John Tarachine’s critically acclaimed manga series, Credits Roll Into The Sea (Umi ga Hashiru Endroll), has officially concluded its serialization, with its final chapter appearing in the December issue of Akita Shoten’s Mystery Bonita magazine. Fans, however, won’t have to wait long for more of Tarachine’s unique storytelling, as a spinoff chapter is slated for publication in the magazine’s February issue, arriving in early January.
The manga, which began its run in October 2020, will compile its complete story into a total of nine tankōbon volumes. As of July 2025, eight volumes had already been released.
A Journey of Discovery Through Filmmaking
Credits Roll Into The Sea captivated readers with its heartfelt narrative centered around Umiko Chino, a 65-year-old widow. Following the loss of her husband, Umiko rediscovers a long-dormant passion for cinema. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she meets Kai, a young university student majoring in film. This encounter sparks a profound realization within Umiko: a desire to create films herself, leading her to enroll in film school.
The series has been praised for its exploration of finding new purpose later in life, intergenerational relationships, and the nuanced world of independent filmmaking.
Accolades and International Recognition
Throughout its serialization, Credits Roll Into The Sea garnered significant critical acclaim and industry recognition. The manga topped the list of best manga for female readers in the 2022 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook, and ranked sixth in the 2023 edition. It also received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Manga Taisho Awards in 2022 and was nominated twice for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in both 2023 and 2025. By July 2025, the series had achieved over one million copies in circulation.
For international readers, Dark Horse Comics announced in August 2025 that they have licensed Credits Roll Into The Sea for English publication. The first English volume is scheduled to debut in bookstores on March 3, 2026.
The Upcoming Spinoff Chapter
While the main story of Umiko’s filmmaking journey reaches its conclusion with the ninth volume, the announcement of a spinoff chapter offers an exciting prospect for fans. This new chapter, appearing in the February issue of Mystery Bonita magazine in early January, will provide a welcome return to Tarachine’s unique world and characters, likely delving into a new facet of the story or expanding on a beloved character’s experiences. Specific details about the plot of the spinoff have not yet been revealed, but its imminent release ensures that the world of Credits Roll Into The Sea will continue to resonate with readers.
