SUMMARY
Peow2 is set to unveil the English edition of *Stop!! Hibari-Kun!* in Fall 2025, marking a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ+ themes within manga.
The character of Hibari-Kun! challenges traditional gender norms in anime, sparking debates among fans about whether she truly embodies a transgender protagonist.
Despite ongoing controversies, *Stop!! Hibari-Kun!* remains a pivotal work in manga, significantly contributing to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in the genre.
In 1981, *Shonen Jump* introduced Hisashi Eguchi’s *Stop!! Hibari-Kun!*, a romantic comedy that has sparked considerable debate due to its queer protagonist. Now, after four decades, an official English version is set to debut. Publisher Peow2 announced their plan to release this landmark manga in English during Fall 2025, both on X and at AnimeNYC.
The manga is a romantic comedy centered around Hibari, who was assigned male at birth but embraces a feminine identity. The story follows her interactions with Kosaku and her yakuza father as they navigate daily life. The work is hailed as a landmark in LGBTQ+ representation within manga. Its influence extends beyond expectations, impacting even major franchises like *Dragon Ball*.
Stop!! Hibari-Kun!’s Bold Representation Has Been a Magnet for Controversy
This queer classic has been a source of intrigue and debate for decades. Transgender characters are notably underrepresented in the worlds of anime and manga, making *Hibari-Kun!* a significant outlier. Yet, this representation has sparked renewed controversy, especially as Peow2 presents Hibari as an “original trans protagonist.” While Hibari is undeniably gender-nonconforming, some fans question if she can accurately be described as transgender. Additionally, the cultural context of the 1980s led to representations that some find limited or even offensive.
Hisashi Eguchi explained in an interview with Radio France his intentions behind Hibari’s character:
“I chose a transgender character because it added to the comedic tone. In Japan during the 1980s, transgender issues were largely hidden from public discourse, existing in a kind of underground world. Today, these issues require a more delicate approach. If I were to rewrite it now, I couldn’t take the same liberties I did 38 years ago. At the time, I had a certain freedom in tone.”
[author’s translation]
While choosing a transgender character for comedic purposes might not be ideal, Eguchi’s intentions regarding Hibari’s gender identity remain ambiguous. At times, he has described Hibari as a boy, which might seem contradictory to labeling her as transgender. However, Hibari defies simple categorization, presenting and functioning socially as a girl despite her assigned gender.
In the manga, this complexity is further nuanced by cultural differences. Japan has a unique relationship with gender, exemplified by visual kei—a music genre where men use makeup and adopt a feminine appearance without identifying as women. Translation involves navigating linguistic nuances, cultural contexts, stylistic decisions, and personal biases. This has been challenging, given that *Hibari-Kun!* has only been available in fan translations until now.
The official translation might provide clarity. Although Hibari isn’t explicitly labeled as transgender in the manga, the story intentionally explores self-affirmation and challenges gender roles. Peow2’s upcoming edition offers Western audiences an opportunity to engage with this influential manga, which carries significant historical weight despite its controversies.
Sources: @peowstudio (X); Radio France