The popular manga series Dandadan has announced a sudden, month-long hiatus, leaving fans eager for its return. The break comes after the release of Chapter 182, which was made available on Monday, January 20th, 2025, for international readers. The series will be on break, with the next chapter, Chapter 183, scheduled to be released on February 24, 2025, in the US and February 25th for readers in Japan.
Unexpected Pause for the Hit Series
The news of the hiatus has come as a surprise to many fans, especially given the series’ recent surge in popularity. Dandadan, written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, has garnered a significant following since its debut in April 2021 in Shueisha’s ShÅnen Jump+ app and website. The manga follows the story of two high school students, Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, as they navigate a world filled with supernatural encounters involving aliens and spirits. The series has been praised for its unique blend of action, romantic comedy, and supernatural thriller elements.
The specific reason for the unexpected hiatus has not been disclosed by the author or the publisher, leaving fans to speculate. Such breaks are not uncommon in the manga industry. They can stem from various factors such as the author needing rest, health issues, or time for research. In the case of Dandadan, fans are hopeful that the break is simply for Tatsu to recharge and ensure the continued high quality of the series.
What is Dandadan About?
For those unfamiliar with the series, Dandadan tells the story of Momo Ayase, a high school girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Ken Takakura, nicknamed “Okarun,” who believes in aliens but not ghosts. Their lives are turned upside down when they encounter supernatural entities, leading them to develop unique powers and fight against various yÅkai and alien threats. The series is known for its dynamic action sequences, quirky humor, and heartwarming character interactions.
Manga’s Popularity and Anime Adaptation
Dandadan’s popularity has seen a significant boost with the release of its anime adaptation in the Fall of 2024. Produced by Science Saru, the anime quickly became a fan favorite and is currently available on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Netflix. The anime, which aired its first season between October and December 2024, is set to continue with a second season in July 2025. This anime adaptation has been praised for its faithfulness to the source material, thanks in part to Yukinobu Tatsu’s direct involvement in the production. The first season concluded in the middle of the Cursed House Arc, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its continuation in the upcoming season.
Behind the Scenes: Yukinobu Tatsu
Before creating Dandadan, Yukinobu Tatsu worked as an assistant for other notable manga artists on series like Chainsaw Man and Hellās Paradise: Jigokuraku. This experience has no doubt influenced his work and contributed to his unique style and storytelling approach. In interviews, Tatsu has mentioned that his mealtime scenes, often appearing after intense battles, are influenced by his belief that hard work deserves reward. This perspective developed from his own experience as a manga assistant where he was paid relatively little. He has also cited Berserk as his favorite manga and a key inspiration for his drawing style, striving for realism in his art.
Hiatus in the Manga World: A Common Occurrence
Hiatuses are a common, albeit frustrating, aspect of the manga industry. Many popular series have gone on breaks for various reasons. For example, One Piece has taken several recent breaks due to creator Eiichiro Oda’s health issues and his involvement with the Netflix live-action adaptation. Another popular series, Hunter x Hunter, has had a history of frequent hiatuses, sometimes lasting for several years, due to the author Yoshihiro Togashi’s health concerns.
Reasons for Manga Hiatuses
Manga creators often face immense pressure to meet weekly deadlines, which can lead to health issues and burnout. Some of the primary reasons for hiatuses include:
- Health Concerns: Mangakas often work long hours with very little rest, leading to both physical and mental health issues. This can force them to take breaks for recovery.
- Research and Planning: Sometimes, authors need time to research material or develop the storyline, necessitating a break from the regular publishing schedule.
- Burnout: The pressure of consistently producing high-quality content can lead to burnout, and a hiatus can provide authors with much-needed rest and creative rejuvenation.
- Creative Blocks: Authors can sometimes face creative blocks, making it difficult to continue the story without a break.
- Other Projects: Some mangakas have to take a break due to their involvement in other projects such as the anime adaptation of their work or other manga series.
What Fans Can Do During the Hiatus
While the hiatus may be disappointing for fans, it is essential to remember that these breaks are crucial for the well-being of the creators and the overall quality of the manga. Fans can utilize this time to:
- Catch Up: Read or re-read the previous 182 chapters of the series.
- Watch the Anime: Enjoy the first season of the anime adaptation and prepare for the second season in July 2025.
- Join Online Communities: Connect with other fans online to discuss theories and share excitement for the seriesā return.
- Explore other Manga: Use this time to explore other manga series from various genres.
Dandadan’s Return: What to Expect
The return of Dandadan on February 24th is highly anticipated. With the series taking a month-long break, fans are eager to see what developments and twists await them. While the specific reasons for the hiatus remain unclear, the break provides an opportunity for both the author and the readers to prepare for the next chapter in the ongoing saga.
The series has been published in English on Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform and on Viz Media’s Shonen Jump website since its release. Fans can look forward to the continuation of the Cursed House Arc in both the manga and the upcoming second season of the anime. Dandadan is a testament to the blend of genres and artistic talent. Its hiatus is a reminder of the human effort required to bring these stories to life.
