Jaku Amano’s dystopian manga, A-DO, is set to enter its “final series” after a one-month hiatus. The announcement came from Kodansha’s Monthly Young Magazine in its May issue, revealing that the manga will return in the July issue, slated for release in June. This news marks a significant turning point for the series, which has captivated readers with its blend of action, science fiction, and social commentary since its debut in 2019.
What We Know About A-DO
A-DO is a manga series written and illustrated by Jaku Amano. It launched in Kodansha’s Monthly Young Magazine in June 2019. As of November 2024, the series has been compiled into ten tankōbon volumes. Kodansha USA Publishing is releasing the manga in English, making it accessible to a wider international audience.
Story and Setting
The manga is set in a near-future Japan grappling with the social and cultural impact of increased immigration. Xenophobic sentiments are on the rise, creating a volatile atmosphere ripe with tension and conflict. The story follows Riko Saeki, a spirited and independent young woman who finds herself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy after rescuing a mysterious boy named Eito from being run over during an immigration protest.
Characters
- Riko Saeki: A headstrong, scooter-riding 19-year-old who doesn’t back down from anyone. She quits her supermarket job and soon after rescues Eito, taking him under her wing.
- Eito: A boy of few words who possesses incredible body-morphing powers that manifest when he’s threatened. He is hunted by paramilitary soldiers.
Plot
After Riko rescues Eito, she quickly discovers that he is no ordinary child. Eito possesses extraordinary powers, able to manifest plant-like tendrils from his arm to deflect bullets. These powers make him a target for shadowy organizations and paramilitary forces, forcing Riko and Eito to go on the run. The narrative explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the ethics of scientific experimentation as Riko and Eito navigate a dangerous world filled with political intrigue and relentless pursuers.
Themes
A-DO delves into several complex themes, including:
- Immigration and Xenophobia: The manga portrays a Japan struggling to adapt to a wave of immigration, highlighting the resulting social tensions and prejudice against newcomers.
- Dystopian Society: The story is set in a gritty, oppressive urban environment, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of a society on the brink.
- Identity and Belonging: Both Riko and Eito grapple with questions of identity and belonging as they navigate a world that is often hostile and unwelcoming.
- Scientific Ethics: The manga raises questions about the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and the potential consequences of tampering with human biology.
Jaku Amano: The Author Behind A-DO
Jaku Amano is the writer and artist behind A-DO. Amano launched the manga in Monthly Young Magazine in June 2019. Amano’s debut manga series is A-DO. Amano’s art style is characterized by its gritty realism and dynamic action sequences, drawing comparisons to other acclaimed manga artists such as Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of Akira.
A-DO‘s Legacy and Impact
Critical Reception
A-DO has garnered attention for its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. Critics have praised Amano’s artwork for its detailed depiction of a dystopian urban landscape and its ability to capture the intensity of action scenes. The manga has also been recognized for its exploration of relevant social issues, such as immigration and xenophobia, prompting readers to reflect on these complex topics.
Comparisons to Akira
Many reviewers have noted the similarities between A-DO and Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal manga, Akira. Both series are set in dystopian versions of Japan, feature protagonists with extraordinary powers, and explore themes of social unrest and government conspiracy. A-DO has been described as a modern take on the Akira formula, blending familiar elements with its own unique narrative and artistic style.
English Release
Kodansha USA Publishing has been releasing A-DO in English, making the series accessible to readers in North America and other English-speaking countries. The English release has been praised for its high-quality translation and production values, allowing international fans to fully appreciate Amano’s work. The seventh volume in English was released on March 4, 2025.
Themes and Social Commentary
A-DO doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult and timely social issues. The manga’s portrayal of xenophobia and discrimination against immigrants reflects real-world concerns about rising nationalism and intolerance. By exploring these themes within a fictional context, Amano encourages readers to confront their own biases and consider the human cost of prejudice.
What to Expect From the “Final Series”
While details about the “final series” of A-DO are scarce, fans can expect a dramatic and action-packed conclusion to the story. It’s likely that the final chapters will resolve the central conflicts, reveal the truth behind Eito’s powers, and explore the ultimate fate of Riko and Eito in a world on the brink of collapse.
Unresolved Plot Points
Several unresolved plot points will likely be addressed in the final series:
- The origins of Eito’s powers and the nature of the experiments that created him.
- The motivations of the shadowy organizations pursuing Eito and their plans for his abilities.
- The fate of Riko and Eito’s relationship as they face increasingly dangerous challenges.
- The resolution of the social and political tensions in Japan and whether a more tolerant society can emerge.
Potential Endings
Given the dystopian setting and the themes explored in A-DO, the ending could be bittersweet or even tragic. It’s possible that Riko and Eito will succeed in exposing the conspiracies against them and creating a more just society, but it’s equally possible that they will be forced to make difficult sacrifices or face a grim fate.
Manga Hiatuses: A Common Occurrence
The announcement of A-DO‘s hiatus, though brief, highlights a common trend in the manga industry. Many popular series have experienced hiatuses for various reasons, ranging from the author’s health concerns to creative burnout.
Reasons for Hiatuses
- Author’s Health: Mangakas often work long hours under intense pressure, which can take a toll on their physical and mental health. Health-related hiatuses are not uncommon.
- Creative Burnout: Creating a long-running manga series can be creatively draining. Authors may take a break to recharge and develop new ideas.
- Research and Preparation: Some authors take hiatuses to conduct research for their stories or to prepare for a major story arc, such as a final series.
- Other Projects: Mangakas may also take breaks to work on other projects, such as anime adaptations or spin-off series.
Notable Manga Hiatuses
Several well-known manga series have experienced extended hiatuses, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their return. Some notable examples include:
- Black Butler: This manga took a break to prepare for its final arc.
- Historie: This manga went on hiatus due to the author’s health concerns, with plans to carefully plot out the end of the story.
- Snow White with the Red Hair: This series has been on hiatus since 2023, with the reasons for the break remaining unclear.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: This popular manga recently went on an indefinite hiatus, with the reasons for the delay still unconfirmed.
Hiatuses That Never Ended
Unfortunately, not all manga hiatuses result in a return. In some cases, the author’s death or other unforeseen circumstances can lead to a series being canceled or left unfinished. Some examples of manga that went on hiatus and never came back include:
- Highschool of the Dead: This series was canceled after the author’s death in 2017.
- Shindere Shoujo to Kodoku na Shinigami: This manga went on hiatus in 2013 due to the author’s declining health, and the series never resumed after his death in 2015.
- Freezing: This series went on hiatus with no real reason given, and both creators have moved on to other projects.
Conclusion
The announcement that A-DO is entering its “final series” is both exciting and bittersweet for fans of the manga. While the end of the story is in sight, readers can look forward to a thrilling conclusion that will likely tie up loose ends and deliver a satisfying resolution to the series’ overarching themes. As A-DO prepares to embark on its final chapter, its impact on the manga world and its exploration of timely social issues will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on readers for years to come.
