Thunder 3: From Manga Pages to Anime Screens
Thunder 3 is a dynamic shōnen series written and illustrated by Yuki Ikeda. First appearing in the pages of Kodansha's Monthly Shōnen Magazine, the series has captured audiences with its narrative, eventually expanding from a serialized manga into a global multimedia franchise including a television anime adaptation.
The manga ran from May 6, 2022, to June 5, 2026, establishing a world of conflict and heroism. To make the story more accessible, Kodansha collected the serialized chapters into tankōbon (individual collected volumes). The first volume debuted on October 17, 2022, and by July 16, 2026, the series had reached a total of nine volumes.
Recognizing the series' international appeal, Kodansha USA licensed the manga for English-speaking audiences in March 2024, releasing the first English volume on November 5, 2024.
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Key Facts
- Creator: Written and illustrated by Yuki Ikeda.
- Manga Publisher: Kodansha (Japan) and Kodansha USA (English).
- Manga Duration: May 6, 2022, to June 5, 2026.
- Total Volumes: 9 volumes released as of July 16, 2026.
- Anime Studio: Produced by Unend.
- Streaming: Available worldwide via Netflix.
Manga Volume Details
The Thunder 3 manga is structured across nine volumes, each containing pivotal story arcs ranging from the introduction of the "Small Three" to the climactic battles against alien forces.
| Vol. | Japanese Release | English Release | Key Chapters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 17, 2022 | Nov 5, 2024 | The Small Three, Multiverse, Aliens |
| 2 | Jan 17, 2023 | Jan 7, 2025 | Heroes, Segami, Rebellion, Dogfight |
| 3 | May 17, 2023 | Mar 4, 2025 | Segami's Decision, Game On!, Outbreak |
| 4 | Sep 14, 2023 | May 6, 2025 | Melee, Interlopers, Counterattack |
| 5 | Dec 15, 2023 | Jul 1, 2025 | Time's Up, We Are the Thunder Three!! |
| 6 | May 16, 2024 | Sep 9, 2025 | Final Attack, After the Battle, Foreboding |
| 7 | Sep 17, 2024 | Nov 4, 2025 | Battle on the Ship, New Heroes |
| 8 | Jan 17, 2025 | Feb 10, 2026 | Human vs. Alien, Fight Together, Whiteout |
| 9 | Jul 16, 2026 | — | The Will, The Guardian, How Can We Win? |
Uncollected Chapters
While the majority of the story is available in volume format, some chapters remain only in their original serialized form, including "Aaaaaaaaah!!", "Return of the Heroes", and the title chapter "Thunder 3" (サンダー3).
Anime Adaptation
In February 2026, an anime television series adaptation was announced to bring Yuki Ikeda's vision to life. The production is handled by Unend, with a detailed creative team leading the project. Keisuke Ide serves as the director, while Hiroyuki Seshita takes the role of chief director. The series composition and screenplays are managed by Hiroshi Seko.
The visual identity of the anime was crafted by character designers Junko Yamanaka and Yūki Moriyama, based on original concepts by Naoyuki Onda. The auditory experience is composed by Frédéric Chateau and Akiyuki Tateyama.
The series premiered on July 9, 2026, airing on Fuji TV's +Ultra programming block. For global audiences, the series is streamed on Netflix. The anime features the opening theme "Thunderbolt" performed by Yuuri and the ending theme "Shururerira" performed by Otoha.
Episode Guide
The first season introduces the core conflict through a series of tightly paced episodes:
- Episode 1: "Small Three" (July 9, 2026)
- Episode 2: "Multiverse" (July 16, 2026)
- Episode 3: "Aliens" (July 23, 2026)
- Episode 4: "Mr. Segami" (July 30, 2026)
- Episode 5: "Rebellion" (August 6, 2026)
- Episode 6: "Game On" (August 13, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the creator of Thunder 3?
The series is written and illustrated by Yuki Ikeda.
How many manga volumes are available?
As of July 16, 2026, there are nine volumes released in Japan.
Where can I watch the Thunder 3 anime?
The anime is available for worldwide streaming on Netflix and originally aired on Fuji TV's +Ultra block.
Who produces the anime adaptation?
The anime is produced by the studio Unend.
When did the English version of the manga release?
Kodansha USA published the first English volume on November 5, 2024.