Jibaku-kun: Twelve World Story

Jibaku-kun: Twelve World Story, also known as Bucky: The Incredible Kid, was authored and illustrated by Ami Shibata. It began its serialization in Monthly Shonen Gangan in 1998, emerging during a period when Shibata was recognized for her distinctively expressive, rounded character designs and imaginative fantasy world-building. The series was conceptualized as a high-concept adventure spanning twelve distinct worlds, reflecting the creator's interest in expansive, game-like settings that encourage episodic exploration.

The narrative follows the protagonist, Bucky, who travels through these disparate realms to restore balance, often incorporating themes of courage and chaotic humor typical of late nineties shonen manga. The design of the characters and their environments heavily leaned into the vibrant, whimsical aesthetic that Shibata became known for, which later translated into a concurrent anime adaptation produced by Trans Arts. While it occupies a niche place in manga history, it remains a notable example of the era's focus on fantastical, world-hopping adventures.