Manga fans are buzzing as Paru Itagaki, the acclaimed creator of Beastars, returns with a chilling new crime thriller: Taika’s Reason. The series has just been nominated for the Renta Manga Award in the Male Category, signaling critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and psychological depth.
The nomination was first reported by manga news outlet Manga Mogura RE in a widely shared tweet:
Dogman Crime Thriller “Taika’s Reason” by “Beastars” creator Paru Itagaki has been nominated for the Renta Manga Award in the Male Category! [Tweet embedded or linked]
A World Where Pets Become People—and Secrets Run Deep
Set in a near-future society grappling with declining birthrates, Taika’s Reason imagines a controversial solution: turning pets into humanoid beings known as “dogmen” and “catmen.” While the policy aims to boost population and companionship, it also fuels inter-species tension and rising crime.
At the heart of the story is Ao, a teenage girl living a quiet life with her parents and her beloved pitbull, Taika. But everything changes when Taika snaps and kills her father in a violent outburst. In a moment of shock and desperation, Ao hides the body and keeps the murder a secret.
The Dog Returns—As a Man
Months later, Taika is transformed into a dogman and reintroduced into the family as a full-fledged member. He appears unaware of his past crime, and Ao struggles to maintain the illusion of normalcy. But the fragile peace shatters when Taika turns to Ao and says: “Hey, let’s turn ourselves in.”
The line, delivered with eerie calm, marks a turning point in the narrative—blurring the lines between guilt, loyalty, and identity.
Paru Itagaki’s Signature Style: Beauty in the Brutal
Known for her genre-defying work in Beastars and Sanda, Itagaki once again blends anthropomorphism with raw human emotion. Taika’s Reason debuted in Weekly Shonen Champion on January 16, 2025, and has quickly gained traction for its unpredictable tone shifts and haunting character dynamics.
Critics praise Ao’s portrayal as one of Itagaki’s most complex protagonists yet—a girl caught between love and horror, silence and confession.
A Manga That Asks: What Makes Us Human?
With its Renta Award nomination, Taika’s Reason joins the ranks of standout titles that challenge conventional storytelling. Itagaki’s latest work doesn’t just entertain—it provokes.
As fans await the next chapter, one thing is clear: Taika’s Reason is not just a thriller. It’s a mirror held up to our deepest fears—and our most fragile bonds.
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