The celebrated creative duo behind Kino's Journey is reuniting for a brand-new historical fantasy project. Imprint Dengeki Bunko announced that author Keiichi Sigsawa and illustrator Kouhaku Kuroboshi will launch the novel series Drifted ~John Smith no Edo Hyōryū Kitan~ (Drifted ~Strange Tale of John Smith's Drifting in Edo~), with the debut volume slated to hit Japanese shelves on November 10.
Supernatural Edo Intrigue
The narrative marks a stylistic shift from the philosophical road trips of Kino, setting its sights on an occult-laced historical Japan:
The story centers on a man who wanders aimlessly, and the truths he witnesses, as he joins forces with ninjas, supernatural yōkai entities, and preternatural-powered beings to carry out his "jobs."
The creative pairing of Sigsawa and Kuroboshi carries legendary pedigree across the light novel landscape. Their partnership on Kino's Journey -the Beautiful World- began in 2000, spanning more than two decades, multiple anime adaptations, and numerous manga spin-offs. Kuroboshi is equally renowned for character designs spanning Princess Principal, Fate/Grand Order (Abigail Williams, Hokusai), and Hololive's Ninomae Ina'nis, while Sigsawa remains active across novel and manga spheres, having also penned Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online.
