The world of manga is a captivating realm of storytelling, filled with intricate plots, memorable characters, and stunning artwork. However, for many avid readers, the joy of discovering a new favorite series is often accompanied by the lurking fear of the dreaded “hiatus.” A hiatus, an often-unforeseen break in a manga’s publication, can range from a few weeks to several years, and sometimes, it can become indefinite, leaving fans in a state of agonizing limbo. Here, we explore nine exceptional manga series that are currently on indefinite hiatus, delving into the reasons behind their pauses and the impact it has on their devoted fanbases.
The Unpredictable Nature of Manga Hiatuses
Manga hiatuses are unfortunately a common occurrence in the industry. The reasons for these breaks are varied, but often stem from the demanding nature of being a mangaka. The pressure to produce high-quality chapters regularly can lead to burnout, physical and mental health issues, and creative blocks. Some creators take a break to focus on other projects, while others encounter unexpected life events that require them to step away from their work. While some hiatuses are brief, others stretch for months and years, and in some cases, the series never returns, leaving fans with an incomplete story.
9 Manga Series in Limbo
Here are 9 manga series that are currently on indefinite hiatus:
1. Hunter x Hunter
Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is a beloved shonen manga that follows the adventures of Gon Freecss as he strives to become a Hunter. Known for its complex characters, intricate power systems, and unpredictable plot, Hunter x Hunter has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. However, the series has become notorious for its frequent hiatuses, often due to Togashi’s health issues. After a brief return from October to December 2024, Hunter x Hunter went on another indefinite hiatus, leaving fans unsure when they’ll see Gon’s journey continue. The series has been on hiatus for longer than it has been serialized, with the hiatuses starting around 2006 and 2007 during the Chimera Ant arc.
2. Vagabond
Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond is a historical fiction manga that tells a fictionalized account of the life of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Renowned for its stunning artwork, realistic characters, and mature themes, Vagabond is considered a masterpiece by many. However, the manga has been on hiatus since 2015. Inoue has stated that the immense pressure of creating the series took a toll on his mental well-being, and he would only return to it when his passion for the series was rekindled. Despite this, there have been hints that Inoue might return to Vagabond, giving fans a glimmer of hope.
3. Nana
Ai Yazawa’s Nana is a shojo manga that follows the lives of two young women named Nana, who become friends in Tokyo. The series is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of love, heartbreak, and the pursuit of dreams. However, Nana has been on hiatus since 2009 after Yazawa fell ill. Although she has expressed interest in continuing the series once she is able, there is no indication when or if that will happen. The last volume ended on a somber note, with the cast reeling from the death of Honjo Ren, leaving fans anxious to see how the story continues.
4. Berserk
Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is a dark fantasy manga known for its epic scope, gruesome imagery, and complex characters. The series follows the journey of Guts, a lone mercenary, as he battles demonic forces. Berserk suffered a huge blow when Miura passed away in 2021. However, the series has been continued by his studio, Studio Gaga, with the assistance of his close friend Kouji Mori, who was familiar with the plot details of the series. Although there have been shorter hiatuses after Miura’s passing, the series recently resumed in February 2025 after a 4-month break, giving fans continued hope for its completion.
5. X/1999
CLAMP’s X/1999 is a dystopian manga set at the end of days that focuses on Kamui Shiro, a young man destined to decide the fate of humanity. The series is known for its elaborate artwork and its complex plot that explores themes of destiny, free will, and the conflict between good and evil. The series went on hiatus in 2003 due to societal events happening in Japan that made it difficult for the creators to continue. There are conflicting reports that the creators may have also had disagreements with their editors. Despite numerous requests from fans to see the story completed, X/1999 remains on indefinite hiatus.
6. Bastard!!
Kazushi Hagiwara’s Bastard!! is a dark fantasy manga that follows the adventures of the powerful wizard Dark Schneider in the fantasy world of Metallicana. The series is known for its over-the-top action, heavy metal influences, and raunchy humor. Bastard!! has been on hiatus since 2010 with no confirmed reason for its pause. While there has been a recent anime adaptation that was released on Netflix, there are no indications that the manga will return anytime soon, and many fans believe it might be cancelled.
7. World Trigger
Daisuke Ashihara’s World Trigger is a science fiction manga that focuses on the battle between humans and interdimensional invaders. The series is known for its intricate battle strategies and detailed world-building. The series was initially serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2013 before going on hiatus in 2016 due to Ashihara’s poor health. It then returned to serialization in 2018 in Jump SQ magazine. While World Trigger has had consistent monthly releases since then, the series frequently goes on breaks for the author to gather research and work on the manga volumes. As of the end of December 2024, World Trigger is on a one-month hiatus, and is scheduled to return in March 2025.
8. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a melancholic fantasy manga about an elven mage named Frieren who is grappling with her long lifespan. The series is known for its emotional storytelling and poignant exploration of life and death. As of December 2024, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is currently on an indefinite hiatus due to author’s health concerns. Despite the hiatus, an anime adaptation has recently premiered, bringing more attention to the series, which has sold over 24 million copies.
9. Claymore
Norihiro Yagi’s Claymore is a dark fantasy manga that follows the story of Claymores, human-demon hybrids who fight against Yoma. The series is known for its action, its dark themes, and its strong female characters. While not officially on indefinite hiatus, the manga has been completed, and the anime adaptation is incomplete. This leaves many fans hoping for another anime adaptation to see the rest of the story.
The Impact of Hiatuses on Fans
The impact of indefinite hiatuses on manga fans can be profound. For some, it’s a frustrating waiting game, with little or no information on when the story will continue. For others, it is a painful reminder that some stories might remain unfinished, leaving a sense of longing and incompleteness.
The Reality of the Manga Industry
The manga industry is a demanding one, and the wellbeing of the creators is essential. It is important for readers to acknowledge that mangakas are also human beings who need time to rest, recover, and recharge their creative batteries. Hiatuses, although frustrating, are often a necessary part of the creative process.
While the wait for these stories to continue may be long, the love that fans have for these series will endure, and the hope for the return of these beloved stories will live on.
