Levius (manga)

 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Haruhisa Nakata. The series was published in Shogakukan's "Monthly Ikki" from December 2012 to September 2014, when the magazine ceased publication. Shogakukan compiled its chapters into three "tankōbon" volumes. A sequel, titled "Levius/est", began in Shueisha's "Ultra Jump" in April 2015. The manga and its sequel are licensed in North America by Viz Media. A 12-episode original net animation (ONA) adaptation produced by Polygon Pictures premiered on Netflix in November 2019.
Story.
In the 19th century, Imperial City is heavily damaged in a war. A new sport known as "Metalboxing" (which combines the elements of boxing with robotic elements) is developed five years later. Levius Cromwell, who lost his father during the war, begins to emerge as a young fighter and begins training under his uncle Zacks Cromwell after losing his consciousness. Levius works up the boxing ranks until he finally reaches his goal, which is an opportunity to challenge for the promotion to Grade I, which is the highest rank any boxer could achieve. Levius was required to defeat Hugo Stratus to achieve that rank, but Hugo was unexpectedly defeated by a mysterious boxer named A.J. Langdon. The dignity of human beings and the future of Imperial City are in the hands of an ongoing battle between Levius and his opponents.
Media.
Manga.
"Levius" is written and illustrated by Haruhisa Nakata. Different from almost manga series in Japanese are drawn and written in "tategaki" (vertically, lines are right to left), the story line of Levius is written in "yokogaki" (horizontally, left to right), with drawing style of "Bande dessinée". It was serialized in Shogakukan's "Monthly Ikki" from December 25, 2012 to September 25, 2014, when the magazine ceased its publication. The last issue announced that the series would continue serialization, but details were not given then. Shogakukan collected its chapters in three "tankōbon" volumes, released from January 30 to December 26, 2014. Shueisha republished the series in two volumes under the Young Jump Comics imprint on April 19 and May 17, 2019.
A sequel, titled "Levius/est", began in the May 2015 issue of Shueisha's "Ultra Jump", released on April 18, 2015. In October 2020, Haruhisa Nakata announced that the series was nearing its end. In April 2021, it was announced that the series will be finished in two chapters. Shueisha has compiled its chapters into individual "tankōbon" volumes. The first volume was released on December 18, 2015. As of July 17, 2020, eight volumes have been published. The series will be finished with its 10th volume.
In North America, Viz Media announced the English language release of the manga in February 2019. "Levius" was released in a single omnibus volume on September 17, 2019. Viz Media began publishing "Levius/est" on November 19, 2019.
Original net animation.
A 12-episode original net animation (ONA) adaptation, produced by Polygon Pictures premiered on Netflix on November 28, 2019. The series was broadcast in Japan on Tokyo MX and BS11 from January 9 to March 27, 2021. Nana Mizuki performs the series opening theme "Link or Chains", while Mamoru Miyano performs the ending theme "Beautiful Doll".