Manga creator Katsuwo has officially expanded their publication catalog by launching a manga adaptation of Renren Ii's light novel series Ōja no Ban Kuruwase: Net Shōgi no Teiō, Real Taikai de Chōjō o Mezasu, known in English as Underdog Upsets the King. The debut arrived in the November issue of Kadokawa's Dengeki Daioh G magazine, which prominently features the new title on its front cover.
The narrative follows Mikado Watanabe, an introverted high school student who leads a secret digital life as the legendary online shōgi prodigy dubbed the 'King of Self-Destruction.' His terrifyingly accurate tactical play routinely rattles professional competitors in the digital space. However, his life pivots when he joins his school's traditional shōgi club after an unexpected chain of events, stepping out from behind the computer screen to compete in the amateur Kōryūsen tournament alongside his new peers.
Franchise Origins and Creator Legacy
Original author Renren Ii initially serialized the story on Kadokawa's Kakuyomu platform in December 2023. Kadokawa later published the print edition with illustrations by Fujiko, scheduling the fourth compiled volume for release in late November. This collaborative adaptation adds another compelling title to Katsuwo's celebrated bibliography, which includes acclaimed works like Hitori Bocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu and Mitsuboshi Colors.
