Stray

"Top 10 Must-Read Manga" Publishers Weekly, Fall 2025

From the creators of Last Inning, follow an ex-convict’s path to redemption riddled with vengeance, betrayal, and deadly conspiracies – the stakes are too high for him to strikeout off the pitch.

After serving nine years for a crime he didn’t commit, Hachiya Ken is free—but his past is far from behind him. Released from prison, he’s confronted by Hana, the fiery daughter of a ghost from his past. Together, they’re forced to navigate a deadly web of betrayal, yakuza power, and political corruption.

As they uncover a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined, Ken must confront his own demons—and decide how far he’s willing to go for redemption.

From the dynamic creative duo of Yu Nakahara and Ryu Kamio, who delivered the brilliant baseball manga Last Inning, Stray is a relentless crime thriller where nothing is what it seems. Can Ken survive long enough to expose the truth, or will his next swing be his last, as he strikes out in this game of power.

Ryu Kamio is a seasoned writer known for his dynamic storytelling and deep character development. With a background in anime screenwriting, he has crafted compelling narratives that blend intense action with emotional depth. Kamio’s previous work on the hit baseball series Last Inning has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing his knack for high-stakes drama and intricate plots. In Stray, he brings his signature tension and intrigue to the world of crime, betrayal, and redemption.

Yu Nakahara is a talented manga artist renowned for his dynamic art style and meticulous attention to detail. Having worked as an assistant to the legendary Urasawa Naoki, Nakahara’s expressive character designs and thrilling action sequences have earned him a devoted following. Best known for his long-running baseball series Last Inning, he seamlessly blends dramatic tension with visually stunning scenes. In Stray, Nakahara’s artwork brings to life a gritty world of crime and conspiracy, making every moment pulse with intensity.