@ Anime NYC 2025 – ‘Rooster Fighter’ World Premiere

(Featured Image Source: © SS/KH,V – Viz Media Booth at Anime NYC 2025)

A one-of-a-kind hero is nearly here, and trust us when we say he isn’t clucking around! Attendees of Anime NYC 2025 got to be the first to see the new Rooster Fighter anime series during a world premiere panel that featured the manga creator Shu Sakuratani and series script writer Hiroshi Seko.

The manga series, illustrated and written by Shu Sakuratani, is an action-comedy set in a world regularly attacked by mutant demons. It follows Keiji, a rooster seeking revenge. Armed with fast reflexes, claws, his beak, and a mighty rooster crow, he aims to slay the demon who stole his family from him (and will be taking down every demon he meets along the way).

“I was actually just thinking ‘what would a hero that no one has ever seen before look like?’ And then a chicken popped into my head.”

– Shu Sakuratani when asked how he came up with the character.

AND WE LOVE IT!

The first episode gave a great sense of action alongside its humor. Keiji is stylized like the action heroes of the late 80s and early 90s. A loner going his own path, he conveys an annoyance at those around him who waste his time, while also doing what he can to help them. The series is a must-watch. In addition to Hiroshi Seko, the staff includes Daisuke Suzuki as director and Joseph Chou as producer.

Rooster Fighter season 1 will premiere in Spring 2026 and be 12 episodes long. You can read the manga now, over on Viz.com.

Anime NYC 2025 has wrapped up, so make sure to check out our coverage to see what happened at NYC’s largest anime convention! And stay tuned! Anime NYC 2026 is set for August 20-23! We will keep you up to date as they announce their special guests, event lineup, and when badge sales go live!