"Top 10 Must-Read Manga" Publishers Weekly, Fall 2025
From the creators of Last Inning, follow an ex-convict’s path to redemption riddled with vengeance, betrayal, and deadly conspiracies – the stakes are too high for him to strikeout off the pitch.
After serving nine years for a crime he didn’t commit, Hachiya Ken is free—but his past is far from behind him. Released from prison, he’s confronted by Hana, the fiery daughter of a ghost from his past. Together, they’re forced to navigate a deadly web of betrayal, yakuza power, and political corruption.
As they uncover a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined, Ken must confront his own demons—and decide how far he’s willing to go for redemption.
From the dynamic creative duo of Yu Nakahara and Ryu Kamio, who delivered the brilliant baseball manga Last Inning, Stray is a relentless crime thriller where nothing is what it seems. Can Ken survive long enough to expose the truth, or will his next swing be his last, as he strikes out in this game of power.
Ryu Kamio is a seasoned writer known for his dynamic storytelling and deep character development. With a background in anime screenwriting, he has crafted compelling narratives that blend intense action with emotional depth. Kamio’s previous work on the hit baseball series Last Inning has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing his knack for high-stakes drama and intricate plots. In Stray, he brings his signature tension and intrigue to the world of crime, betrayal, and redemption.
Yu Nakahara is a talented manga artist renowned for his dynamic art style and meticulous attention to detail. Having worked as an assistant to the legendary Urasawa Naoki, Nakahara’s expressive character designs and thrilling action sequences have earned him a devoted following. Best known for his long-running baseball series Last Inning, he seamlessly blends dramatic tension with visually stunning scenes. In Stray, Nakahara’s artwork brings to life a gritty world of crime and conspiracy, making every moment pulse with intensity.
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga" Publishers Weekly, Fall 2025
"A brisk crime thriller with a soft heart and streetwise charm. [...] It’s a swift and satisfying thrill ride." Publishers Weekly
"Hits hard and keeps you swinging until the last page." Cynthia von Buhler (Minky Woodcock)
"Take the best of epic Yakuza crime noir, sprinkle in dashes of The Professional and Lone Wolf and Cub, and you've got Ryu Kamio and Yu Nakahara's STRAY. Brutal, heartfelt and action-packed, STRAY hits like a bare-knuckle brawler." Dave Dwonch (The Loose End)
“Mysteries within mysteries and heartbreak behind it all, as a hardened criminal and a 9-year-old girl take on the Yakuza. A memorable blend of violence and tenderness.” Charles Ardai (Gun Honey series, founder of Hard Case Crime)
"The story is really good. The characters are well written. I enjoyed the mix of the past with the present that created this very interesting and cohesive story. [...] Anyone who enjoyed action thriller series will very much enjoy Stray." That Manga Dude
"The perfect one-shot manga to take it easy and relax!" Chill with Eli
“This is a fantastic example of how to draw the reader immediately into a story. [...] It makes me want to go and seek out more of this creative team's work.” Mainly Manga
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga" Publishers Weekly, Fall 2025
From the creators of Last Inning, follow an ex-convict’s path to redemption riddled with vengeance, betrayal, and deadly conspiracies – the stakes are too high for him to strikeout off the pitch.
After serving nine years for a crime he didn’t commit, Hachiya Ken is free—but his past is far from behind him. Released from prison, he’s confronted by Hana, the fiery daughter of a ghost from his past. Together, they’re forced to navigate a deadly web of betrayal, yakuza power, and political corruption.
As they uncover a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined, Ken must confront his own demons—and decide how far he’s willing to go for redemption.
From the dynamic creative duo of Yu Nakahara and Ryu Kamio, who delivered the brilliant baseball manga Last Inning, Stray is a relentless crime thriller where nothing is what it seems. Can Ken survive long enough to expose the truth, or will his next swing be his last, as he strikes out in this game of power.
Creators
Ryu Kamio is a seasoned writer known for his dynamic storytelling and deep character development. With a background in anime screenwriting, he has crafted compelling narratives that blend intense action with emotional depth. Kamio’s previous work on the hit baseball series Last Inning has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing his knack for high-stakes drama and intricate plots. In Stray, he brings his signature tension and intrigue to the world of crime, betrayal, and redemption.
Yu Nakahara is a talented manga artist renowned for his dynamic art style and meticulous attention to detail. Having worked as an assistant to the legendary Urasawa Naoki, Nakahara’s expressive character designs and thrilling action sequences have earned him a devoted following. Best known for his long-running baseball series Last Inning, he seamlessly blends dramatic tension with visually stunning scenes. In Stray, Nakahara’s artwork brings to life a gritty world of crime and conspiracy, making every moment pulse with intensity.
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga" Publishers Weekly, Fall 2025
"A brisk crime thriller with a soft heart and streetwise charm. [...] It’s a swift and satisfying thrill ride." Publishers Weekly
"Hits hard and keeps you swinging until the last page." Cynthia von Buhler (Minky Woodcock)
"Take the best of epic Yakuza crime noir, sprinkle in dashes of The Professional and Lone Wolf and Cub, and you've got Ryu Kamio and Yu Nakahara's STRAY. Brutal, heartfelt and action-packed, STRAY hits like a bare-knuckle brawler." Dave Dwonch (The Loose End)
“Mysteries within mysteries and heartbreak behind it all, as a hardened criminal and a 9-year-old girl take on the Yakuza. A memorable blend of violence and tenderness.” Charles Ardai (Gun Honey series, founder of Hard Case Crime)
"The story is really good. The characters are well written. I enjoyed the mix of the past with the present that created this very interesting and cohesive story. [...] Anyone who enjoyed action thriller series will very much enjoy Stray." That Manga Dude
"The perfect one-shot manga to take it easy and relax!" Chill with Eli
“This is a fantastic example of how to draw the reader immediately into a story. [...] It makes me want to go and seek out more of this creative team's work.” Mainly Manga