Ginga Legend Weed

A giant demon bear named Akakabuto has taken over Futago pass. Shortly after, a silver, tiger-striped Akita pup named Gin is born and is trained as a bear-dog. Gin is brought to Riki (the leader of a large pack of dogs and Gin's father) to join the pack. Riki let's him join after proving his strenght and sends his platoons to all parts of Japan to recruit strong males to fight Akakabuto. Gin, the third generation of bear-dogs goes through many hardships for the purpose of stopping the terrifying bear, Akakabuto. (Source: Anime News Network) *Note: Chapter count reflects the original serialization in Weekly Shounen Jump. The chapters were later combined into 55 chapters for the tankōbon release.*

Riki, the grandfather of Weed and father of Gin, was born a runt. He was fathered by Shiro and mothered by Yamabuki. Shiro's owner, Gohei, pays no attention to Riki when he comes to pick a pup from the litter. Instead, Riki is never rehomed and becomes close to his mother. Unfortunately, Yamabuki's true owner, who had been sick, was healthy enough to take her back. She didn't feel she could handle two dogs, and decided that he would not take Riki in. Riki severely missed his mother, and one day set out to meet her. On his way, he is attacked by a pack of dogs. Hopelessly outnumbered, Riki tries to escape and falls into a river. Waking up, he learns that his father, Shiro, has rescued him. Riki had never seen his father, but had known his name. Shiro, on the other hand, didn't know that Riki was his son and left before Riki could say anything. But, not before giving him a speech on being strong. Riki makes it his goal and constantly tries to get stronger. (Source: Wikipedia)

*Note: Published in Business Jump 2009 No.8-10*

The story begins in Futago Pass, a paradise for dogs where peace reigned thanks to the Ouu Army's exploits. Orion, the pup of Ouu Army Commander Weed, spent peaceful days with his newborn siblings: his older brother Sirius, younger brother Rigel, and younger sister Bella. But fate would not grant Orion tranquility. Suddenly, a natural disaster struck the mountains of Ouu, shattering the paradise. Orion and his siblings were scattered far and wide! (Source: Nihon Bungeisha, translated)

This collection of short stories features a variety of tales about dogs, including the exploits of “Justice,” a vigilante group made up of pet dogs; the coming-of-age story of Ron, a timid family dog who sets out on a journey in search of freedom; the love and courage that Kenta, a bullied boy, learns from a stray puppy named Shion; and the author’s deep affection for his own wolfdog, Hanako! (Source: Nihon Bungeisha, translated) Stories included: 2. **Mel no Tabidachi** (メルの旅立ち, Mel's Trip); Manga Goraku Super Special Issue 3. **Lonely Ron** (ロンリーロン, Lonely Ron); Shounen Sunday Zoukan 1992-09, 10 4. **Lonely Ron** (ロンリーロン, Lonely Ron); Shounen Sunday Zoukan 1992-09, 10 5. **Shion no Kaze** (シオンの疾風, Strong Winds of Zion); Monthly Shounen Ace 1996-02, 03 6. **Shion no Kaze** (シオンの疾風, Strong Winds of Zion); Monthly Shounen Ace 1996-02, 03 7. **HANAKO** (HANKO); Weekly Manga Goraku

This manga contains three chapters of Ginga Densetsu Weed and a short story on how Yoshihiro Takahshi got his black labrador. Also, it contains a lot of information on Yoshihiro Takahashi and his writings.