Chapter 470: Time Skips to March Part 4 [February 1994]

In February, several significant developments unfolded. First and foremost, the 16-bit ZAGE project—also known as Project Blue—is progressing at a critical pace. By this month, both the console and its accompanying games have reached approximately 70% completion. If there are no major obstacles in the coming weeks, the ZAGE 16-bit console is expected to launch in early April 1994, accompanied by eight launch titles. Zaboru doesn't want to mess this up, so he is carefully planning and monitoring the progress of Project Blue.

This month, ZAGE is not releasing any new games for either the ZGB or ZEPS platforms. The Tokyo and Osaka branches of ZAGE Japan are entirely focused on Project Blue, while the ZAGE USA branch is currently working on the development of Tekken under Zaboru's guidance.

Meanwhile, in the broader gaming industry, third-party developers Chu Soft and BANZ—both known for their previous contributions to ZAGE—are making notable moves. Chu Soft, creators of Shippu Densetsu Kagura, and BANZ, known for Cosmic Wings, have each released impressive new titles this month both for ZEPS.

Chu Soft has introduced an action platformer titled Karen Ichimonji. The story follows a Western woman who becomes a samurai in a world ravaged by demons. Her power-ups draw inspiration from legendary samurai in Japanese history. By wielding katanas based on those of figures like Nobunaga Oda and Sasaki Kojiro, she gains a unique arsenal that sets her apart from typical action platformer characters. Each weapon affects her moveset and abilities, creating diverse and dynamic combat scenarios. This design choice allows for highly customizable gameplay with an impressive range of builds, making the game endlessly replayable and deeply engaging. Karen Ichimonji, the game's protagonist, is not only powerful and skillful but also beautifully designed. Her sprite art, featured prominently on the game's cover, has drawn a lot of attention and boosted sales. Even Zaboru himself praised the game, calling it an excellent and enjoyable title.

BANZ, on the other hand, released a pseudo-3D shoot-'em-up called Samurai-Fly. The gameplay is reminiscent of ZAGE's Starfox, but with a unique twist: the player controls a spirit-plane that shoots arrows instead of cannons. The game's narrative centers around a mystical realm known as the Fly Realm, where the souls of samurai warriors are transformed into combat aircraft to battle demonic enemies. Each plane represents a famous samurai from Japanese history.

For example, the Nobunaga Oda plane takes the form of a dragon, while Tokugawa Ieyasu's manifests as a golden bull. Zaboru found the concept delightfully absurd, yet was thoroughly impressed by BANZ's technical execution. The studio not only replicated the pseudo-3D technology he helped pioneer for Starfox, but also managed to refine and build upon it. To Zaboru, this blend of homage and innovation signals that BANZ has real potential as a leading force in game development.

Both games have been well received, largely due to their originality and the creative integration of samurai themes, which currently hold a special place in the hearts of Japanese gamers. Their success also proves that 8-bit games can still deliver compelling experiences despite the graphical limitations compared to 16-bit consoles.

Next on Marvel Comics, Zaboru continues his work on the Deadpool issues. This month marks the final installment in that series, concluding a storyline that has garnered a loyal following. With Deadpool's introduction arc wrapping up, Zaboru is already deep in planning stages for an entirely new comic series that he hopes to launch later this year or in Couple of months.

In parallel, Marvel introduced a new title this month: Captain Marvel, crafted under Zaboru's creative direction. While the visual design of the character came from an internal Marvel artist, the storyline has been substantially revised by Zaboru to integrate seamlessly into the MRU (Marvel Re Universe). Although Carol Danvers retains her familiar origin—still a U.S. Air Force pilot who gains superpowers through an accident involving Kree technology—Zaboru has reimagined key elements of her backstory. In his version, her DNA is genetically spliced with Mar-Vell's genes, making her half-Kree. This biological transformation allows her to fly, absorb and project energy, and wield extraordinary physical strength, establishing her as one of the most formidable heroes in the MRU.

Beyond power upgrades, Zaboru has deeply reworked Carol Danvers' personality. This incarnation of Captain Marvel is much more relatable and grounded than in Zaboru previous worlds portrayals. She's a strong, capable woman whose strength doesn't need grandstanding she doesn't need to saying it by herself instead—her decisions, leadership, and integrity speak volumes. Importantly, she's flawed, occasionally stubborn, and vulnerable in ways that humanize her without weakening her stature as a hero. Zaboru wanted readers to see a character who commands respect through her actions rather than her words.

He also focused on highlighting her leadership qualities, such as compassion toward her team and her ability to inspire loyalty without being authoritarian. These qualities make her not just powerful but admirable. Her redesigned costume and commanding presence have been prominently featured on this month's striking cover art, which shows her soaring through a sky lit with crackling cosmic energy. That dynamic image helped boost initial sales, as did strong word-of-mouth reactions. Readers are excited to see a powerful and multidimensional female superhero take a central role in the growing MRU.

On the manga side, Hakushensha's Weekly Shonen and Monthly Shock magazines continue to perform steadily, steadily building their loyal reader base. Fans now consider both publications as essential parts of their weekly and monthly reading routines, praising the fresh stories and bold art styles they offer. Meanwhile, the rival Weekly Shonen Jump—long the dominant force in the manga industry—is reportedly feeling the pressure like never before. Initially dismissive of Hakushensha as a mere imitator or upstart, Shonen Jump's executives are now seriously alarmed that this rising competitor's sales have begun to match—and in some key markets, even surpass—their own.

The growing tension between the two publishers is compounded by Hakushensha's close association with ZAGE and its aggressive recruitment tactics. Many young and promising mangaka who once dreamed of being published in Shonen Jump are now setting their sights on Hakushensha instead. The reason? More generous pay structures, a friendlier editorial environment, and progressive policies that prioritize creator well-being. One standout innovation is the option for artists to take a monthly break without disrupting their series' publication schedule. Basically the artist can take a break once a month and their void will be filled by one shot manga. a concept practically heretical in the high-pressure halls of Shonen Jump.

In short, Hakushensha is becoming a safe haven for talented, overworked, and underpaid mangaka. This transformation is no accident. It is the direct result of Zaboru's vision and intent. In his previous life, he had seen firsthand how brutal and dehumanizing the manga industry could be. Now, as the owner of Hakushensha, he is determined to rewrite the rules. His mission is to give creators the space, respect, and dignity they need not only to survive—but to thrive.

In Zaboru's personal life, Ayumi has become obsessed with Dance Dance Revolution. She plays it constantly and has even requested Zaboru an arcade unit for her home. She's also started installing gym equipment and visiting the gym regularly, focusing on training her lower body. Ayumi noticed Zaboru's artistic tendencies—he often draws characters with thick thighs—and she's working to match that ideal, much to his quiet amusement.

But not everything is lighthearted. Zaboru's mother, Keiko, recently fell ill and was hospitalized due to low blood pressure. Fortunately, she recovered quickly, but the scare left Zaboru shaken. He rushed to the hospital in a panic, apologizing through tears for spending so much time on work. Keiko smiled gently, caressed his hair, and assured him she was fine and proud of him for chasing his dreams. His father, Zanichi, also offered support while encouraging Zaboru to remain calm. The incident made Zaboru realize he needs to balance work with family time, and he quietly promised to do better moving forward.

Overall that's what happened in February and now it's already March. Project blue is going strongly. 

To be continued

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