Japanese pro-gamer Daigo Umehara is a real-life an arcade fighting game player and holds a Guinness World Record as the most successful competitor in major tournaments for his Street Fighter fighting game skills. Daigo is regarded as Japan’s first pro gamer, among many players battling their way through Japanese arcades during the golden age of fighting games.

Now, UDON Entertainment will release the English version of Daigo The Beast, a manga centering on the legend of Daigo Umehara and his world of pro-gaming competition.

Daigo Umehara is best known for his aggressive play and nearly psychic ability to predict and counter his opponent’s next move. This power not only paralyzes world-class opponents but has also led to many unforgettable comebacks from the brink of defeat. His many victories and bloodthirsty style have earned him the nickname “The Beast.”

The Daigo the Beast manga explores the real-life events that built the fighting game community, and the strategies and play styles developed by Daigo and his fellow gamers. In Volume 1, Shinya Ohnuki, a gamer with prodigious talent, is drawn into the wild and wonderful world of fighting games after a chance meeting with Daigo. As they face off in iconic games like Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Alpha, and Darkstalkers, an enduring rivalry between Daigo and “Nuki” is born!

UDON will be premiering the book at EVO 2017 (Jul 14-16) the world’s largest fighting game event held in Las Vegas, NV. Those attending the event can head over to the UDON/NSURGO booth to be the first to purchase and read Daigo the Beast.

Daigo the Beast: Volume 1 arrives in stores everywhere, December 2017.