Dandelion: Gintama Creator’s Debut Manga Is Finally Getting an Anime Series

For fans of the legendary sci-fi comedy Gintama, the name Hideaki Sorachi is synonymous with chaotic humor, soul-stirring drama, and a healthy dose of “gorilla” energy. Now, Netflix is reaching back to the very beginning of the master’s career.

Netflix has officially announced a seven-episode anime series adaptation of “Dandelion,” the 2002 one-shot manga that marked Sorachi’s professional debut.

What is Dandelion About?

Long before Gintoki was failing to pay rent in Edo, Sorachi was telling the story of the “Japan Angel Federation Sendoff Department.” The series follows two supernatural agents:

• Tetsuo Tanba: A rough-around-the-edges “angel” with a surprising amount of heart.

• Misaki Kurogane: His partner in guiding the deceased.

Unlike typical grim reapers, the Dandelion division focuses on souls burdened by deep, unresolved regrets. Rather than simply ushering them away, Tanba and Kurogane help these spirits resolve their unfinished business, providing a “sendoff” that is as much about emotional closure as it is about the afterlife.

From One-Shot to Seven-Episode Series

While the original manga was a standalone “one-shot” published in Weekly Shonen Jump (and later included in the first volume of the Gintama manga), Netflix is expanding the lore. The adaptation will be a limited series consisting of seven episodes, allowing for a deeper dive into the world-building and the individual stories of the spirits they encounter.

In a classic self-deprecating comment, Hideaki Sorachi reacted to the news by poking fun at the streaming giant:

“I’m embarrassed about my debut work, so I don’t reread it, but they’ve dug it up, made it into an anime, and expanded on it in various ways. It seems Netflix doesn’t have the word ‘delicacy.’ But I might as well take this opportunity to go and see those guys for the first time in 20 years.”

Cast and Creative Team

The production features a heavyweight lineup of talent to bring Sorachi’s early vision to life. The animation is being handled by Studio NAZ (Thermae Romae Novae). The score will be composed by Yuki Hayashi, the man behind the iconic soundtracks of My Hero Academia and Haikyu!! and the series will be directed by Daisuke Mataga (Grimoire of Zero) takes the helm as director. An English dubbed adaptation will be made available via Netflix.

Release Date

Fans won’t have to wait long to see this piece of manga history come to life. Dandelion is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix in April 2026.

Whether you’re a die-hard Gintama fan looking to see where the “Gorilla Sensei” started or a newcomer looking for a supernatural drama with heart, Dandelion looks to be a standout addition to the Spring 2026 anime season.