Hiromasa Okujima’s supernatural romance Babanba Banban Vampire is officially moving into its final phase. The series, which debuted in Akita Shoten’s Bessatsu Shōnen Champion in October 2021, has reached volume 14 as of August 6, 2024.
Dark Horse Comics, the North American publisher behind titles such as Hellboy and Usagi Yojimbo, secured the English‑language license earlier this year. In a statement posted on Anime News Network, the company confirmed that the first trade‑paperback will hit shelves on November 10, 2026. The release will be listed on both Amazon Japan and Rakuten Books, offering collectors a chance to own the series in a new market.
For readers unfamiliar with the premise, the manga follows Ranmaru Mori, a seemingly ordinary employee at the historic Koi No Yu bathhouse. Beneath his calm exterior lies a 450‑year‑old vampire who has spent centuries craving pure, virgin blood. When fifteen‑year‑old Rihito Tatsuno—heir to the bathhouse and a self‑declared virgin—begins to develop a crush on a classmate, Ranmaru devises a desperate scheme to keep Rihito’s innocence intact and, ultimately, to lure the teen’s blood into his own veins.
The series’ blend of erotic comedy, supernatural intrigue, and coming‑of‑age drama has resonated with a dedicated fanbase, prompting multiple adaptations. The television anime premiered on January 11, 2025, and is available for streaming worldwide via Netflix. The adaptation was first announced in a June 2024 news release that highlighted its cast, staff, and teaser visual.
Beyond the animated version, a live‑action film adaptation was slated for a February 2025 theatrical debut. However, as reported by Anime News Network, the project was postponed due to “various circumstances,” leading to the cancellation of a preview screening set for January 2025. The film eventually opened on July 4, 2025, and secured the #5 spot at the Japanese box office during its opening weekend, according to a follow‑up report on March 29, 2025.
These multiple media pushes underscore the franchise’s growing cross‑platform appeal. While the manga’s narrative is inching toward its climax, the English volume will give new readers a chance to experience the story before it concludes. Simultaneously, the anime’s Netflix streaming ensures international audiences can follow the latest episodes as they air, and the live‑action film’s box‑office success demonstrates that the property can draw viewers beyond the printed page.
For fans tracking the series’ progress, the upcoming English release will be the first time the English‑speaking market can purchase an official translation. Dark Horse has promised faithful artwork reproduction and a translation that preserves the series’ comedic timing and seductive undertones. Collectors will also find the volume listed under the publisher’s Dark Horse Comics catalog, which often includes bonus material such as creator interviews and concept art.
Looking ahead, the final stage of the manga is expected to wrap up the central love triangle and reveal the true extent of Ranmaru’s centuries‑long obsession. The conclusion may also set the stage for further spin‑offs or sequel projects, a common trajectory for popular shōnen titles that successfully transition into anime and live‑action formats. As the series approaches its finale, both longtime supporters and newcomers have plenty to anticipate—from the final pages of the manga to the streaming episodes on Netflix and the lingering buzz from the July theatrical release.
Featured image: © Hiromasa Okujima
Source: Anime News Network