Fans of Overwatch know the name Arnold Tsang. As the former art director at Blizzard, he shaped the look of iconic heroes like Tracer and Kiriko before leaving in 2022. But Tsang's creative passions extend beyond video games—he's also a lifelong manga enthusiast and co-founder of Udon Entertainment, known for its Street Fighter comics. Now, his long-gestating original manga project, Azuki, is finally ready to debut, and we've got the exclusive first look at its official trailer.
Azuki began as a manifesto in 2022 and has since grown into a full-fledged universe through Azuki Labs, with Tsang's artwork, anthology shorts, and even a trading card game. But the centerpiece arrives on September 17, when the serialized manga launches online for free. The story follows two sisters, Shao and Rei, whose bond is tested when Rei vanishes through an ancient Gate that connects dimensions. Shao, a relic hunter by trade, embarks on a quest to find her sister, only to uncover a conflict that threatens both sides of the rift.
The trailer introduces us to the sisters' peaceful home, the Alley, and hints at the terrifying truth behind Rei's disappearance. Shao is a reluctant hero, driven by love for her family, but her journey forces her to confront impossible choices. As she delves deeper, she learns that nothing passes through the Gates unchanged—and the Rei she knew may be beyond recognition. Tsang's dynamic art style and use of color vividly convey the sisters' connection and the worlds they inhabit.
For Tsang, Azuki is a passion project years in the making. He first shared it with fans at Anime Expo, where attendees got a sneak peek at the manga. "I'm incredibly excited to finally share this world with readers everywhere," he said. "Azuki is a story I've wanted to tell for years, and as a lifelong manga fan, manga was the medium I envisioned to bring these characters and this universe to life."
The manga will be available to read online for free on the official Azuki website starting September 17 at 9 a.m. PT, with new chapters releasing every third Thursday of the month. If you're a fan of action-adventure storytelling or just curious about Tsang's post-Blizzard work, this is one debut you won't want to miss.
For those who appreciate thrilling action and rich world-building, Azuki promises to deliver. And if you're looking for more anime-inspired excitement, check out our Godzilla Minus Zero trailer for another dimension-hopping treat.
