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Gantz

Gantz is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gantz is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku. It was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump from June 2000 to June 2013. The story follows recently deceased people who are forced into a deadly game against aliens, combining science fiction, action, horror, and psychological elements.

Premise

The story follows Kei Kurono, Masaru Kato, and other recently deceased people who are forced into missions to hunt aliens. Survivors are returned to the game repeatedly, while those who die are replaced by new participants.

Publication

Gantz was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump from June 2000 until June 2013. The collected edition comprises 37 volumes.

Style and themes

The series is a seinen manga known for action, science fiction, horror, and psychological elements. Sources also describe it as featuring graphic violence and adult themes.

Adaptations and reception

Reference sources note that Gantz was adapted into anime and live-action films. It has also been published in English and has a substantial fandom presence.

Key facts

  • Gantz was written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku.
  • It ran in Weekly Young Jump from June 2000 to June 2013.
  • The series was collected into 37 tankōbon volumes.
  • Its story centers on recently deceased people who are sent to hunt aliens in a dangerous game.
  • The manga is associated with mature themes and graphic violence.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gantz?
Gantz is a Japanese manga series by Hiroya Oku about dead people forced to take part in a lethal alien-hunting game.
Who created Gantz?
Gantz was written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku.
When was Gantz published?
It was serialized from June 2000 to June 2013.
How many volumes does Gantz have?
The series was collected into 37 tankōbon volumes.
What genre is Gantz?
It is generally classified as a seinen manga with science fiction, action, horror, and psychological elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gantz
    Supports: Author, serialization dates, volumes, and premise
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=3749
    Supports: Genre, plot summary, and manga identification
  3. MyAnimeList — https://myanimelist.net/manga/564/Gantz
    Supports: Volumes, publication dates, genres, and demographics
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Gantz_chapters
    Supports: Serialization details and collected volumes
  5. Fandom — https://gantz.fandom.com/wiki/Gantz_(Series)
    Supports: English release and anime adaptation mention
  6. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gantz
    Supports: Anime, video game, and live-action adaptation mention