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Ral Grad
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Ral
BLUE DRAGON ラルΩグラド
(Burū Doragon Raru Gurado)
Genre
Manga
Written byTsuneo Takano
Illustrated byTakeshi Obata
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
Original runDecember 4, 2006 – July 9, 2007
Volumes4
icon Anime and manga portal

Ral Ω Grad (Japanese: BLUE DRAGON ラルΩグラド, Hepburn: Burū Doragon Raru Gurado)[a] is a Japanese manga series written by Tsuneo Takano and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It is loosely based on the Blue Dragon video game. The story revolves around the journey of a young man named Ral from the kingdom of Sphaelite. Ral has a symbiotic relationship with Grad, a legendary shadow with the form of a giant blue dragon. The series ran in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2006 to July 2007, with its chapters collected in four tankōbon volumes. The series was licensed for English release in North America by Viz Media.

Story

[edit]

In a world where demonic creatures named shadows enter our realm through their very namesakes, little is safe. However, when a young boy by the name of Ral becomes friends with the shadow inside him, he may be the last hope in saving the world. Ral lives on the island of Sphaein, in the kingdom of Sphaelite (スフエライト, Suferaito). There, he has been enlisted to protect the kingdom from evil shadows that wish to destroy it. With the aid of his shadow, a large blue dragon named Grad, and his teacher, Mio, Ral can take on any challenger.

Characters

[edit]
Ral (ラル, Raru)
Ral is a 15-year-old boy bound to the shadow Grad. His mother dies shortly after his birth, and as an infant, he unnervingly speaks in full sentences before Grad—a massive blue dragon-shaped shadow—erupts from him, destroying his village and scorching the surrounding landscape. His father, Lord Roy, imprisons him in darkness for 15 years, believing shadows cannot manifest without light. During confinement, Ral befriends Grad and his tutor, Mio. When shadows attack the kingdom, Roy releases him upon Mio's assurance of his control. Ral swiftly summons Grad, defeating the horde. He shares Grad's abilities, including fire breath, draconic wings, and claws. Despite his childish demeanor, he is a skilled strategist. Obsessed with women, he introduces himself as "Ral the Breast Groper", though his motives stem from a genuine desire to protect them.
Grad (グラド, Gurado)
Grad is a Blue Dragon Shadow known as the Délire Monstre, feared for its Flamme Bleue. Seeking a way to defeat the Queen of Darkness, Bira—who invaded the human realm and corrupted his homeland, Le Noir—Grad bonds with the infant Ral, believing human intelligence superior to shadows. He grants Ral his power while allowing him near-total control, forming a symbiotic partnership. After their victory over Bira and the restoration of Le Noir, Grad returns to his world, with Ral accompanying him due to their fused existence. Though Grad typically defers to Ral, he occasionally intervenes when their shared mission demands it.
Mio (ミォ)
Mio, Ral's tutor from Sphaelite, employs unorthodox training methods to motivate him, including a "tit for tat" system where she permits breast-groping as mission rewards. Despite these unconventional techniques, the highly educated instructor maintains rigorous focus on developing Ral's shadow-control abilities and his role as a defender against supernatural threats.
Aia (アイア)
Aia is a 13-year-old host to a first-form shadow, sharing Ral's experience of being sealed away. Known for repeating phrases, she gains Ral's immediate acceptance due to her appearance, despite him never witnessing her shadow's abilities.
Quru Quru (クルクル, Kuru Kuru)
Aia's shadow partner, Quru Quru possesses chameleon-like attributes, capable of silently extending its form up to sixty "makil" while detecting sounds within a thirty-makil radius. According to Aia, the shadow exhibits particular responsiveness when she manipulates its tongue.
Kafka (カフカ, Kafuka)
Kafka, titled "Chaîne Lord" (シェンネロド, "Shenne Rodo"), is a chivalrous knight of Stola Castle known as "Kafka of the Chain of Roses". She duels Ral to protect her queen's honor after he attempts to grope her, with the duel's terms granting the winner access to her chest. Despite their initial conflict, she later joins Ral's group. She suffers from severe seasickness.
Riz (リズ, Rizu)
Riz is a Chaîne Lord Shadow and partner to Kafka, possessing formidable defensive capabilities through its thorned roots which can strangle enemies. After absorbing Buffle, the Water Beast, it gains additional offensive power—manifesting blades of water to attack opponents.
Sunsu (スンス)
Sunsu is a youth from Lulira who harbors hatred for Ganette after his sister was taken by shadows and Ganette failed to intervene. After an unsuccessful confrontation with Ganette, he seeks to bond with a shadow to prove himself. When Kafka refuses to train him without one, he ventures beyond Lulira's walls and returns the next day having bonded with Gensui, a shadow.
Gensui (ゲンスイ)
Gensui is Sunsu's shadow, a small insectoid creature that grants its host underwater breathing capabilities when floating on water's surface. The shadow possesses exceptional water-skipping mobility. It grows stronger by consuming shadows defeated by Ganette, following Ral's encouragement. Through this process, it develops venomous fangs after assimilating a cobra shadow's traits, along with other enhanced abilities.
Ganette (ガネット, Ganetto)
Ganette is a proficient but relaxed swordsman who travels with two companions: Leela, who possesses the bat-like shadow Blatz, and Senole, bonded with the feline shadow Meesh. Demonstrating exceptional combat ability, he can eliminate shadows through physical force alone. His speech occasionally incorporates Spanish phrases, uttering "Adios" and "Tardes" during battles.
Gaira (ガイラ)
Gaira is Ganette's shadow, one of only five capable of existing in the "friends" form. Manifesting as a massive white tiger, it chose Ganette as its host due to his swordsmanship prowess, intending to use his strength against Bira to return to Nior. The shadow maintains a conditional alliance, prepared to consume Ganette should he weaken.
Yaya (ヤヤ)
Yaya is a young girl emotionally suppressed by Cory under Lady Bira's command. Implanted with a phoenix shadow in childhood to mature for Bira's purposes, she guards female prisoners while in this controlled state. Her apparent emotionlessness stems from external manipulation—when Cory's influence lapses during his regeneration, she reverts to her true fearful personality. This reveals her natural state as a frightened child rather than the emotionless guardian she typically presents.
Cory (コリー, Korī)
Cory is Yaya's phoenix shadow and one of the five special-class "friends form" shadows. Implanted by Lady Bira, this immortal entity survives even in the human world, demonstrating sufficient power to restrain both Grad (dragon) and Gaira (tiger) through its healing blood and formidable wings. During its confrontation with Ral, Cory acknowledges defeat upon witnessing Ral's display of genuine human compassion, marking a rare moment of concession for the otherwise indomitable shadow.
Lady Bira (ビラ様, Bira-sama)
Lady Bira, the Queen of Darkness (闇女王, Yami Joō), also known as (Opsquria (オプスキュリア, Opusukyuria)), rules the shadows from Jugil Castle in Kabil. As one of the five prime shadows, she possesses the exclusive ability to create new shadows. Her obsession with beauty drives her to collect attractive women, draining their soul orbs and leaving them disabled. Shadows in her court seek her bodily substances to gain power. After producing an heir with her favored male shadow, she intends to eradicate humanity. Her most feared technique, the Eye of Sorrow, instantly annihilates lesser shadows—though it proved ineffective against Grad after fusing with Ral, leading to her defeat by Flamme Bleue.
Malero (マレロ, Marero)
Malero is a host to a first-form shadow who, like Ral, endured imprisonment. After witnessing his combat abilities, Ral entrusts him with guarding the castle in his absence.
Golbago (ゴルバゴ, Gorubago)
Malero's shadow partner is determined to eliminate Queen Opsquria to facilitate its return to Noir, the shadow world. The shadow openly declares its willingness to employ any means necessary to achieve this goal.
Lord Roy (ロイ, Roi)
Lord Roy, Ral's father and a knight-lord, imprisoned his son in darkness to contain the dormant shadow within him. He later authorized Ral's release, only to be immediately attacked—an act Ral and Grad had premeditated during their confinement.

Publication

[edit]

Written by Tsuneo Takano and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Ral Ω Grad ran in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 4, 2006, to July 9, 2007.[3][b] Shueisha collected its 29 individual chapters into four tankōbon volumes, released from April 4 to November 2, 2007.[6][7]

In North America, the series was licensed for English release by Viz Media.[8] The four volumes were released from February 5, 2008, to June 2, 2009.[9][10]

In Germany, Tokyopop began publication in October 2007 under the title Blue Dragon RalΩGrad, a spelling mandated by the licensing contract with Shueisha.[11]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 April 4, 2007[6]978-4-08-874376-9February 5, 2008[9]978-1-4215-1890-9
2 July 4, 2007[12]978-4-08-874388-2October 7, 2008[13]978-1-4215-1957-9
3 September 4, 2007[14]978-4-08-874416-2February 3, 2009[15]978-1-4215-2215-9
4 November 2, 2007[7]978-4-08-874437-7June 2, 2009[10]978-1-4215-2589-1

Reception

[edit]

Dominic Nguyen of Newtype USA wrote: "What readers will appreciate most about Ral Ω Grad is the supporting cast, which largely consists of attractive young girls."[16]

Notes

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References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ral Grad

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ral Ω Grad is a Japanese manga series written by Tsuneo Takano and illustrated by , serialized in from December 2006 to July 2007 and compiled into four volumes by . Set in the world of the Blue Dragon developed by , the story centers on Ral, a clever young strategist from the kingdom of Sphaelite who is bonded to a powerful shadow dragon named Grado, and follows his quest to combat invading "Shadows"—malevolent creatures that threaten humanity—while protecting the world's beautiful women. Licensed for English release by , the series was published in from February 2008 to June 2009, highlighting Obata's distinctive artwork known from acclaimed titles like and . The narrative begins during a devastating , where Ral is born at the expense of his mother's life, unleashing Grado, a massive shadow dragon that ravages the land before being contained by a who imprisons the Ral in a cage of darkness. Raised in isolation by a compassionate female tutor named Mio, Ral develops his strategic mind and affinity for women, remaining confined until a assault frees him and Grado, propelling him into battle alongside allies and other dragon hosts. The series blends high-stakes action, fantasy elements, and humor, with Ral's dragon power enabling him to merge and fight as a formidable against the encroaching darkness. Ral Ω Grad stands out for its ties to the Blue Dragon franchise, adapting its shadow dragon mechanics into a standalone shōnen tale of heroism and camaraderie, though it concludes abruptly after four volumes, reflecting the era's short serialization trends in Shōnen Jump. Obata's intricate, dynamic illustrations elevate the monster designs and battle sequences, contributing to the manga's visual appeal despite mixed reception for its pacing and fanservice elements. Internationally, it has been translated into languages including French, Spanish, Italian, German, and , broadening its reach beyond .

Background and Premise

Development and Inspirations

Ral Grad originated as a promotional series loosely based on the Blue Dragon , developed by and and published by Game Studios. The game was released in on December 7, 2006, for the , and the was serialized in Shueisha's starting the same month to align with the launch and promote the franchise. The series was a collaborative effort between writer Tsuneo Takano, who crafted the story, and illustrator , renowned for his artwork on , who managed the character designs and dynamic action sequences. Conceived as a short shōnen series in late 2006, it ran for 29 chapters until July 2007, allowing Obata to showcase his detailed visual style in a fantasy setting tied to the game's universe. Drawing specific inspirations from the Blue Dragon game, the adapts core elements such as symbiotic shadow dragons—manifestations of power born from shadows—and themes of kingdom warfare into a standalone focused on a young protagonist's journey amid conflict. These game-derived concepts, including the destructive potential of shadow entities during battles, were reimagined to fit the 's more concise, action-oriented plot while maintaining promotional ties to the RPG's world-building.

Plot Summary

In the kingdom of Sphaelite, amid a devastating war between the worlds of light and darkness, a named Ral is born at the expense of his mother's life, forging an immediate symbiotic bond with a formidable shadow dragon named Grad. This union unleashes Grad's destructive power, leading to Ral's imprisonment in a dark dungeon by a to contain the threat, where he matures under the guidance of a tutor. When shadows—malicious entities known as Kages—invade the kingdom, Ral is freed to harness his bond with Grad in defense of their home. Ral and Grad embark on an epic journey to confront the Queen of Darkness, Bira, who commands threatening humanity, while seeking to restore Grad's shadowed and safeguard those in peril, including beautiful women that capture Ral's youthful admiration. Their partnership exemplifies , as Ral's impulsive bravery complements Grad's immense draconic strength, driving them through battles that test their unity. The narrative unfolds across four volumes: the first introduces Ral's release, the forging of his alliance with Grad, and their inaugural clashes with shadows; volumes two and three intensify the conflicts, introducing formidable antagonists and escalating the war's stakes; the fourth culminates in the resolution of the central , Grad's homeland restoration, and the duo's personal redemptive arcs. Throughout, themes of symbiotic interdependence, protective resolve, and redemption underscore the progression from isolation to heroic purpose.

Setting and World-Building

The fictional universe of Ral Grad is anchored in the Kingdom of Sphaelite, a war-torn realm characterized by medieval-inspired architecture such as castles and fortified structures amid landscapes ravaged by perpetual conflict. This kingdom serves as the primary location, where human society grapples with existential threats from invading shadow entities that seek to overrun and destroy civilized lands. Central to the world's supernatural elements are , demonic creatures known as kage in their native tongue, which originate from the parallel realm of Le Noir—a dark domain from which they were exiled by the Queen of Darkness, Opsquria. These malevolent entities enter the human world through their namesakes—the shadows cast by living beings and objects—possessing individuals to sow chaos and destruction, often leading to widespread devastation during outbreaks. In contrast, certain can form symbiotic bonds with humans, granting enhanced powers such as immense strength or abilities, enabling select hosts to the invading forces and maintain a fragile balance. Shadow dragons, exemplified by the legendary Délire Monstre known as Grad, represent the pinnacle of these entities, revered and feared for their unparalleled might, including the destructive Flamme Bleue. The mechanics of this world revolve around the Queen of Darkness's corrupting influence, which has destabilized Le Noir and spurred the proliferation of new shadows, tipping the scales toward human annihilation. Her role extends to manipulating the boundaries between realms, exacerbating the war and forcing humanity into defensive alliances. Societally, the kingdom places a strong emphasis on the protection of women, viewing beauty as a cherished ideal that motivates warriors and shapes interpersonal dynamics, often intertwining personal loyalties with broader conflicts against the shadows. This cultural value underscores the realm's hierarchical structure, where knights and shadow hosts bear the burden of safeguarding not just territory, but the essence of human grace amid encroaching darkness.

Characters

Protagonists

Ral is the primary of Ral Grad, a 15-year-old boy hailing from the kingdom of Sphaelite, where he was born amid a devastating war that claimed his mother's life immediately after his birth. From infancy, Ral formed a symbiotic bond with the shadow entity Grad, a manifestation that prompted his imprisonment in a cage of darkness for 15 years to contain its destructive potential and protect the kingdom. Raised in isolation with only his tutor Mio as companionship, Ral developed into a skilled tactician and fighter, driven by a strong motivation to safeguard women and his homeland from invading . Through this bond, he gains access to enhanced combat abilities, including fire breath, the manifestation of draconic wings for flight, razor-sharp claws, and shadow manipulation, allowing him to summon and merge with Grad in battle. Ral's narrative arc traces his evolution from a naive, rambunctious youth shaped by confinement to a confident leader who strategically defends Sphaelite against existential threats. Grad serves as Ral's indispensable partner and co-protagonist, a legendary blue shadow dragon characterized by immense power and unwavering loyalty. Emerging from Ral at birth, Grad embodies a delire monstre—a mythical shadow capable of laying waste to armies—yet remains tethered to Ral in their fused existence, enabling coordinated assaults on shadow incursions. His core abilities encompass shadow manipulation for evasion and offense, flight via expansive wings, fire breath for ranged devastation, and physical augmentation that Ral can channel, such as claw strikes and mane-based weapons. As a shadow displaced from its native realm, Grad's role propels the duo's efforts to repel evil shadows invading the human world, while his personal arc involves aiding Ral in restoring balance to the shadow homeland amid escalating conflicts. Mio functions as Ral's intellectual anchor and secondary protagonist, acting as his dedicated tutor and steadfast companion throughout his formative years and adventures. A knowledgeable and composed educator from Sphaelite, she provided Ral with essential lessons during his imprisonment, nurturing his strategic mind and instilling a sense of purpose against the shadows. Beyond academics, Mio offers critical advisory support in battles and decision-making, leveraging her expertise on shadow lore to guide the group, while her close bond with Ral introduces subtle romantic tension that deepens their partnership. Her presence is pivotal in bolstering Ral's confidence, facilitating his transition from isolation to heroism without direct combat involvement.

Antagonists and Supporting Cast

Lady Bira serves as the primary in Ral Grad, portrayed as the Queen of Darkness who seeks to conquer the kingdom of Sphaelite by spreading shadow corruption and possessing the bodies of beautiful women to drain their life energy. Ruling from the shadowy castle of Jugil, she commands an army of shadow beasts and enforcers, using her immense power to manipulate darkness and obliterate opposing shadows with her gaze, thereby escalating the war against Sphaelite's defenders. Her ultimate goal involves corrupting the land through these possessions, creating chaos and despair that threatens the entire world's balance. Kafka acts as Lady Bira's ruthless enforcer, a chivalrous yet brutal warrior known as the "Chaîne Lord" or "Kafka of the Chain of Roses," who wields a defensive shadow named Riz capable of ensnaring enemies with thorny roots. His combat style emphasizes unyielding loyalty to Bira, often engaging in fierce duels to protect her honor and advance her conquest, clashing directly with Sphaelite's forces in battles that highlight the enforcer's role in amplifying the antagonists' threat. Despite his initial opposition, Kafka's encounters with the protagonists reveal layers of conflict, ultimately influencing group dynamics during the escalating war. Aia functions as a key supporting ally and subtle love interest to the protagonists, a 13-year-old girl hosting the first-form chameleon-like shadow Quru Quru, which aids in battles through restorative abilities that mend wounds and sustain allies amid intense confrontations. Sealed away since childhood like other shadow hosts, she joins the fight against Bira's forces with a childlike innocence, repeating phrases in her speech, and contributes to narrative tension by providing emotional support and tactical recovery during the war's group skirmishes. Her presence underscores the alliances formed against shadow corruption, briefly countered by protagonists through coordinated shadow control that exploits her healing to turn the tide in key defenses. The story features various minor antagonists and supporting characters, including shadow-possessed foes who serve as corrupted soldiers under Bira's influence, transforming ordinary warriors into mindless aggressors that intensify the war's group dynamics and force Sphaelite's defenders into desperate formations. Kingdom officials, such as loyal knights and advisors in Sphaelite's court, provide secondary support by coordinating defenses and revealing internal politics, though some succumb to possession, heightening the narrative's exploration of betrayal and collective resistance against the encroaching darkness. These elements collectively amplify the antagonists' impact, portraying a web of conflicts that drives the protagonists' journey without overshadowing the central power struggles.

Production and Publication

Creative Team

Ral Ω Grad was written by Tsuneo Takano, who handled the story and dialogue, drawing on his experience in crafting narratives for the project loosely inspired by the Blue Dragon video game. Takano, born in Tokyo, co-created the series, focusing on its adventure and supernatural elements centered around shadow entities and epic battles. The artwork, character designs, and dynamic action panels were illustrated by Takeshi Obata, whose visual style—known for intricate details, expressive characters, and dramatic shading—bears influence from his prior collaborations on series like Death Note. Born in 1969 in Niigata, Japan, Obata first gained widespread acclaim as the artist for Hikaru no Go (2001), which earned the 2003 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, and later for Death Note (2003) with writer Tsugumi Ohba, solidifying his reputation for blending tension with stylistic flair, including heavy use of shadows and appealing character aesthetics. In Ral Ω Grad, Obata's signatures include enhanced shadow effects to evoke the manga's dark fantasy themes and an emphasis on attractive female character designs, contributing to the series' distinctive visual appeal. Production was overseen by Shueisha's editorial team at , who guided the collaboration between Takano and Obata to ensure alignment with the magazine's shōnen adventure standards. This involvement helped shape the 's 29-chapter structure, emphasizing high-stakes action and world-building while maintaining the creators' artistic visions.

Serialization History

Ral Grad was serialized in Shueisha's magazine from December 4, 2006, to July 9, 2007, comprising a total of 29 chapters released on a weekly schedule. The was launched as a promotional to capitalize on the hype surrounding the Blue Dragon , developed by and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the in on December 7, 2006. This timing allowed the series to build on the game's initial popularity while introducing a loosely adapted featuring shadow beasts and dragon powers in a shōnen format. The chapter structure emphasized short, self-contained arcs that progressively built toward climactic confrontations, facilitating a rapid narrative progression suited to the magazine's weekly format. With no major hiatuses or schedule adjustments during its run, the serialization maintained consistent momentum over its seven-month duration, paced intentionally for a concise resolution within under a year. The abrupt conclusion after 29 chapters reflected editorial decisions amid the series' mixed reception in the competitive Weekly Shōnen Jump lineup, where ongoing popularity surveys influenced continuation.

Collected Volumes

Ral Ω Grad was compiled into four tankōbon volumes by Shueisha under their Jump Comics imprint, released between April 4 and December 4, 2007. These volumes collected the series' 29 chapters from its Weekly Shōnen Jump serialization, presenting the story's progression from the initial bond between Ral and Grad to the climactic finale. Each volume features standard formatting in B6 size (approximately 112 mm × 174 mm), primarily black-and-white interiors with color insert pages, author notes, and promotional art tying into the Blue Dragon video game. The first volume, released on April 4, 2007 (ISBN 978-4-08-874376-9), includes chapters 1 through 7, introducing the central bond between the protagonist Ral and his shadow dragon Grad amid a world threatened by shadow creatures. Volume 2, published on July 4, 2007 (ISBN 978-4-08-874388-2), covers chapters 8 through 15, focusing on escalating battles as Ral and his allies confront greater threats from the shadow forces. The third volume, dated October 4, 2007 (ISBN 978-4-08-874410-0), comprises chapters 16 through 22, revealing key antagonists and deepening the lore of the shadow world. Finally, volume 4, released on December 4, 2007 (ISBN 978-4-08-874437-7), collects chapters 23 through 29, culminating in the series' resolution with high-stakes confrontations and the heroes' ultimate stand.
VolumeRelease DateChaptersISBN
1April 4, 20071–7978-4-08-874376-9
2July 4, 20078–15978-4-08-874388-2
3October 4, 200716–22978-4-08-874410-0
4December 4, 200723–29978-4-08-874437-7

Release and Distribution

Japanese Editions

Ral Ω Grad was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from issue #1 of 2007 (December 25, 2006) to issue #32 (July 23, 2007), comprising 29 chapters referred to as "tales." The series was published under Shueisha's Jump Comics imprint, with the collected tankōbon volumes released in physical format exclusively during the original run. The first volume appeared on April 4, 2007, followed by volume 2 on July 4, 2007, volume 3 on September 4, 2007, and the concluding volume 4 on November 2, 2007. Each volume was priced at the standard rate for Jump Comics at the time, approximately ¥410 including tax. In 2017, digital editions of all four volumes were made available through Shueisha's Jump Comics DIGITAL line on July 1, priced at ¥408 per volume, marking the first non-physical release. No further re-releases or updates to the digital versions have been issued as of 2025. Promotional tie-ins with the Blue Dragon video game included non-sale items such as underlays (shitajiki) featuring artwork from the manga, distributed with select issues of Weekly Shōnen Jump to coincide with the game's launch. No limited or special edition print runs of the tankōbon volumes were produced.

English and International Releases

Viz Media licensed and published the English translation of Ral Grad (titled Ral Ω Grad) in under its Shonen Jump Advanced imprint, releasing all four volumes from February 5, 2008, to June 2, 2009, in the original right-to-left format. Internationally, the series received releases in select European markets and beyond. In Germany, issued the as Blue Dragon RalΩGrad beginning October 1, 2007, and completed the four volumes by October 16, 2008. In France, Kana published a French edition starting with volume 1 on February 12, 2009, covering the full series in its Dark Kana line. In Spain, volumes were released by publishers including Norma Editorial in 2014, and earlier printings by EDT/Glénat. In Italy, Planet Manga (Panini Comics) published the series bimonthly from July 2008 to January 2009. In Brazil, Editora JBC released the Brazilian Portuguese edition from March 2010 to June 2010. Title variations across markets often incorporated "Blue Dragon" to align with the broader franchise, such as Blue Dragon: RalΩGrado in Spanish editions, while adaptations included minor adjustments to cultural references for local audiences, without notable censorship. As of 2025, physical editions are out of print and available primarily through secondary markets, though digital versions remain accessible via the Viz Manga app for English readers.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its release, Ral Grad received praise for its artwork and engaging supporting characters from several critics. Takeshi Obata's illustrations were highlighted for their stunning fantasy elements, including detailed backgrounds, elaborate character designs, and dynamic monster depictions that elevated sequences. reviewer A.E. Sparrow commended Obata's masterful artwork and the cast of highly interesting characters, awarding the second volume an 8.7 out of 10 and describing the series as enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with the source . Dominic Nguyen in Newtype USA noted the appeal of the attractive young female supporting cast, positioning the manga as a fun, action-packed shōnen entry. Critics, however, frequently pointed to the series' short serialization as a major flaw, resulting in a rushed and underdeveloped plot arcs. Carlo Santos of criticized the story for lacking excitement, with confrontations resolving too abruptly and character conflicts feeling unconvincing, ultimately grading the third volume a C overall due to shallow developments like brief training sessions and overreliance on simplistic themes of friendship. Reviews also expressed mixed feelings toward the fanservice elements, such as the protagonist Ral's breast-obsessed motivations, which some saw as juvenile humor fitting the shōnen genre but others viewed as detracting from the adventure, contributing to a derivative feel tied to its origins. In the context of shōnen manga, commentators have examined gender roles through the lens of Ral's journey, where female characters often serve supportive or visually emphasized functions amid the male-driven action, reflecting common tropes while critiquing the fanservice's reinforcement of . Post-2009 coverage has been sparse, with modern retrospectives occasionally referencing Ral Grad as a work following his major hits like , appreciating its visual ambition despite narrative shortcomings.

Commercial Performance and Fan Impact

Ral Grad achieved modest commercial success in Japan and in its English-language release by Viz Media, reflecting its niche status within the broader manga market. The manga's popularity received a significant boost from its ties to the Blue Dragon video game, serving as a promotional spinoff that capitalized on the game's 2006 Xbox 360 launch. This crossover element helped attract initial interest from gamers and anime enthusiasts, enhancing its visibility during serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2006 to July 2007. Among fans, Ral Grad holds niche appeal, particularly among admirers of Takeshi Obata's previous works like Death Note, with discussions often highlighting its artwork despite mixed feelings on the narrative conclusion. The series' artwork, praised for its dynamic depictions, contributed to sustaining interest and modest sales. In terms of lasting influence, Ral Grad has inspired short promotional mangas in similar fantasy genres, leveraging Obata's shadow-themed that emphasizes dramatic contrasts and monstrous forms. While it has not led to any major adaptations such as or live-action, the work bolstered Obata's reputation for innovative visual in shadow and motifs, influencing his later projects. As of 2025, the series is available digitally on platforms like Shueisha's Zebrack app and Viz Media's .

References

  1. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=7512
  2. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Ral-O-Grad-Vol-1/Takeshi-Obata/Ral-O-Grad/9781421518909
  3. https://www.viz.com/ral-grad
  4. https://www.ign.com/games/blue-dragon
  5. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/858hnzv/blue-dragon-ral-o-grado
  6. https://www.amazon.com/Ral-Grad-Vol-Tsuneo-Takano/dp/1421518902
  7. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/06/blue-dragon-ral-grad-vol-2
  8. https://azureflame.info/2008/10/27/blue-dragon-ral-grad/
  9. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6284280-ral-grad-volume-4
  10. http://mangaroundtable.blogspot.com/2012/10/blue-dragon-ral-grad.html
  11. http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/01/ral-grad.html
  12. https://bluedragon.fandom.com/wiki/Blue_Dragon_Ral%25CE%25A9Grad
  13. https://myanimelist.net/manga/614/Blue_Dragon__Ral%25CE%25A9Grado
  14. https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/ral-grad
  15. https://www.viz.com/read/manga/ral-grad-volume-4/product/1872
  16. https://shonenflop.com/episode/124-the-creator-of-death-note-made-this-blue-dragon-spinoff-ral-grad-ft-youtuber-james-tullos
  17. https://myanimelist.net/manga/614/Blue_Dragon__Ral%CE%A9Grado
  18. https://www.jajanken.net/en/sakuhins/61V8ZOV039
  19. https://world.manga10.com/en/products/blue-dragon-ral-grado-volume-1-4-volume-1
  20. https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/items/contents.html?jdcn=08874376874376315501
  21. https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/BLUE-DRAGON%25E3%2583%25A9%25E3%2583%25AB%25CE%25A9%25E3%2582%25B0%25E3%2583%25A9%25E3%2583%2589-%25E3%2582%25B8%25E3%2583%25A3%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2597%25E3%2582%25B3%25E3%2583%259F%25E3%2583%2583%25E3%2582%25AF%25E3%2582%25B9-%25E9%25B7%25B9%25E9%2587%258E-%25E5%25B8%25B8%25E9%259B%2584/dp/4088743881
  22. https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/WvUnTNiYSR88D8JjsrvHwA
  23. https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/search/search.html?seriesid=50649
  24. https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-874388-2
  25. https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-874410-0
  26. https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-874437-7
  27. https://www.amazon.co.jp/Blue-dragon%25E3%2583%25A9%25E3%2583%25AB%25E3%2583%25BB%25E3%2582%25B0%25E3%2583%25A9%25E3%2583%2589-%25E3%2582%25B8%25E3%2583%25A3%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2597%25E3%2582%25B3%25E3%2583%259F%25E3%2583%2583%25E3%2582%25AF%25E3%2582%25B9-%25E9%25B7%25B9%25E9%2587%258E-%25E5%25B8%25B8%25E9%259B%2584/dp/4088743881
  28. https://bookwalker.jp/series/118144/
  29. https://www.s-manga.net/search/search.html?seriesid=50649
  30. https://www.comipress.com/news/2006/11/23/1055
  31. https://www.canalbd.net/articles/blue-dragon-ral-grad-t1-46370/
  32. https://www.normaeditorial.com/ficha/manga/blue-dragon-ral-937-grad/blue-dragon-ral-937-grad-1
  33. https://www.listadomanga.es/coleccion.php?id=691
  34. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ral-grad/gn-3
  35. https://manga.fandom.com/wiki/Ral_Grad
  36. https://holowriting.com/2013/07/22/ral-grad-volume-1-by-tsuneo-takano-and-takeshi-obata-book-review/
  37. https://alternativehakudotcom.wordpress.com/2019/08/11/never-complete-the-artwork-of-takeshi-obata/
  38. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=5766
  39. https://zebrack-comic.shueisha.co.jp/title/2436
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