Manga Preview: ATOM: THE BEGINNING Vol. 12 arrives this September

2 hours ago 3

Atom: The Beginning Volume 12 is set to hit shelves on September 23, 2025, from Titan Manga, with pre-orders now open.

Originally serialized in Monthly Hero (2014–2020) and later in Comiplex (2020–present), the series is written by Tetsuro Kasahara, with contributions from the eldest son of Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezuka, Makoto Tezuka, and Masami Yuuki. Inspired by Astro Boy, the story explores the events leading up to the birth of the iconic robot, until it diverges into an alternate timeline following an in-universe incident in 1969.

The narrative unfolds five years after a major catastrophe strikes Japan. In its wake, young geniuses Umataro Tenma and Hiroshi Ochanomizu from Nerima University develop a revolutionary AI capable of independent thought. Their creation, Atom, possesses a will and personality of his own. However, the pair faces financial constraints and skepticism from their peers. To sustain their research, they enter Atom into Robot Wrestling tournaments—unwittingly drawing the attention of a mysterious organization.

As with Yan, Vol 2, Titan Manga has provided Comic Beat readers with an early preview to celebrate the upcoming release of Atom: The Beginning, Volume 12.