Beastars Vol. 16 Manga – Hunt for Melon & Lessons from Loss

Beastars Vol. 16 dives into one of the most emotionally charged arcs yet. After surviving a near-fatal attack by Melon, the infamous mixed‑species elephant poacher, Legoshi grapples with grief, survivor’s guilt, and what it means to pursue justice. Guided by Beastar Yahya, he joins the hunt for Melon—but trust is a fragile currency in this divided society. Alongside this central conflict, Legoshi’s bond with Juno deepens as they confront the realities of interracial relationships and societal constraints.

The volume opens with an intimate flashback to Legoshi’s mother, whose tragic backstory sheds light on themes of identity and belonging—underscoring his internal journey forward. Paru Itagaki blends visceral action, quiet grief, and moral complexity with expressive black‑and‑white visuals—reinforcing why Vol. 16 has been lauded as one of the series’ most mature installments. 

Published by VIZ Media LLC on January 18, 2022, this 208‑page English edition (ISBN 978‑1‑9747‑1995‑2) offers a deeply introspective look at trauma, interspecies alliances, and Legoshi’s evolving sense of purpose.