The popular manga series, Dandadan, has announced a month-long hiatus, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its return. This break follows the release of Chapter 182 on January 20, 2025. Created by Yukinobu Tatsu, the series has gained significant popularity, further boosted by its recent anime adaptation.
Manga Hiatus Details
The official announcement of the hiatus came shortly after the release of Chapter 182. The break commenced immediately, with the series scheduled to resume on February 25, 2025, with the release of Chapter 183. This one-month hiatus is the first for the series in 2025 and has left many fans curious about the reasons behind it.
Reasons for the Hiatus
While the exact reason for the break has not been officially disclosed by the author, there are a few possibilities that fans have speculated about:
- Author’s Rest: It’s possible that Yukinobu Tatsu needs a break to rest and recharge. Creating a manga series is a demanding process, and taking time off can help with overall well-being.
- Skill Enhancement: The break could provide Tatsu with the time to refine his skills and explore new artistic approaches. This period of reflection may lead to further improvements in the quality of the manga.
- Research: It’s also possible the author is taking the time to research for future story arcs. This was the reason given for a previous hiatus in July of 2024.
The lack of a specific reason has led to some speculation, but fans are generally understanding of the author’s need for a break.
Dandadan’s Rise in Popularity
Dandadan has become a major hit, attracting both manga and anime fans. The series’ unique blend of science fiction, supernatural elements, and comedy has resonated well with audiences. Here’s a look at its growing popularity:
Anime Adaptation
The anime adaptation of Dandadan premiered in the Fall of 2024 and became a fan favorite, receiving praise from both fans and critics. The anime’s first season ended in the middle of the intense Cursed House Arc, leaving many unanswered questions. The second season is slated for release in the Summer of 2025, promising to continue the thrilling storyline.
Storyline Overview
The manga follows the adventures of Momo Ayase, an occult enthusiast, and Ken Takakura, nicknamed “Okarun,” an alien believer. They find themselves entangled in supernatural events after a series of paranormal encounters, which leads to them acquiring unique powers.
Current Manga Arc
The latest arc in the manga focuses on Momo’s struggle after losing the ability to return to her normal size. Her friends are trying to protect her as they face new challenges. One of the villains in the series, Count Saint-Germain is blackmailing a student named Kouki Yukishiro who attacks Momo in an attempt to steal her powers. While all of this is happening, Granny Seiko is also on her own search to help Momo return to her normal size. The manga is currently well ahead of the anime, already publishing its tenth story arc.
What to Expect Upon Return
Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Dandadan and are speculating about what the series has in store. Here are a few things readers can likely expect in the upcoming chapters:
- Continuation of Current Arc: The story will likely continue with Momo’s struggle, and how she, her friends and Granny Seiko will go about finding a way to reverse her condition.
- New Developments: The series is known for its unexpected twists and turns, and readers should anticipate new challenges and plot developments.
- Villainous Schemes: The machinations of Count Saint-Germain will likely continue to impact the series.
Where to Catch Up
For those who may be new to the series or need to catch up, here’s where you can find Dandadan:
- Manga: The manga is serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ service. It can also be accessed through platforms like MANGA Plus.
- Anime: The anime adaptation can be streamed on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Previous Hiatus
This isn’t the first time Dandadan has gone on hiatus. In July 2024, the manga took a break for one month, with the author citing the need for research as the reason. The series returned in September of that year with chapter 164.
Fan Reactions
The announcement of the current hiatus has been met with a mixture of disappointment and understanding from fans. Many are using the time to catch up on the series and reread previous chapters, while others are focusing on the anime adaptation. The Dandadan community has remained active, and fan art and discussion posts continue to circulate on various social media platforms.
Conclusion
While the month-long hiatus is a temporary setback for fans, it is also a necessary break that allows the author time to rest and prepare. The return of Dandadan on February 25, 2025, is highly anticipated, and fans are excited to see what the next chapter holds for Momo, Okarun, and the rest of the characters. The series’ unique storyline, combined with its strong art style, ensures that Dandadan will continue to be a prominent manga and anime for years to come.
