The manga industry is filled with thrilling stories, captivating characters, and dedicated fans who eagerly anticipate each new chapter. However, many beloved series have faced long-term hiatuses, leaving readers wondering when their favorite stories will continue. In some cases, these extended breaks last for years, even decades. This article explores some of the most famous long-term manga pauses, the reasons behind them, and whether fans can expect a return.

 

At the end of the day, when the manga brings huge sales to the publisher, it will continue and if not, it will not. When you see your favorite manga suddenly stops within one year, you can think the manga did not bring enough money. Otherwise, when you see your favorite manga stops after let say 3-5 years or longer, it may be possible the manga creator is tired drawing and thinking to prolong the story to make more money to the publisher.  A very good example is Dragon Ball. 

 

It is a very simple and tasteless fact.

 

But you also may see some other factors why some manga artists need to stop creating and when or under what circumstance they resume.

 

HEALTH ISSUES AND CREATOR WELL-BEING

 

One of the most well-known reasons for manga hiatuses is the health condition of the creators. Writing and illustrating manga is an extremely demanding job that often leads to physical and mental exhaustion.

 

HUNTER×HUNTER (YOSHIHIRO TOGASHI)

 

One of the most infamous long-term hiatuses in manga history belongs to HUNTER×HUNTER by Yoshihiro Togashi. The manga, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, has seen multiple extended breaks over the years, with the longest gap lasting nearly four years. The primary reason behind these interruptions is Togashi’s chronic back pain, which has severely impacted his ability to work. While he made an effort to resume serialization in 2022, health complications once again forced him to step back. Togashi remains determined to complete the story, frequently updating fans via social media, but there is no confirmed return date yet.

 

NANA (AI YAZAWA)

 

Ai Yazawa’s NANA, a dramatic story about love, music, and relationships, has been on hiatus since 2009 due to the author’s illness. The manga was a massive success, with an anime adaptation and even a live-action film. However, after falling seriously ill, Yazawa had to stop working on the series. While she has recovered enough to publish small illustrations, she has not resumed writing new chapters, leaving NANA fans in suspense for over a decade.

 

SENSITIVE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXTS

 

Certain manga series have faced indefinite hiatuses due to their themes clashing with real-world events or societal concerns.

 

X (CLAMP)

X, a work by the famous manga group CLAMP, has been on hiatus since 2002. The story, which features large-scale destruction and intense battles, faced complications due to real-life tragedies such as the Kobe child murders and the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake. The creators expressed concerns that some of the story’s violent themes might be considered inappropriate in light of these real-world events. Although CLAMP has expressed a desire to complete the series, no official plans for its return have been announced.

 

AUTHOR WORKLOAD AND MULTIPLE PROJECTS

 

Many manga artists work on multiple projects simultaneously, leading to delays and extended hiatuses.

 

LOVELESS (YUN KOUGA)

LOVELESS, a popular fantasy manga, has been on hiatus since 2016. Prior to this, the series had already faced multiple breaks. The author, Yun Kouga, has cited health issues as a reason for delays but has also focused on other creative projects. Additionally, another of her works, Genji, has remained unfinished for over 30 years, adding to fan concerns about whether LOVELESS will ever reach its conclusion.

 

 

PROLONGED CREATIVE BREAKS AND RE-EVALUATION

 

Some manga artists take breaks to re-evaluate their work and ensure they maintain the quality of their storytelling.

 

VAGABOND (TAKEHIKO INOUE)

Vagabond, a critically acclaimed historical manga by Takehiko Inoue, has been on hiatus since 2015. The series, inspired by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, has been praised for its breathtaking artwork and deep philosophical themes. However, Inoue has openly discussed his struggles with motivation and creative exhaustion. In an interview, he mentioned that he still wishes to finish the story, leaving hope for fans that the series may eventually resume.

 

WILL THESE MANGA EVER RETURN?

The question on every fan’s mind is whether these beloved manga will ever continue. While some authors, like Togashi, actively update fans on their progress, others remain silent. In cases like X and LOVELESS, the likelihood of continuation seems uncertain, whereas Vagabond and NANA have a slightly higher chance of resuming if their creators find the right conditions to work again.

 

Ultimately, long hiatuses in the manga industry stem from various reasons, including health issues, social sensitivities, author workload, and personal circumstances. While frustrating, these breaks highlight the importance of creator well-being and the challenges of sustaining long-running manga series. Fans can only hope that their favorite stories will return, but in the meantime, these unfinished works remain legendary in their own right.

Source: Magmix

 

What did you think of this topic? Did you read our article about how to get a job in manga industry? Whatever the reason behind the pause of Manga series is, our only hope is that the creator (and her/his assistant(s) ) is being reasonably paid, happy and healthy doing their work.

 

What the online community say about this?

 

Many long-time fans of Glass Mask express frustration and disappointment over the manga's prolonged hiatus and lack of conclusion. Many started reading it in their youth and have now grown old waiting for the story to end. Some speculate that the author, Suzue Miuchi, either struggles with motivation, has health issues, or is creatively stuck.

 

A recurring criticism is that the story lost its direction around The Two Princesses arc, with an overemphasis on melodramatic romance and drawn-out theatrical performances. Readers feel that the legendary Crimson Goddess play, which was built up for decades, has failed to live up to expectations, making it less compelling than previous in-story plays like Wuthering Heights or The Miracle Worker.

 

Others blame the publisher, Hakusensha, for avoiding the manga’s conclusion due to its commercial value, leaving devoted fans in limbo. Many demand that Miuchi at least provide an outline or entrust the finale to assistants, as other veteran manga authors have done.

 

Some comments reflect nostalgia, recalling how Glass Mask once kept them up all night reading, and how they still treasure their old copies. Yet, most have lost hope of seeing the ending within their lifetime, with some joking that AI might have to finish it in the future.

Manga Artist Mai Ko Uchino Takes Hiatus for Breast Cancer Treatment

 

Mai Ko Uchino, the creator of the popular manga Slow Loop, has announced a temporary hiatus from the series due to her ongoing treatment for breast cancer. The news was shared by the editorial team at Manga Time Kirara on February 21, 2025. Uchino reassured her fans through her social media account, stating, "I want to prove firsthand that this is a common illness. Please rest assured—I am doing well! In fact, I was feeling energetic enough to practice casting a few days ago, though my surgical wounds did ache a bit!"

 

Despite her health challenges, Uchino successfully completed the tenth volume of Slow Loop, set for release on March 12. She expressed her gratitude to her editors, assistants, and fellow manga artists who supported her through the demanding period of medical tests, surgery, and production deadlines.

 

The editorial team explained that the hiatus was necessary to allow Uchino to focus on her recovery. Following the break, Slow Loop will transition from its current publication in Manga Time Kirara Forward to the digital platform COMIC FUZ. The team apologized for the sudden announcement and assured readers that updates regarding the manga’s return will be shared in due course.

Uchino also addressed her fans directly, acknowledging their support and explaining her decision to pause serialization. "I deeply apologize for missing two consecutive months of publication. Last month, I underwent surgery to remove the cancer, and as I start medication-based treatment, I realized that potential side effects could disrupt my ability to maintain a stable release schedule. To avoid burdening the magazine, I decided to shift the series to COMIC FUZ."

 

Furthermore, Uchino chose to publicly disclose her diagnosis to emphasize the importance of regular medical checkups. "I debated whether to keep my condition private, but experiencing this firsthand has made me realize how crucial regular screenings are. To all my readers, freelancers, and fellow manga artists—please make time for checkups! I know hospitals can be intimidating, and busy schedules can get in the way, but early detection makes a significant difference in treatment."

Slow Loop, which debuted in Manga Time Kirara Forward in 2018, follows the story of Hiyori, a girl who cherishes fly fishing, a hobby taught to her by her late father. After her mother remarries, she forms a new sisterly bond with Koharu, an enthusiastic cook with a bright personality. Together, they navigate their high school years, strengthening their relationship through their shared love of fishing. The series’ popularity led to a television anime adaptation in 2022.

 

Source: Oricon, Manga watch

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