Natsume Ono Announces KORORE Spinoff of ACCA‑13 and BADON – New Manga Hits Big Gangan Feb 25

Anime fans, grab your bookmarks and set your calendars—there’s a brand‑new adventure in the Dowa Kingdom that’s about to hit the shelves on February 25, 2027. The legendary mangaka Natsume Ono, who brought us the beloved ACCA‑13 Territory Inspection Department and the gritty BADON, is launching a fresh spinoff titled KORORE in Monthly Big Gangan’s third issue of 2027. The news dropped from the official X/Twitter account of Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan and is already sending ripples through the anime community.

What We Know

• Title & Publication: KORORE is a new manga spinoff of Ono’s ACCA‑13 Territory Inspection Department and BADON, scheduled to debut in Monthly Big Gangan’s third 2027 issue on February 25, 2027.
• Setting: Like BADON, KORORE is one of the 13 territories in the Dowa Kingdom, the shared world that began with ACCA‑13‑Territory Inspection Department.
• Creator: Natsume Ono, the prolific mangaka behind House of Five Leaves, Ristorante Paradiso, Gente – Ristorante no Hitobito, Tesoro, Not Simple, Dan za, Lady and Oldman, and Have a Great Sunday.
• Historical Context: ACCA‑13 Territory Inspection Department ran in Monthly Big Gangan from June 2013 to October 2016, spanning six compiled volumes. Yen Press released the manga in English, and it inspired a 2017 television anime (streamed by Crunchyroll) and a 2020 OVA sequel, ACCA: 13‑Territory Inspection Dept. Regards.
• BADON Legacy: The BADON manga launched in January 2019, concluded in March 2024, and saw its ninth volume released in April 2024. Square Enix published the series.
• Other Works: Ono’s debut was La Quinta Camera – 5 Banme no Heya (2003). Viz Media published her North American titles, while Kodansha USA handled Dan za. She also provided character designs for Shingo Natsume and Madhouse’s upcoming theatrical anime Ghost – End of Night (opening February 11) and directed the adaptation of ACCA‑13.

Why Fans Are Excited

The announcement of KORORE feels like a seismic shift for the Dowa Kingdom fanbase. Fans of ACCA‑13 and BADON have long speculated about deeper lore beyond the original 13 territories. With KORORE set to explore a new region, expectations are sky‑high. The fact that Ono, who has consistently delivered compelling world‑building and sharp character dynamics, is back on the page adds a layer of anticipation that’s hard to match.

Moreover, Monthly Big Gangan is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a flurry of new projects, including five fresh serials and a special giveaway of QO cards. KORORE is positioned at the heart of this celebratory wave, promising to tie into the magazine’s larger narrative push. For a community that thrives on interconnected stories, the addition of a new territory in the Dowa Kingdom is a golden ticket.

The excitement is not just about a new story; it’s about the continuation of a beloved universe. The ACCA‑13 anime, which aired in 2017 and the 2020 OVA, garnered a cult following. The BADON series, running from 2019 to 2024, kept fans engaged with its gritty tone. KORORE is poised to blend the investigative grit of ACCA‑13 with the darker atmosphere of BADON, offering a fresh yet familiar experience.

Background

The Dowa Kingdom and the 13 Territories

The Dowa Kingdom is a sprawling world that was first introduced through ACCA‑13 Territory Inspection Department. The story revolves around the 13 territories that make up the kingdom, each with its own culture, politics, and mysteries. The series delved into the bureaucratic and investigative aspects of the kingdom’s governance, providing a unique lens on both the mundane and the supernatural.

Natsume Ono’s Career

Since her debut in 2003, Ono has carved out a niche for herself with a blend of culinary themes (Ristorante Paradiso), slice‑of‑life introspection (House of Five Leaves), and supernatural intrigue (Badon). Her works have not only been successful in Japan but have also found a dedicated following in North America, thanks to Viz Media’s translations. Her ability to create richly detailed worlds and complex characters makes her return with KORORE a highly anticipated event.

Past Adaptations

ACCA‑13 received a 2017 anime adaptation that was streamed by Crunchyroll, followed by a 2020 OVA sequel. BADON has also inspired an anime adaptation, further cementing the franchise’s cross‑media appeal. These adaptations have broadened the audience and set high expectations for any new material.

What's Next

While the official announcement stops short of revealing plot details, several grounded speculations can be made:

1. New Territory Spotlight: KORORE will focus on a territory not previously explored in ACCA‑13 or BADON, potentially expanding the geopolitical landscape of the Dowa Kingdom.
2. Continuity with Existing Characters: Given Ono’s history of weaving interconnected stories, it’s plausible that characters from ACCA‑13 or BADON will make cameo appearances or serve as mentors to new protagonists.
3. Thematic Shift: The title KORORE—which in Japanese can mean “to be thin or lean”—might hint at a more streamlined narrative or a focus on the underbelly of the kingdom’s politics, similar to BADON’s gritty tone.
4. Cross‑Media Potential: With the success of previous anime adaptations, it’s reasonable to anticipate that KORORE could eventually receive its own anime series or OVA, especially if the manga performs well in Monthly Big Gangan.

The next few weeks will be critical: the first chapter’s release, fan reactions, and sales numbers will all shape the trajectory of KORORE. Keep an eye on Monthly Big Gangan’s February 2027 issue and the official X/Twitter feed for updates.

Closing

Natsume Ono’s return with KORORE is a beacon for fans craving fresh narratives in familiar worlds. The combination of a new territory, the legacy of ACCA‑13 and BADON, and the 15th‑anniversary buzz of Monthly Big Gangan creates a perfect storm of excitement. Mark your calendars for February 25, 2027, and prepare to dive into the next chapter of the Dowa Kingdom’s saga. The adventure is just beginning, and it’s set to be one of the most talked‑about manga releases of the year.