In Shiro Moriya’s upcoming sci-fi suspense manga “Astro Baby,” slated to premiere on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ service on February 3, readers will be transported into a world grappling with the harrowing effects of a lethal ailment known as Cooper’s Disease.

The story unfolds within the confines of North Hill, a remote town where residents are forced into lockdown in response to the rampant spread of this catastrophic affliction.

At the heart of the tale is Billy, a soldier returning to North Hill after a six-year absence with a deeply personal mission – to reunite with the woman he loves. Against the backdrop of a society reeling from the aftermath of Cooper’s Disease, Moriya weaves a narrative rich in suspense, science fiction, and poignant human drama.

Moriya’s creative journey extends beyond “Astro Baby.” Their previous work, “Soloist in A Cage,” made its debut on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ website in September 2018. However, the series encountered an unexpected setback when Moriya fell ill in March 2019, leading to a temporary hiatus.

Thankfully, serialization resumed in April 2021, culminating in the conclusion of the manga in June 2021. Shueisha wrapped up the series with the release of the third and final volume in September 2021.

“Soloist in a Cage” made its English debut in tandem with the launch of Shueisha’s MANGA Plus English manga website in January 2019. Following this, Seven Seas secured the license for the manga, enabling readers to access it digitally and in print formats.