Historic Release of Stop!! Hibari-Kun! in English
In a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in manga, Peow2 has announced the upcoming release of the English edition of “Stop!! Hibari-Kun!” scheduled for Fall 2025. This move marks a significant step in bringing the iconic and controversial work to a broader audience.
Breaking Gender Norms in Anime
Originally launched in 1981 by Shonen Jump, Hisashi Eguchi’s “Stop!! Hibari-Kun!” is a romantic comedy that has sparked debate due to its queer protagonist. Despite the controversies surrounding its portrayal of gender, the manga remains a pioneering work, influencing major franchises like “Dragon Ball.”
A Queer Classic That Provokes Discussion
The Ongoing Debate
“Stop!! Hibari-Kun!” is notable for featuring a character who was assigned male at birth but presents and behaves femininely. Despite this groundbreaking portrayal, the character’s gender identity continues to be a topic of discussion. While Eguchi has described Hibari as a transgender character, some fans contest this label, suggesting cultural constraints of the 1980s influenced the portrayal.
Author’s Perspective
Hisashi Eguchi has commented on his choice of a transgender character for comedic purposes in an interview with Radio France. He acknowledged the limited and sometimes offensive representation due to the cultural context of the 1980s in Japan, stating that such liberty in tone might not be possible today.
Navigating Translation Challenges
Translating “Stop!! Hibari-Kun!” into English presents challenges due to cultural and linguistic differences. Japan’s unique cultural relationship with gender, exemplified by the visual kei music genre, complicates the translation process. The upcoming official translation by Peow2 offers hope for clarity, aiming to faithfully represent the manga’s narrative of self-affirmation and defiance of gender norms.
Conclusion: A Seminal Work Despite Controversies
Peow2’s edition of “Stop!! Hibari-Kun!” promises to introduce Western audiences to this historically significant manga. While controversies about the character’s gender identity persist, the work’s impact on LGBTQ+ representation in manga is undeniable. This release provides an opportunity for fans to engage with a piece of manga history that continues to inspire debate and reflection on gender roles.
Sources: @peowstudio (X); Radio France