World Embryo
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga publishing |
| Founded | April 30, 2005 |
| Founder | Daisuke Moriyama |
| Defunct | May 30, 2014 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga volumes |
is a Japanese manga created by Daisuke Moriyama, which was serialized in Shōnen Gahosha's Young King OURs magazine from April 2005 until May 2014. The series consists of thirteen tankōbon volumes. Its storyline revolves around humanity's struggle against monstrous beings called Kanshu, which propagate through cellphone signals.
Plot
Riku Amami, a high school student, receives an enigmatic cellphone image from Amane, his stepsister believed to have died. When he visits the hospital shown in the photo, he is ambushed by Kanshu—creatures that infect humans via cellphone transmissions, either turning them into Kanshu or causing irreversible contamination. He is saved by Jinki users Rena and Youhei. Riku then finds a cocoon containing a toddler resembling Amane. As the story progresses, Riku obtains his own Jinki weapon and becomes involved with an organization dedicated to combating the Kanshu threat.
Characters
- A high schooler whose stepsister Amane perished in a fire two years earlier. After sustaining a fatal injury inflicted by a Kanshu, Neene transforms him into a unique Kanshu who retains his consciousness through his Jinki—a chainsaw-like sword acquired through Youhei’s sacrifice. Despite their attempts to safeguard Neene, the group F.L.A.G pursues them, prompting their escape while holding the director hostage. Known online as "Suraga," Riku is a formidable Jinki wielder capable of confronting powerful adversaries.
- A toddler known as the "Coffin Princess," who closely resembles Amane and emerges from a cocoon. She experiences rapid growth fueled by combat and her powers. Neene can transform Riku and create destructive energy spheres. As a Kyuki queen Kanshu absorbing stolen memories, she manipulates memories and can manifest wings. After defending Riku in battle, she returns months later as a teenager with altered behavior but maintains a strong connection with him.
- A determined Jinki user who fights with Shingetsu chakrams featuring spinning blades. Initially partnered with Youhei and later allied with Riku, she harbors feelings for him. Her background involves loss connected to her mentor and the destruction of her hometown due to Kanshu attacks. She vanishes alongside Riku after taking F.L.A.G.’s director hostage and battles formidable foes resembling her father.
- An upbeat Jinki user and Rena’s first partner who rescues Riku at the beginning of the series. His short-bladed Jinki is passed on to Riku after he sustains injuries. At his own request, Youhei is beheaded by Riku to prevent his complete transformation into a Kanshu.
- A feared Jinki Hunter pursuing Neene’s power to defeat the Source of Infection. Known for committing mass killings over two years, he amplifies his abilities using captured Jinki cores and wields a katana with expertise. Connected to a mysterious figure named Julie and betrayed by Shiro, Takao confronts multiple opponents simultaneously before withdrawing. His true identity is Takao Ryuusei, and he commands the Coffin Princess "Julie."
- The mysterious origin of the Kanshu infection, wearing a kitsune mask and formerly serving as Flag’s director while controlling operations remotely. He promises Neene assistance in uncovering her origins but is killed after awakening the Coffin Princess "Ende." His final message urges Neene to halt Ende’s destructive rampage.
- A childhood friend of Riku who recognizes him as Suraga. After discovering a Jinki core during a building fire incident, Kazama gains limited powers that require specialized weapons due to an injury. He successfully snipes Karasawa during the Rubble Tower conflict and undergoes training during Riku’s absence.
Publication
Created and illustrated by Daisuke Moriyama, World Embryo was featured in Shōnen Gahōsha's Young King OURs magazine, running from April 30, 2005, until May 30, 2014. Shōnen Gahōsha compiled the series into thirteen tankōbon volumes, which were published between March 2, 2006, and September 30, 2014.
The series' English-language rights were acquired by Chuang Yi for distribution in Singapore, by Madman Entertainment in Australia, and by Dark Horse Comics in North America, although no volumes were ultimately issued there. Additionally, the manga was licensed in Italy through J-POP Edizioni, in France by Kazé Manga (previously known as Asuka), and in Russia via Comics Factory.