The popular manga series, World Trigger, will be extending its current hiatus, much to the disappointment of its dedicated fanbase. Initially planned to return in the March issue of Shueisha’s Jump SQ. magazine, the series will now be delayed further due to the ongoing health issues of its creator, Daisuke Ashihara.
Health Concerns Prompt Further Delay
The official World Trigger X (formerly Twitter) account announced the news, confirming that the manga would not be featured in the March issue, which was scheduled to be released on February 4th. Instead, the manga is now expected to return in the April issue, slated for release on March 4th. The reason for the extension of the hiatus is explicitly stated to be Ashihara’s health, suggesting the situation requires more time for recovery. This isn’t the first time the mangaka’s health has impacted the series.
A History of Hiatuses
World Trigger has faced numerous interruptions throughout its serialization due to Ashihara’s health. The series originally began in 2013 in Weekly Shonen Jump, where it ran until 2016. A significant two-year hiatus due to the author’s health followed, and the manga eventually moved to Jump SQ. in December 2018, where it switched to a monthly release schedule. Even with this change, breaks have been frequent, with several occurring in 2021 and four more in 2022, as well as breaks in August 2023 and January 2024.
Impact on the Series and its Fans
The frequent hiatuses have taken a toll on the series and its fans. While World Trigger has a dedicated following, these interruptions have led to delayed anime seasons and have fueled speculation about the series’ future.
Anime Adaptations
The World Trigger manga has been adapted into a popular anime series by Toei Animation. The first season premiered in 2014, followed by a second in 2015. However, due to the manga’s hiatus, the subsequent seasons were delayed, with Season 2 airing in 2021 and Season 3 in 2022. There’s speculation that the animation studio may be waiting for the manga to conclude before continuing the adaptations.
Fan Reaction
The news of the extended hiatus has been met with understanding from most fans, who are concerned about Ashihara’s health. Many have expressed their support and are hoping for his speedy recovery. However, there is also a sense of frustration due to the long wait for new chapters. Some fans have even created “hiatus charts” to keep track of the breaks.
The Future of World Trigger
The current hiatus is intended to allow Ashihara to focus on his health and work on the manga’s upcoming volume, including gathering research and developing new ideas. The series’ most recent release was its 248th chapter on December 4, 2024. The next chapter, 249, is now targeted for the March 4th release with the April issue of Jump SQ. The current storyline is the Away Mission Test Arc, which began with chapter 200.
Where to Read and Watch World Trigger
Despite the hiatus, fans can still follow World Trigger through official channels. The manga is available digitally through Viz Media and MANGA Plus, which both offer simultaneous English releases. Viz Media also publishes the manga in print. The anime series is available to stream on Crunchyroll, with English dubs for the second and third seasons.
Author’s Health History
The mangaka, Daisuke Ashihara, has a history of health problems. In 2014, he suffered from spondylotic cervical radiculopathy, a condition that causes neck nerve compression and results in severe pain. This has been cited as a major factor in the frequent breaks. While it has not been confirmed, it is possible the current health issues are related to this same condition.
Conclusion
The extension of World Trigger’s hiatus is a reminder of the human cost of creating manga. While fans are eager for the next chapter, Daisuke Ashihara’s health must be the priority. The series’ future remains uncertain, but fans hope for his recovery and the continuation of the beloved series. The new target return date is March 4th, with the release of the April issue of Jump SQ. magazine, but only time will tell if the series continues to progress from there.
