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RuriDragon
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Ruri Aoki
ルリドラゴン
(Ruridoragon)
Genre
Manga
Written byMasaoki Shindo [ja]
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
Magazine
Original runJune 13, 2022 – present
Volumes4
icon Anime and manga portal

RuriDragon (Japanese: ルリドラゴン, Hepburn: Ruridoragon) is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo [ja]. It was originally a one-shot published in Shueisha's Jump Giga magazine in December 2020, before being serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump starting in June 2022. Following an 18-month hiatus, the series was moved to Weekly Shōnen Jump's digital version and the Shōnen Jump+ service in April 2024. Its chapters have been collected into four tankōbon volumes as of November 2025.

Premise

[edit]

Ruri Aoki wakes up one day and notices that horns started growing from her head. When asked about it, her mother reveals that she is actually a half-dragon. Despite this revelation, Ruri tries to continue living a normal life, though it is more challenging than she thought.

Characters

[edit]

Kuromata High School students

[edit]
Ruri Aoki (青木 瑠璃, Aoki Ruri)
Voiced by: Chiaki Omigawa[5]
A dragon-human hybrid first-year high school girl in Class 1-3 who is struggling to cope with sudden physical changes as her dragon half matures. Her inherited dragon traits (inherent characteristics) and abilities (active actions) so far include growing horns, breathing fire, discharging lightning, spitting up venom, daemonfire, and frost.
Yuka Hagiwara (萩原 裕香, Hagiwara Yuka)
Voiced by: Megumi Haruki[6] (one-shot voice comic), Miko Tateishi [ja][7]
Ruri's longtime friend with whom she walks to school. She wears her blonde hair in a short bob.
Airi Kashiro (神代 藍莉, Kashiro Airi)
Voiced by: Marin Aoki[7]
A new, cheerful friend who helps Ruri with schoolwork. She wears her multicolored hair in two pigtails.
Ryunosuke Yoshioka (吉岡 琉之助, Yoshioka Ryūnosuke)
Voiced by: Yoshihito Hashimoto[7]
A boy whose hair falls victim to Ruri's first breath of fire. He runs the anchor leg of the relay race.
Homura Kagami (賀上 炎, Kagami Homura)
A boy with blonde hair who jokes Ruri is a biological weapon. She promises to take him for a ride if she learns to fly. He runs the first leg of the relay race for Class 1-3.
Kana Miyashita (宮下 佳奈, Miyashita Kana)
Voiced by: Maiko Akahoshi [ja][7]
One of Ruri's study buddies in Kashiro's group.
Asuka Mikura (三倉 明日香, Mikura Asuka)
One of Ruri's study buddies in Kashiro's group.
Akari Maeda (前田 赤里, Maeda Akari)
Initially, she does not get along with Ruri because she thinks Ruri does not care about other people. Superficially, she resembles Hagiwara with blonde hair in a short bob, but her hair falls straighter. Maeda is a talented artist.
Yoru Kurosawa (黒沢 夜, Kurosawa Yoru)
A student from Class 1-3 who invites Ruri to go bowling with her group. She wears oval glasses and has shoulder-length hair.
Hinata Tazaki (田崎 日向, Tazaki Hinata)
She has longer blonde hair and also is in Ruri's class; she is one of the other bowlers.
Makoto Ryuzaki (竜崎 眞, Ryūzaki Makoto)
Student council vice-president.
Chikuma Kosaka (香坂 千曲, Kōsaka Chikuma)
Student council president.
Shiota (潮田)
A girl in Class 1-3 and aspiring mangaka who designs a logo for Sports Day. She wears her blonde bangs tied back.
Nakamura (中村)
Another first-year student who helped Ruri after her first attack with venom.
Sato (佐藤, Satō)
Another first-year student who joined the Sports Day planning committee, but lost his voice.
Kazuki Kume (久米 一樹, Kume Kazuki)
The Athletics Council President and student in Class 3-1, he lacks tact.
Shigure Kariya (狩屋 時雨, Kariya Shigure)
Class 3-2, Student Council General Affairs
Kamata (蒲田)
One of the girls who tries to bully Ruri.
Shima (志摩)
A boy in Class 1-4 who asks Yoshioka to introduce him to Ruri if their class wins the relay race.
Sakuya Onizuka (鬼塚 咲夜, Onizuka Sakuya)
The "ice queen" student in Class 1-3 who runs the second leg of the relay race.
Kokoro Komichi (小路 心, Komichi Kokoro)
The flustered student in Class 1-3 who runs the third leg of the relay race.
Hideyoshi Sakuma (佐久間 秀吉, Sakuma Hideyoshi)
A muscular boy in Class 1-3 who anchors the tug-of-war team.
Mitsuki Mori (森 光貴, Mori Mitsuki)
A student in Class 1-3 who excels at the ball-basket event.
Koma Shinozaki (篠崎 こま, Shinozaki Koma)
A student in Class 1-5
Ringo Mizue (瑞江 りんご, Mizue Ringo)
A student in Class 1-5
Kurama (倉間)
A student who is surprisingly good at science, despite his attempts to be average at everything and avoid social relationships. He joins Airi's study group.

Adults

[edit]
Umi Aoki (青木 海, Aoki Umi)
Voiced by: Maiko Akahoshi[6] (one-shot voice comic), Kaori Nazuka[5]
A single mom raising her dragon-human daughter, Umi is seemingly carefree but demonstrates her love for Ruri in her many acts of kindness.
Ruri's dad
Voiced by: Hikaru Fujikura[6]
A reclusive dragon who lives "deep in the mountains". He is proud of Ruri, but has not yet met her.
Takemoto (岳本)
Voiced by: Kōtarō Nozawa[6] (one-shot voice comic), Satoshi Inomata [ja][7]
Ruri's Class 1-3 homeroom teacher who pushes her to participate more in school; his easygoing nature masks his undercover status as a human expert who is assigned to monitor Ruri.
Gunji (軍司)
The vice principal of Kuromata High School who gives a speech kicking off Sports Day.
Airu Kashiro (神代 愛瑠, Kashiro Airu)
Airi's older sister, a designer and part-time model who conceals her shyness behind a punk rock aesthetic. She says she has met a dragon before.

Publication

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo [ja], RuriDragon was initially a one-shot published in Shueisha's Jump Giga magazine on December 28, 2020.[8] It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on June 13, 2022.[2][9] On August 1, 2022, Weekly Shōnen Jump announced that the series would go on indefinite hiatus due to Shindo's health.[10] The first tankōbon volume was released on October 4, 2022.[11] As of November 2025, four volumes have been released.[12]

On February 21, 2024, it was announced that RuriDragon would resume its serialization, publishing five chapters in Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 4 to April 1, before moving to a biweekly schedule in the magazine's digital version and the Shōnen Jump+ service starting on April 22.[13][4]

Viz Media and Shueisha's Manga Plus platform are publishing the series digitally in English.[14] In May 2024, Viz Media announced that it would release the manga in print format;[15] the first volume was published on January 7, 2025.[16]

Volumes

[edit]
No. Title Original release date English release date
1Actually a Dragon
Doragon Nandatte (ドラゴンなんだって)		October 4, 2022[17]
978-4-08-883285-2		January 7, 2025[16]
978-1-9747-3831-1
  1. "It's Got Nothing to Do with the Horns" (ツノ関係ないじゃん, Tsuno Kankei Nai jan)
  2. "See You at School" (また学校でね, Mata Gakkō de ne)
  3. "Actually a Dragon" (ドラゴンなんだって, Doragon Nandatte)
  1. "Starbucks Is Scary" (スタバ怖い, Sutaba Kowai)
  2. "At Last, the Beast Is Slain" (やっと倒した, Yatto Taoshita)
  3. "Can't Blame Her" (仕方ないよ, Shikatanai yo)
On an otherwise ordinary school day, Ruri Aoki wakes up to find horns growing out of her head; neither her mom, who admits her father is a dragon, nor her homeroom teacher make much of a fuss, despite her sudden and unusual popularity. Falling asleep after lunch in Modern Literature, she is punished by reading a passage aloud, but breathes fire while sneezing and spends the rest of the day in the nurse's office. Her mother picks her up after getting advice from her father. Ruri stays home while learning to control her flame breath under her mom's coaching, and is reluctantly dragged to school after a week's absence by her longtime friend Yuka Hagiwara. Although she dreads her classmates' reaction, they readily accept her half-human status after her mom visited the school while she was absent to explain Ruri's parentage. Ruri joins an after-school study session at Starbucks with a new friend, Airi Kashiro. During the first storm of rainy season, Ruri's next trait (electrostatic discharge) begins to develop.
2Don't Need to Be Besties
Nakaii Hitsuyō Nain da yo (仲良い必要ないんだよ)		September 4, 2024[18]
978-4-08-884164-9		August 5, 2025[19]
978-1-9747-5606-3
  1. "Dragon Crap" (ドラゴン絡み, Doragon-garami)
  2. "To Play Hard" (遊びに来たんだよ, Asobi ni Kitanda yo)
  3. "As Normal as Possible" (できる限りは普通のフリ, Dekiru Kagiri wa Futsū no Furi)
  4. "Put It to Use" (使い道, Tsukaimichi)
  5. "No Rest for High Schoolers" (高校生って多忙すぎない？, Kōkōsei tte Tabō Suginai?)
  1. "Making Something Fun for Everyone" (自分がみんなを楽しませてるみたいで, Jibun ga Minna o Tanoshimaseteru Mitai de)
  2. "Don't Need to Be Besties" (仲良い必要ないんだよ, Nakaii Hitsuyō Nain da yo)
  3. "I Wanna Learn About You, Maeda" (前田さんのことが知りたい, Maeda-san no Koto ga Shiritai)
  4. "Thanks for Waiting" (待っててくれてありがとう, Mattete Kurete Arigatō)
Ruri manages to control the electric discharge and calls her mom, who tells her dragons also can call lightning as one of nine traits. After class, Ruri is drafted into classroom cleanup with unfriendly Akari Maeda. The next day is a Saturday, so Ruri and her mom hang out at a sports complex to exercise; later, she goes bowling with classmates. Returning to school, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Takemoto, announces that Sports Day is coming soon and drafts Ruri to serve on the planning committee with Akari, who finally explains she dislikes Ruri because she doesn't care about other people. Kashiro, who has known Akari since middle school, says Maeda is bluntly honest; later, Akari and Ruri bond while discussing graphic design ideas for Sports Day and Ruri invites Maeda to eat lunch together. Prompted for more details, Akari flames Ruri, Yuka, and Kashiro; Ruri calmly explains that Akari simply has misjudged their character based on her assumptions without actually getting to know them. Akari helps Ruri stage equipment for Sports Day, and Ruri dashes off to another study session with Kashiro, who coaches Ruri to start saying "thank you" instead of apologizing for being so late.
3Kinda Gross
Kimoi ne (キモいね)		March 4, 2025[20]
978-4-08-884415-2		—
  1. "The Upsides of Dragonhood" (ドラゴンになってよかったこと, Doragon ni Natte Yokatta Koto)
  2. "Let's Draw Some Attention" (目立とうよ, Medatō yo)
  3. "Get People to Know You" (みんなに知ってもらうこと, Minna ni Shitte Morau Koto)
  4. "A NonHuman Substance" (人間が持たない成分, Ningen ga Motanai Seibun)
  1. "That Isn't Very Nice" (そういうのよくないっすよ, Sō Iu no Yokunaissu yo)
  2. "Nothing Wrong with Some Venom" (毒があっていい, Doku ga Atte Ii)
  3. "A Direct Hit" (直撃みたい…です, Chokugeki Mitai... Desu)
  4. "I'm a Dragon" (ドラゴンなんだから, Doragon Nanda kara)
  5. "Kinda Gross" (キモいね, Kimoi ne)
At a second study session, Ruri realizes her circle of friends keeps growing; at the festival planning meeting, Akari and Ruri take over as the chair and vice chair for their grade, and Ruri's first task is to reintroduce and demystify herself to the entire school, starting with the third-year leaders. Ruri is stricken with sudden nausea and vomits, which Mr. Takemoto identifies as venom, her fourth dragon trait, then passes out. She confronts her teacher the next day, suspicious that he identified her barf so quickly, and he explains he was forewarned by her weekly blood tests. After Ruri hears some older girls disparaging her horns, she avoids their bullying but Akari steps up to defend her and they stage a prank in which Akari breaks Ruri's horns, as they do not realize they will simply grow back. When the school learns a typhoon will hit on Sports Day, Ruri volunteers to attempt to control the weather and bring the storm in sooner by discharging her lightning. She is encouraged after her class confesses to a plethora of perceptions, none of which cause them to fear her. Afterward, Ruri wins over one of her bullies by being honest and direct and Sports Day kicks off; at Akari's suggestion, the committee members have dressed up by wearing cardboard horns.
4Wish I Could've Stayed Normal
Futsū na Mama de Itakatta (普通なままでいたかった)		November 4, 2025[12]
978-4-08-884538-8		—
  1. "Was This Always on the Menu?" (そんなのあったっけ？, Sonna no Attakke?)
  2. "Is There a Matsuda from Class 4 Here?" (4組の松田さんいますか？, Yonkumi no Matsuda-san Imasu ka?)
  3. "Barely Weighs a Thing" (何か重くない, Nanka Omokunai)
  4. "Cold Karaage Is Nasty" (冷めたからあげって不味いよね, Sameta Karaage tte Mazui yo ne)
  1. "Walk on Eggshells" (余計な気, Yokei na Ki)
  2. "Aoki's Problem" (青木さんの問題, Aoki-san no Mondai)
  3. "Wish I Could've Stayed Normal" (普通なままでいたかった, Futsū na Mama de Itakatta)
  4. "On One Condition" (条件出します, Jōken Dashimasu)
  5. "Turf" (ナワバリ, Nawabari)
Ruri steps up and addresses the whole school when Nakamura is too nervous. Shima of Class 1-1 forces Yoshioka to promise to introduce him to Ruri if they win the comic relay race. In a series of absurd challenges, Yoshioka brings Class 1-3 from last to first during the anchor leg while dragging a tire and riding a tricycle; in the final challenge, they run a race in outfits and when Shima trips in his maid costume, Yoshioka the bride returns to help, ending up in fifth place. Invited to lunch with skeptical Class 1-5, Ruri gets testy when they keep calling her "dragon". Afterward, she is exhausted during the scavenger hunt race, and proves her dragon nature by reheating and toasting food. Ruri begins to believe students hang out with her solely because she is half-dragon, and explodes in cold daemonfire flames, frustrated. Airi is nonchalant and exclaims that Ruri shouldn't have to act human if she is not human. Ruri douses her flames in the school pool and returns, soaking wet, where she runs the anchor leg of the closing relay race and collapses when the daemonfire flares up again. Although she finishes last, she hugs Airi and apologizes. Mr. Takemoto offers to let Ruri withdraw from school, but she chooses to continue and makes him promise he will prevent her from hurting anyone. Just before summer break, Ruri shows a new frost ability which allows her to lower the temperature of her surroundings. Mr. Takemoto explains that dragons can control their environment when claiming a territory to make it more comfortable for themselves.

Chapters not yet in tankōbon format

[edit]

These chapters have yet to be published in a tankōbon volume.

  1. "The Ice Type" (氷属性, Kōri Zokusei)
  2. "I Hate Not Getting Stuff" (解らないと腹が立つね, Wakaranai to Hara ga Tatsu ne)
  3. "Good Job Cooking with Those Claws" (よくその爪で作れるな, Yoku Sono Tsume de Tsukureru na)
  4. "Don't Go Roasting Marshmallows of Your Own Accord" (勝手にマシュマロとか焼かないでください, Katte ni Mashumaro toka Yakanaide Kudasai)
  5. "Better to Have One Than Not" (あった方がよくない？, Atta Hō ga Yokunai?)
  6. "The True Ending" (トゥルーエンドだな, Turū Endo da na)
  7. "I'm on Board" (乗ったらぁ, Nottarā)
  8. "We All Suck at Science" (ここ皆理科系弱いんだよね, Koko Minna Rikakei Yowai nda yo ne)
This incomplete list is frequently updated to include new information.

Other media

[edit]

Shueisha released a voice comic adaptation of the one-shot in September 2021,[6] and adaptations of the first three chapters in September and October 2022;[7][21] they feature Chiaki Omigawa as the voice of Ruri Aoki.[6][5] In July 2022, a set of digital stickers based on the series was released in the instant messaging service Line.[22] A promotional video for the third volume, animated by Coalowl and featuring music by Zutomayo, was released on March 3, 2025.[23]

Reception

[edit]

By October 2022, RuriDragon had 200,000 copies in circulation;[24] it had over 850,000 copies in circulation (including digital versions) by March 2025,[23] and over 1.1 million copies in circulation by November 2025.[25] The first volume debuted at number seven on Oricon's weekly manga chart, with recorded sales of 74,874 copies;[26] the second volume entered the chart at fourth place with 77,508 copies sold;[27] the third volume debuted at seventh place with 72,514 copies sold;[28] the fourth volume debuted at second place with 56,184 copies sold.[29] The manga ranked first in the "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2023" survey answered by bookstore clerks in Japan, who described the series as "a warm story that accepts diversity without hesitation".[30][31] RuriDragon was also nominated in the 2023 eBookJapan [ja] Manga Award.[32] The series ranked ninth in the 2024 edition of Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga for male readers, tying with Suna no Miyako.[33] It ranked second in the Web Manga category of the 2024 Next Manga Awards.[34]

The first chapter received positive reviews from Japanese readers, who found the art "cute" and said that the story's loose atmosphere is not typical of a Jump manga.[35] Brian Salvatore of Multiversity Comics praised the art and tone for approaching the juxtaposition between Ruri and her surroundings in a way that balances comedy and absurdity, adding that the way the story unfolds "seems natural to 'real' life".[36] Chanmei of Real Sound [ja] described RuriDragon as "a book that will make you want to think about the kindness and love of those around you".[37] Writing for GamesRadar+, Austin Wood praised the manga for its "clean art and stellar expressions" and how it approaches its fantasy premise, adding that its setting, pacing, and main character are a stand out within Shōnen Jump's lineup.[3]

Notes

[edit]

References

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

RuriDragon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
RuriDragon (Japanese: ルリドラゴン, Hepburn: Ruri Doragon) is a Japanese series written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo. The story centers on Ruri Aoki, an introverted high school freshman who discovers her half-dragon heritage when she wakes up one morning with dragon horns sprouting from her head, forcing her to adapt to her emerging abilities while coping with typical teenage pressures like schoolwork and social interactions. The series debuted as a one-shot in Shueisha's Jump GIGA magazine's Winter 2021 issue on December 28, 2020. It transitioned to serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump starting with issue #28 on June 13, 2022, but paused after seven chapters until a brief return for five consecutive weeks from issue #14 on March 4, 2024. Serialization then shifted to the digital platform Shōnen Jump+ beginning April 22, 2024, where it continues to release new chapters periodically. As of November 2025, RuriDragon has been compiled into four tankōbon volumes by Shueisha, with the first volume published on October 4, 2022. In , holds the license for English release, with the first volume debuting on January 7, 2025, followed by the second on August 5, 2025; digital chapters are simultaneously available on the Shonen Jump app and Shueisha's MANGA Plus platform. The blends slice-of-life elements with light fantasy.

Story

Premise

RuriDragon follows Ruri Aoki, a 15-year-old first-year high who discovers she is half-dragon due to her father's draconic heritage. One morning, Ruri wakes up to find horns sprouting from her head, the onset of her "dragon puberty," which her mother calmly explains stems from her paternal lineage. As her transformation progresses, Ruri develops various draconic abilities, such as fire-breathing, generating lightning from her horns, and producing hallucinogenic venom. She struggles to conceal these traits from her classmates and teachers while attending school, often leading to comedic and awkward situations. The narrative unfolds in a slice-of-life format, chronicling Ruri's everyday challenges, budding friendships, and interactions with her supportive family as she adapts to her emerging identity. This structure highlights her personal growth amid the fantastical elements of her heritage.

Themes

RuriDragon explores themes of identity and through its protagonist's hybrid human-dragon nature, using "dragon puberty" as a for the physical and emotional turbulence of . The story depicts the challenges of bodily changes and self-discovery in an exaggerated, fantastical manner, allowing readers to relate to the universal struggles of growing up while highlighting the protagonist's journey toward embracing her uniqueness. This is particularly evident in how her emerging traits, such as horn growth, disrupt her sense of normalcy and prompt introspection about her heritage. Central to the narrative are motifs of diversity and inclusion, portraying heritage as analogous to ethnic or cultural differences in a predominantly human society. The addresses prejudice faced by those who stand out, showing how societal reactions range from acceptance to outright hostility, yet ultimately emphasize the value of making space for differences. Through casual interactions and community dynamics, it conveys a message about navigating otherness in a homogeneous environment, fostering understanding and reducing isolation for the . Family dynamics and generational gaps form another key layer, particularly in the protagonist's relationship with her absent father and her supportive human mother, who provides stability amid revelations about hidden family secrets. This setup underscores the complexities of parental roles and the emotional support needed during times of change, blending affection with unspoken tensions across generations. The series integrates slice-of-life elements to contrast everyday high school pressures—such as peer relationships and social navigation—with fantastical disruptions, thereby underscoring themes of resilience and . By resolving conflicts in realistic, relatable ways, it highlights how bonds with classmates help the adapt and build confidence, turning potential adversity into opportunities for growth and camaraderie.

Characters

High school students

Ruri Aoki serves as the protagonist and a first-year student at Kuromata High School, characterized by her shy and introverted nature that manifests in significant social anxiety, particularly after the emergence of her dragon traits like horns, which initially causes her to resist attending classes. Her internal monologues frequently explore her discomfort in social settings and her gradual development of confidence through peer support, emphasizing her journey to integrate her unique heritage into everyday high school routines. Yuka Hagiwara, Ruri's longtime best friend and fellow first-year classmate, embodies an outgoing and empathetic personality, often walking to school with Ruri and providing unwavering support by helping to conceal her horns while encouraging participation in group activities. As a kind and understanding individual, Yuka offers comic relief through her enthusiastic reactions and plays a key role in motivating Ruri to engage more collaboratively with others, strengthening their close bond amid school challenges. Airi Kashiro, another energetic first-year in Ruri's class, brings cheerfulness and optimism to the group dynamic after befriending Ruri following her transformation, with her sociable and intelligent demeanor driving her desire to connect with and be admired by peers. Though not the top academic performer compared to friends like Miyashita, Airi frequently assists Ruri with homework, fostering a supportive environment that eases Ruri's adjustment to high school life. Ryunosuke Yoshioka, a male classmate in the same year, stands at 172 cm and is noted for his appeal to female students, which sparks lighthearted rivalries among peers, though he remains nonchalant about such attention. His interactions with Ruri gain prominence when he is inadvertently burned by her fire breath ability, initiating a centered on Ruri's apologies and their path to reconciliation, underscoring her ongoing struggles to control her traits in a setting. These high school students form Ruri's core social circle at Kuromata High, with their interactions highlighted during collaborative school events such as the annual sports festival, where class 1-3 bands together to compete and address logistical issues, allowing Ruri to practice maintaining normalcy while relying on friends like Yuka and Airi for encouragement. Such group dynamics reveal the peers' acceptance of Ruri's differences, aiding her in building relationships and participating in typical teenage experiences like class competitions and daily conversations.

Family and adults

Umi Aoki serves as Ruri's single mother and primary caregiver, raising her daughter alone after separating from Ruri's father following her birth. A 36-year-old with a calm and protective demeanor, Umi exhibits a lighthearted yet occasionally rude side, often appearing nonchalant in the face of extraordinary events. She works to support the family while maintaining occasional contact with Ruri's father, though the details of their separation remain undisclosed. When Ruri's dragon traits first manifest as horns, Umi calmly discloses the truth of her daughter's hybrid heritage, demonstrating her prior awareness of the father's draconic nature and her commitment to unconditional support amid Ruri's adjustments. Her resilience as a parent navigating the implications of an interspecies family underscores themes of familial secrecy and adaptation in the story. Ruri's father, an unnamed full-blooded known as a "Ryu," lives in reclusive isolation deep in the mountains, having chosen to hide from human society due to the challenges of his inherent nature. His backstory involves withdrawing from the world to avoid scrutiny or conflict arising from his draconic identity, a decision that shapes the intergenerational transmission of dragon traits to Ruri. Interactions with his are limited and mediated through Umi, reflecting the family's efforts to balance secrecy with heritage; he provides indirect guidance on draconic abilities but remains distant to protect Ruri from potential societal backlash. This paternal absence highlights the burdens of lineage, influencing Ruri's understanding of her origins and the need for discretion in her daily life. Among school adults, Mr. Takemoto, Ruri's homeroom teacher, plays a pivotal role as her designated monitor after discovering her hybrid condition. Assigned to oversee her actions and intervene in school-related incidents involving her dragon traits, such as unexpected manifestations during classes, Takemoto offers practical guidance to help Ruri manage her abilities while maintaining normalcy. His prior knowledge of her situation positions him as a mentor figure, ensuring confidentiality and support without alerting other staff, thereby reinforcing the familial emphasis on protecting Ruri's secret. Vice Principal Gunji, a kindly administrator, provides broader institutional oversight but has limited direct involvement in Ruri's personal challenges, focusing instead on school events like . The interplay of these family members and adult figures emphasizes the story's exploration of dragon heritage across generations, where parental choices—Umi's steadfast nurturing and the father's self-imposed exile—instill in Ruri a sense of resilience and caution regarding her dual identity.

Publication

Serialization history

RuriDragon originated as a one-shot manga written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo, published in Shueisha's Jump GIGA magazine (Winter 2021 issue) on December 28, 2020. The positive reception to this prototype led to its promotion to a full serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump, debuting in issue #28 on June 13, 2022, with an initial weekly release schedule. The series quickly established itself, releasing six chapters before facing production challenges. In late July 2022, after the publication of chapter 6 in issue #34 on July 25, RuriDragon entered an indefinite hiatus announced on August 1, attributed to issues affecting Shindo. This break lasted nearly 20 months, during which no new content was produced, highlighting the personal toll of the demanding weekly schedule on the creator. The series resumed on March 4, 2024, in issue #14, with chapters 7 through 11 published weekly over five consecutive issues to mark the return. Following this brief weekly run, RuriDragon transitioned to a bi-weekly schedule starting April 22, 2024, distributed digitally via the Shōnen Jump+ app and the digital edition of Weekly Shōnen Jump. The series took a short break in May 2025 due to the author's health issues, resuming its bi-weekly digital releases in July 2025. This shift to digital platforms allowed for a more sustainable pace amid Shindo's recovery, while maintaining accessibility for readers. Internationally, the series has been simultaneously released in English through Viz Media's Shonen Jump digital service since its serialization debut. As of November 2025, RuriDragon remains ongoing with 41 chapters published and no announced end date, continuing its bi-weekly digital releases.

Collected volumes

RuriDragon is compiled into volumes published by under the Jump Comics imprint in . As of November 2025, four volumes have been released, collecting the serialized chapters up to that point. Each volume features depicting the Ruri Aoki, often highlighting her emerging dragon traits such as horns or scales against a minimalist background to emphasize her everyday life struggles. Viz Media holds the English-language license, providing simultaneous digital releases of chapters via the Shonen Jump app starting June 2022, while print editions began in , following the Japanese schedule with localization by translators. No special editions or bonuses, such as exclusive author notes on dragon lore, have been included in the volumes to date. The following table lists the volumes, their release dates, ISBNs where available, and collected chapters:
VolumeJapanese Release DateJapanese ISBNEnglish Release DateEnglish ISBNCollected Chapters
1October 4, 2022978-4-08-882740-7, 978-1-97-473831-11–6
2September 4, 2024978-4-08-884164-9, 978-1-97-475606-37–15
3March 4, 2025978-4-08-884415-2March 3, 2026978-1-97-476229-316–24
4November 4, 2025978-4-08-884538-8TBATBA25–33
Volume 1, titled Actually a Dragon, introduces Ruri's discovery of her dragon heritage through the growth of her horns and initial attempts to conceal them at school, spanning chapters that establish her family dynamics and first social challenges. Volume 2, Don't Need to Be Besties, explores Ruri's developing friendships and the complications of her powers during school events, including electricity bursts that strain her relationships. Volume 3, Kinda Gross, delves into the physical changes like scales and tail growth, focusing on Ruri's embarrassment and adaptation during a sports festival arc. Volume 4, Wish I Could've Stayed Normal, advances plotlines involving family reunions and deeper revelations about dragon society, as Ruri confronts her identity amid escalating transformations.

Uncollected chapters

As of November 2025, chapters 34 through 41 remain uncollected in volumes. All uncollected chapters are available digitally through Media's Shonen Jump platform, featuring simultaneous English translations alongside the Japanese releases to ensure global accessibility.

Adaptations

Voice dramas and promotions

In July 2022, launched promotional efforts for RuriDragon coinciding with its in , including the establishment of an official presence to engage fans with updates on the story's development. A voice comic adaptation of the original one-shot, featuring voice acting by as protagonist Ruri Aoki, was released on the Jump Channel series prior to the full , accumulating over 2 million views by mid-2022 and highlighting Ruri's discovery of her dragon heritage through dramatized narration and sound effects. The expanded in September 2022 with a digital voice comic release covering the first three serialized chapters, produced by and voiced by Omigawa alongside for supporting roles, allowing audiences to experience the early narrative of Ruri navigating high school with emerging dragon traits in an audio format exclusive to the Jump Channel. This initiative aimed to broaden accessibility during the 's initial run, blending manga panels with professional voice performances to emphasize the series' lighthearted tone. Following the manga's extended hiatus, author Masaoki Shindo shared health updates via the official X account in February 2024, announcing the resumption of serialization starting March 4 with five consecutive chapters in to accommodate recovery needs, marking a key promotional moment tied to the series' return. Internationally, synchronized promotions with English digital releases on the Shonen Jump app, including a January 7, 2025, trailer to highlight Ruri's school life challenges, shared across social channels to introduce the series to new readers. To celebrate the third volume's release on March 4, 2025, produced an animated teaser video on March 3, depicting pivotal scenes of Ruri's daily high experiences infused with dragon-themed like horn growth and electrostatic bursts, set to ZUTOMAYO's "MIRROR TUNE" for a dynamic audio-visual promotion. This short clip, distributed via official channels, captured the manga's blend of everyday teen and fantastical elements without spoiling plot details. A promotional video for the fourth volume was released on November 3, 2025, ahead of its publication on November 4, 2025, in Japan, featuring key moments from the volume to promote its availability.

Merchandise

Official merchandise for RuriDragon includes a variety of digital and physical products designed to engage fans with the series' dragon-themed elements. In July 2022, LINE released a set of official stickers featuring Ruri and her friends in chibi style, incorporating motifs such as dragon horns and fire breath to capture the manga's supernatural coming-of-age essence; subsequent sets have been updated to coincide with new volume releases. Shueisha has produced collaboration items through its Jump Shop, including school-themed apparel like t-shirts and accessories such as badges and acrylic stands, with initial launches tied to promotional events around Volume 2 in 2023. These items often feature character illustrations emphasizing Ruri's high school life and draconic traits, available at and other outlets. Limited-edition extras accompany select volume releases to enhance collector appeal. Japanese editions have included posters and bookmarks as special inserts, while English-language versions from , starting with Volume 1 in early 2025, offer bonus art cards and promotional stickers with purchases at partnered retailers like Kinokuniya. Event-exclusive merchandise has appeared at manga festivals and award ceremonies, providing fans with unique, thematic keepsakes.

Reception

Commercial performance

By October 2022, RuriDragon had reached 200,000 copies in circulation for its first volume. This figure rose significantly over the following years, surpassing 850,000 copies in circulation across the first three volumes by March 2025. The series continued its upward trajectory, achieving 1.1 million copies in circulation for all four volumes by November 2025. The volumes have performed strongly on sales charts, particularly in their debut weeks. The first volume, released on October 4, 2022, sold 74,874 copies in its initial six days, securing seventh place on 's weekly . Volume 2, released on September 4, 2024, sold 77,508 copies in its first five days, ranking fourth on the chart. Volume 3, released on March 4, 2025, recorded 72,514 copies in its debut week, placing seventh overall. Volume 4, released on November 4, 2025, sold 56,184 copies in its first week, ranking second on .
VolumeRelease DateFirst-Week SalesOricon Ranking
1October 4, 202274,874 copies7th
2September 4, 202477,508 copies4th
3March 4, 202572,514 copies7th
4November 4, 202556,184 copies2nd
Digital performance has been a key driver of the manga's success, with strong readership on Shōnen Jump+ contributing to its biweekly serialization schedule since resuming in 2024. The English digital release by , starting in 2022 via the Shonen Jump app and , has further boosted accessibility and sales. Internationally, RuriDragon is available digitally in over five languages, including English, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, and French, through platforms like . Print distribution expanded in beginning in 2025, with releasing the first volume on January 7 and the second on August 5.

Critical reception

RuriDragon has received widespread acclaim from critics for its innovative blend of slice-of-life elements with fantasy, particularly in how it portrays the protagonist's personal growth amid supernatural changes. Reviewers have highlighted the manga's ability to deliver a fresh perspective on coming-of-age narratives, emphasizing relatable teenage experiences intertwined with whimsical dragon heritage. awarded the first volume an overall A rating in 2025, praising its laid-back charm that effectively tackles themes of social acceptance through everyday interactions. Masaoki Shindō's artwork has been a standout feature, lauded for its detailed dragon designs and expressive character faces that convey subtle emotions without exaggeration. Critics note the clean, adorable style that captures the mundane beauty of daily life, such as casual gaming scenes, while making the fantastical elements feel grounded and impactful. The American Library Association's Library Services Association (YALSA) commended the detailed illustrations and leisurely pacing in its 2025 Great Graphic Novels selection, comparing it favorably to series like for its visual depth. Comics Beat echoed this in a 2025 review, describing the art as "clean, expressive, and adorable without being overly ," enhancing the story's humorous and soft tone. The storytelling balances humor, fantasy, and emotional depth seamlessly, with reviewers appreciating how casual conversations drive the narrative and explore identity without heavy-handedness. Comics Beat called it a "refreshing slice-of-life that rules," noting its thoughtful handling of and difference through Ruri's journey. Representation of diversity and metaphors has also been sensitively handled, using dragon traits as a metaphor for bodily changes and social judgment, earning praise for its realistic portrayal of a relatable teen . specifically highlighted how the series conveys these themes through understated reactions and dry humor, though some noted that the relaxed approach might not resonate with readers seeking more intense pacing. Post-2024 resumption after hiatuses, critics have lauded the enhanced character growth, with the series maintaining momentum through its wholesome, grounded progression.

Awards and nominations

RuriDragon has received notable recognition within the manga industry through various awards and rankings up to 2025. In 2023, the series secured 1st place in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics survey, highlighting its appeal among retail staff. The manga ranked 9th in the web manga category of the 2024 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga Is Amazing!) guidebook, selected by editorial staff for its quality and potential. It achieved 2nd place in the Web Manga Division of the 2024 Next Manga Awards, garnering over 69,000 votes from global fans, underscoring its popularity in digital formats. These accolades have boosted the series' visibility, contributing to increased digital subscriptions following the 2024 recognitions, which aligned with its shift to Shōnen Jump+ serialization.

References

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  33. https://ruridragon.fandom.com/wiki/RuriDragon
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  40. https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/titles/100196
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