Sanrio launched a web manga on Tuesday for its Ichigoman character, a superhero alter ego of its popular Hello Kitty character. The manga's "Chapter 0" is currently available on Home-sha 's Comip website, and will update on the 15th every month. Yuko Yamaguchi, the original designer of Hello Kitty , is credited for character design, Toshiki Inoue ( Galaxy Angel , Ushio & Tora anime series composition) is writing the manga, Shakua Sinkai is providing the art, and actor Kohei Murakami ( Kamen Rider 555 ) is in leading the project.

The story centers on Hello Kitty , who fights monsters born from wicked hearts as the superhero Ichigoman (Strawberryman). In addition to the Ichigoman, the project has also introduced the characters Dark Grapeman and Honey Momo (pictured with Ichigoman below). The new manga story will add a giant robot for Ichigo to pilot, as well as an alien countermeasures group known as "Freeze."

The Ichigoman character originates from a 2011 exhibition of Yamaguchi's artwork. Since 2012, Sanrio has been offering Ichigoman-themed products since 2012.

[Via Nijimen]