The popular science-fiction manga series, World Trigger, has once again been placed on hiatus, much to the disappointment of its dedicated fanbase. This latest break, initially intended to be a one-month pause, has been extended due to the ongoing health concerns of the series’ creator, Daisuke Ashihara.
Hiatus Extended to April Issue
Originally, World Trigger was scheduled to return in the March issue of Shueisha’s Jump SQ magazine, which was set to be released on February 4, 2025. However, an announcement on the official World Trigger X (formerly Twitter) account on January 29, 2025, revealed that the series would not be appearing in the March issue. Instead, the manga is now scheduled to resume in the April issue of Jump SQ, which is set to be released on March 4, 2025.
This extension of the hiatus is attributed to Ashihara’s health, with the official statement expressing apologies to readers who had been anticipating the new chapter. The initial break was intended to allow Ashihara time to work on the series’ next compiled volume, but it appears that his health requires a longer period of rest.
A History of Hiatuses
This is not the first time that World Trigger has been placed on hiatus due to Ashihara’s health. The series has a history of breaks, some of which have been quite lengthy.
- 2013-2016: The manga began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in February 2013, where chapters were released weekly. However, about three years into its run, Ashihara’s health began to suffer from the demanding schedule.
- 2016: The series went on a two-year hiatus in November 2016 due to Ashihara’s poor health, and returned in October 2018 for five issues.
- 2018: In December 2018, World Trigger transferred to Jump SQ magazine, switching to a monthly release schedule. Despite this change, the series has continued to experience sporadic breaks.
- 2023-2024: The manga had one-month breaks in August 2023 and January 2024, also due to Ashihara’s health.
In 2014, during one of the series’ breaks, it was revealed that Ashihara was undergoing treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, a condition causing painful compression of nerve roots in the neck. While subsequent announcements have simply cited “poor health,” it’s clear that Ashihara’s physical well-being is an ongoing concern, impacting the manga’s publication schedule.
Impact on the Manga
The recurring hiatuses have understandably frustrated some fans. The series has a complex and detailed plot, and the breaks in publication make it difficult to maintain momentum and engagement. Additionally, some readers have expressed concern about the possibility that the series may not reach its intended conclusion, given the frequent interruptions. The current arc is the Away Mission Test Arc, which began with chapter 200, which makes the delays even more frustrating for the fans who want to see how the story progresses.
Despite these challenges, World Trigger remains a popular series, with a dedicated fanbase that eagerly awaits each new chapter. As of July 2023, the series had sold over 15 million copies worldwide. The manga has also been adapted into an anime series that has run for three seasons, further highlighting the series’ popularity. The first season premiered in October 2014, followed by a sequel season in October 2015. The second and third seasons premiered in January 2021 and October 2021, respectively.
Manga’s Publication Details
- Author: Daisuke Ashihara
- Original Serialization: Weekly Shonen Jump (February 2013 – November 2018)
- Current Serialization: Jump SQ (December 2018 – Present)
- Latest Chapter Released: Chapter 248 (December 4, 2024)
- Next Scheduled Release: Chapter 249 in the April issue of Jump SQ (March 4, 2025)
- Volumes Published (Japan): 27 (as of May 2024)
- Volumes Published (English): 25
Author’s Health and the Manga Industry
Ashihara’s health struggles are not uncommon in the manga industry, where creators often face intense pressure to meet deadlines. The demanding work schedules and the physical strain associated with drawing and writing for long periods can take a toll on the authors’ well-being. Other notable manga creators such as Yusuke Murata, Kohei Horikoshi, and Eiichiro Oda have also suffered from various health conditions.
It’s important to remember that manga creators are human beings and their health should be prioritized. While fans may be disappointed by delays, it’s crucial to support the creators and allow them the time they need to rest and recover.
Where to Read
Despite the hiatus, fans can still access previous chapters of the series. World Trigger is available on various platforms, including:
- Viz Media: The series is published digitally and in print.
- MANGA Plus by Shueisha: The latest chapters of the series can be read online for free.
The frequent breaks in publication are a stark reminder of the human element in manga creation. While the delays are undoubtedly disappointing, it is important to support Ashihara as he navigates his health challenges. Fans eagerly await the return of World Trigger in March, hoping that it signals a period of continued publication without further interruptions.
