Rodrigo y Gabriela Release Monster Video Created by Manga Legend Naoki Urasawa

On June 18 2026, Mexican acoustic‑guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela unveiled a striking music video for their single “Monster.” The clip, directed by Japanese manga artist Naoki Urasawa, the creator of the psychological thriller Monster, serves as the first preview of the duo’s forthcoming album OurHome, slated for release on September 18 2026 through ATO Records.

The partnership began when Urasawa discovered that the song’s composition was inspired by his own manga. According to the duo, “Monster” was written before they learned that Urasawa was a fan. The manga legend, who had followed the band’s live performances for years, reached out via their Japanese promoter. A meeting in Tokyo cemented the collaboration, and Urasawa produced the video, drawing on the psychological themes of his work to match the track’s darker tone.

Rodrigo y Gabriela—members Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero—have long blended flamenco‑influenced acoustic guitar with rock and heavy‑metal energy. Their 2020 album Mettavolution earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, and their 2023 release In Between Thoughts…A New World kept them touring worldwide. The new single and video signal the duo’s return to the studio after a three‑year hiatus.

Born January 2 1960, Urasawa has been drawing since childhood and has produced several best‑selling series. His work on Monster (1994‑2001) garnered multiple awards and cemented his status as a leading figure in modern manga. By 2021, his titles had sold more than 140 million copies worldwide. Other notable works include 20th Century Boys, Pluto, and Master Keaton. Directing the “Monster” video reflects his desire to translate the psychological depth of his stories into visual form.

The video blends Urasawa’s distinctive illustration style with the duo’s dynamic guitar work. While it contains no dialogue, it incorporates visual motifs from the Monster manga to underscore the song’s themes of identity and morality. The collaboration exemplifies a growing trend of cross‑media partnerships between musicians and visual artists, particularly when thematic concerns align.

The Japanese promoter who initiated contact is part of the country’s prominent concert‑promotion scene, which includes companies such as Smash Japan. The promoter’s facilitation of the Tokyo meeting ultimately produced the video.

Rodrigo y Gabriela’s announcement of OurHome includes a North American tour for 2026 and a European tour in 2027. The album will be released in a limited‑edition vinyl and CD package, and the single “Monster” is available for digital download on major streaming platforms.

The collaboration has attracted attention from both music and manga communities. Fans of the duo praise the unique blend of acoustic guitar and manga aesthetics, while Urasawa’s followers appreciate the musical interpretation of their favorite series. The partnership demonstrates how artists from different disciplines can create a unified artistic statement.

In summary, Rodrigo y Gabriela’s new single “Monster” and its accompanying video, crafted by Naoki Urasawa, mark the first public taste of the duo’s upcoming album OurHome. Released in June 2026, the project showcases a cross‑cultural collaboration that merges acoustic guitar performance with manga‑inspired visual storytelling. The album will be available worldwide on September 18 2026.