Kodansha’s Monthly Young Magazine has announced that Jaku Amano’s popular sci-fi action manga, A-DO, will go on an indefinite hiatus due to the author’s declining physical health. The unexpected break was revealed in the magazine’s November issue, with further updates on the manga’s return pending Amano’s recovery.
The news comes as the series, which has been serialized since June 2019, was already in its “final series” arc and slated to conclude with its 12th compiled volume in early 2026.
Details of the Hiatus and Author’s Condition
The announcement from Monthly Young Magazine on Monday, October 20, confirmed that the interruption to A-DO‘s serialization is directly attributed to Jaku Amano’s poor physical health. While specific details regarding the nature of Amano’s health issues have not been publicly disclosed, the magazine indicated that the manga’s return date would be determined and announced once the author has fully recovered.
This hiatus temporarily pauses a series that has garnered a dedicated readership for its compelling narrative and dynamic art style. Fans will now await further updates from Kodansha regarding the future of A-DO.
About the A-DO Manga Series
A-DO (Japanese: 亜童, Adō) is a dystopian sci-fi action manga written and illustrated by Jaku Amano. It began serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Young Magazine in June 2019. Kodansha USA Publishing releases the manga in English.
The story is set in a near-future Japan, transformed by a wave of immigration and social unrest, including protests from xenophobic extremists. The narrative centers on Riko, a spirited young woman, and Eito, a mysterious boy with extraordinary, plant-like tendrils emerging from his arm. Their journey involves evading military assassins who are after Eito, delving into themes of identity, power, and survival amidst societal turmoil.
As of July 2025, the series has compiled eleven tankōbon volumes. The 11th volume also revealed that the manga was entering its final stages, with the 12th volume intended to be its last, scheduled for release in early 2026. Kodansha USA Publishing released the eighth English volume on August 5.
Broader Concerns for Mangaka Health in the Industry
The news of Jaku Amano’s hiatus highlights a recurring concern within the manga industry regarding the intense pressures and demanding schedules faced by its creators. Mangaka often work excessively long hours, sometimes with minimal sleep, to meet strict weekly or monthly deadlines. This rigorous environment can lead to significant physical and mental health issues.
Several prominent mangaka have experienced health problems, leading to breaks or changes in their serialization schedules:
- Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the globally renowned One Piece, has taken multiple breaks due to health concerns, with reports indicating his health has been deteriorating over the years despite efforts to manage his schedule.
- Yoshihiro Togashi, known for Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho, has frequently paused his work due to severe and chronic back pain, which at times made it impossible for him to sit at a desk.
- Kentaro Miura, the late creator of Berserk, passed away from acute aortic dissection, a condition often linked to hypertension and extreme stress—a systemic issue associated with the intense schedules in the manga industry.
- Tite Kubo, creator of Bleach, also suffered significant health deterioration, including torn shoulder muscles, due to the constant stress of his work.
These instances underscore a systemic problem where artists often sacrifice their well-being to maintain demanding production rates. While the industry is seeing some shifts towards better support and the adoption of digital tools to ease the physical burden, health-related hiatuses remain a stark reminder of the challenges faced by manga creators.
