Every year in Zaza a fabulous masquerade is held that everyone attends. So important is the ball that there is an entire town dedicated to the construction of masks. Jing, the infamous King of Bandits, has come to steal a particular mask, but it won't be easy. Before the ball he must first fight in Zaza's masked combat coliseum. Sprightliness is a virtue for a thief, but against bone-crushing gladiators, the young bandit may be in over his head.

Jing
A thief who steals everything, even stars in the sky and precious human lives.

Kir.
A talking bird who is Jing's constant companion. Together Jing and Kir can fire the Kir Royal attack, a powerful blast which comes from Kir's beak.

Yuichi Kumakura

Kumakura-sensei's Jing was first published in April, 1995 in Kodansha's monthly comic magazine, Bonbon.

The Jing manga has inspired a brand new anime series from Sony, which began running in Japan in May, 2002. Kumakura-sensei is now at work on an all-new version of the Jing saga, featuring more European-style artwork.