Overview
How I Became King by Eating Monsters (Japanese romanized: Monster no Niku wo Kutteitara Ōi ni Tsuita Ken) is a light novel by Daken. It was posted on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō site from 1/2022, and Micro Magazine's GCN Bunko label has published the print edition since 9/2023, illustrated by Shiba. Volume 7 is due on 20/10/2026. Cross Infinite World publishes the English digital edition, with volume 6 released on 30/9/2026.
OtaHub's take
The manga is drawn by Karin Suzuragi and runs in Hakusensha's Young Animal Zero since 1/2024. A TV anime was announced on October 9, 2026, with animation by White Fox and a planned 2027 broadcast. The director, voice cast, air date and streaming platform have not been announced.
The protagonist is Mars, the 12-year-old first prince of the kingdom of Farune. Fearing assassination and with the castle's food poisoned, he sneaks into a monster-filled forest to find his own meals. A red-haired woman with a greatsword sees promise in him and tells him that eating monsters makes you stronger. The story then widens into wars and plots across the continent.
Verdict
It suits fans of adventure fantasy with a young hero who grows fast. With no director or cast announced, it is too early to judge the anime's quality. While waiting, you can read the English light novel from Cross Infinite World.
