The popular manga series, World Trigger, will be extending its current hiatus for another month due to the declining health of its author, Daisuke Ashihara. This announcement comes after a previous one-month break, initially intended to allow Ashihara time to work on the manga’s next compiled volume.
Hiatus Extended, Return Pushed to March
Initially, the World Trigger manga was scheduled to return in the March issue of Shueisha’s Jump SQ. (Jump Square) magazine, set for release on February 4, 2025. However, the official X (formerly Twitter) account for the series announced on January 29, 2025, that the hiatus would be prolonged. The manga’s next chapter will now be released in the April issue of Jump SQ., scheduled to hit shelves on March 4, 2025.
Author’s Health Concerns
The reason for this extension is attributed to Daisuke Ashihara’s health issues. While the specific nature of his health problems has not been disclosed, the update from the official account suggests that they are significant enough to warrant further time off. This is not the first time Ashihara’s health has impacted the manga’s release schedule.
A History of Hiatuses
World Trigger has experienced several hiatuses throughout its serialization. The manga started in Weekly Shonen Jump in February 2013, where it was published weekly. However, due to the author’s health issues, it transitioned to a monthly release schedule in Jump SQ. in December 2018.
Past Breaks
- 2014-2016: Multiple short hiatuses, usually lasting a week.
- End of 2016 to End of 2018: A significant two-year break due to Ashihara’s health, before moving to Jump SQ.
- August 2023: A one-month break.
- January 2024: Another one-month hiatus due to poor health.
These frequent breaks, while frustrating for fans, highlight the challenges faced by manga creators and the impact of their health on production schedules. The move to a monthly schedule was intended to alleviate some pressure, allowing Ashihara more time to prepare chapters, but the current situation shows health remains a concern.
Impact on the Series
The frequent hiatuses have had a noticeable impact on the series’ release schedule and its overall momentum. Despite these challenges, World Trigger has maintained a dedicated fanbase. The series follows Osamu Mikumo, a member of the Border Defense Agency, who protects Earth from “Neighbors”, creatures from another dimension.
Anime Adaptation
The anime adaptation of World Trigger, produced by Toei Animation, has also been affected by these delays. The first season aired in 2014, followed by a second in 2021, and a third in 2022. It is speculated that the anime studio may be waiting for the manga to conclude before adapting further material, given the manga’s ongoing breaks. The anime is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, with English dubs available for all three seasons.
Manga’s Journey
- Weekly Shonen Jump (2013-2018): The manga began its serialization here, releasing chapters weekly.
- Jump SQ. (2018-Present): The series transitioned to a monthly schedule in Jump SQ. to ease the burden on the author.
- Current Arc: The manga is currently in the “Away Mission Test Arc,” which began with chapter 200.
- Latest Release: The last chapter released was chapter 248, on December 4, 2024.
- Next Release: Chapter 249 is planned for the April issue of Jump SQ. on March 4, 2025.
What’s Next for World Trigger
The future release schedule of World Trigger remains uncertain, as it largely depends on Daisuke Ashihara’s health. Fans are hoping for a swift recovery and the continuation of the series.
Key Takeaways
- Extended Hiatus: The World Trigger manga is on hiatus for another month due to author health issues.
- New Release Date: The manga is now set to return on March 4, 2025, in the April issue of Jump SQ.
- Author’s Health: Daisuke Ashihara’s health has been a recurring concern, leading to multiple breaks in the past.
- Previous Hiatuses: The series has had several hiatuses of varying lengths, including a significant two-year break.
- Anime: The anime adaptation is also affected by the manga’s delays, with potential for future seasons remaining uncertain.
Fans React
The news of the extended hiatus has sparked concern among World Trigger fans, with many expressing their support for Daisuke Ashihara’s recovery. The community recognizes that the author’s health is the priority, even though the delays are disappointing for those eager to follow the story. Some fans have created “hiatus charts” to track the series’ breaks, a testament to their dedication.
While the future of World Trigger’s release schedule remains uncertain, readers remain hopeful for the series’ eventual return.