him again on his first day when he comes across delinquent Ryuji Sakamoto and the two somehow stumble into a castle in an alternate reality. Caught by the castle’s king, the school teacher Kamoshida, Akira discovers his will to rebel and awakens the power of his Persona!

Now, if you’re still unfamiliar with Persona as a franchise. A Persona is kind of like Stands in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. It’s a physical manifestation of one’s will to rebel. They usually appear in a user’s mind when they are put under significant stress. If the Persona user accepts their will to rebel, then the Persona manifests (in the case of Persona 5, this is done by ripping off a mask) and the user can use their Persona to fight enemies.

Volume 1 introduces four of the main characters: Akira Kurusu (Joker), Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki and Morgana… and Akechi, if you’re paying attention. As the series progresses, you’ll run into more fan favorites, like Yusuke (my favorite), Makoto, Futaba, etc.

If you’re a huge fan of the game or the anime, you’ll be certain to enjoy this one-for-one retelling of the game. And if you’re new to Persona 5 and haven’t played the game or watched the anime, the manga doesn’t require you to have any previous knowledge of any Persona title! Just jump right in and get on the hype train with everyone else.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy and get in on the Persona 5 hype!

Read a free preview of Persona 5 by Hisato Murasaki (based on the video game by Atlus) here.