Masaoki Shindo’s delightful manga series, RuriDragon, is slated to take a brief hiatus before returning to publication in July 2025. This news may leave fans eager for more of Ruri’s slice-of-life adventures feeling a bit blue, but it also offers a chance to reflect on what makes this series so special and what we can anticipate upon its return.
What is RuriDragon?
RuriDragon tells the story of Ruri Aoki, an ordinary high school student who wakes up one morning to find that she has sprouted dragon horns. This revelation is only the beginning, as her mother casually reveals that Ruri’s father is, in fact, a dragon, making Ruri herself a half-dragon. Despite this extraordinary circumstance, Ruri attempts to continue living a normal life, navigating the typical challenges of high school with a newfound draconic twist.
From One-Shot to Serialized Manga
Written and illustrated by Masaoki Shindo, RuriDragon first appeared as a one-shot in Shueisha’s Jump Giga magazine in December 2020. Its positive reception led to its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on June 13, 2022. However, the series faced an indefinite hiatus due to Shindo’s health issues. In April 2024, RuriDragon made its return, moving to Weekly Shōnen Jump‘s digital version and the Shōnen Jump+ service. As of March 2025, the series has been compiled into three tankōbon volumes.
The Plot Thickens (Or Scales?)
Ruri’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her draconic heritage. The manga chronicles her attempts to balance her normal high school life with her emerging dragon abilities. This includes managing her newfound horns, accidentally breathing fire, and dealing with the reactions of her classmates and teachers.
A Unique Blend of Genres
RuriDragon is a unique blend of coming-of-age, fantasy, and slice-of-life genres. It stands out in Shōnen Jump due to its relaxed atmosphere and focus on character interactions rather than action-packed battles. The manga approaches its fantastical premise with a grounded perspective, balancing comedy and absurdity in a way that feels natural.
The Allure of the Mundane
One of the most appealing aspects of RuriDragon is its focus on the mundane. Despite the fantastical premise, the series emphasizes Ruri’s everyday experiences and her interactions with the people around her. This relatability is a key factor in the manga’s success, as it allows readers to connect with Ruri on a personal level.
Relatability and Character Growth
RuriDragon explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the importance of human connection. Ruri’s journey of self-discovery resonates with readers as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while coming to terms with her dragon heritage. Her interactions with classmates and her evolving relationship with her parents add depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Humor and Heart
The manga’s deadpan humor and heartwarming moments further enhance its appeal. The contrast between the extraordinary circumstances and the characters’ nonchalant reactions creates comedic situations, while the genuine emotions and relationships provide depth and warmth.
A Critical Darling
RuriDragon has garnered positive reviews from readers and critics alike. The manga has been praised for its cute art style, relatable characters, and unique blend of genres. It was nominated for the 2023 eBookJapan Manga Award and ranked second in the Web Manga category of the 2024 Next Manga Awards. Critics have also lauded the series for its clean art, stellar expressions, and its ability to balance comedy and absurdity.
Praise for Shindo’s Work
Masaoki Shindo’s storytelling and art style have been widely appreciated. Shindo’s ability to create a world that feels both normal and fantastical has been praised, as well as their skill in portraying character dynamics and emotions. The artwork is clean and expressive, with Ruri’s dragon features seamlessly integrated into her design.
Impact and Reception
The initial chapters of RuriDragon were well-received by Japanese readers, who found the art “cute” and the story’s atmosphere atypical for a Jump manga. Brian Salvatore of Multiversity Comics praised the art and tone, noting the balance between comedy and absurdity. Chanmei of Real Sound described RuriDragon as “a book that will make you want to think about the kindness and love of those around you.” Austin Wood of GamesRadar+ lauded the manga for its “clean art and stellar expressions,” adding that its setting, pacing, and main character stand out within Shōnen Jump‘s lineup.
Hiatus and Return
The hiatus of RuriDragon has been a topic of concern for fans, but the series has shown resilience in its return. The initial hiatus was due to Masaoki Shindo’s health, leading to an indefinite pause in the manga’s publication. However, in February 2024, it was announced that RuriDragon would resume serialization, first in Weekly Shōnen Jump for five weeks and then on a biweekly schedule in the magazine’s digital version and Shōnen Jump+. Now, as the manga is slated for another short break before returning in July 2025 , fans eagerly await the continuation of Ruri’s story.
The Creator’s Health
The health of Masaoki Shindo has been a primary concern throughout the series’ publication. The decision to put RuriDragon on hiatus was made to allow Shindo to focus on their well-being and ensure the long-term continuation of the series. The editorial team at Weekly Shōnen Jump has expressed their support for Shindo and their commitment to bringing back RuriDragon in the best possible condition.
What to Expect
Upon its return in July 2025, fans can anticipate more of the same heartwarming and humorous slice-of-life adventures that have made RuriDragon so beloved. The series will likely continue to explore Ruri’s relationships with her friends and family, as well as her ongoing journey of self-discovery as she navigates the challenges of being a half-dragon in a human world.
Where to Read
RuriDragon is available in both physical and digital formats. The English translation of the manga is published by Viz Media. Digital chapters can be read on the Shonen Jump app, while physical copies of the tankōbon volumes are available for purchase online and in bookstores.
Catching Up
For those who are new to the series or need a refresher, now is the perfect time to catch up on RuriDragon. With only a few volumes currently available, it is easy to dive into Ruri’s world and become invested in her story before the series returns in July 2025.
A Dragon’s Future
RuriDragon has captured the hearts of readers with its unique blend of genres, relatable characters, and heartwarming story. While the upcoming hiatus may be disappointing, it is a necessary step to ensure the well-being of the creator and the long-term continuation of the series. When RuriDragon returns in July 2025, fans can look forward to more of the delightful and mundane adventures of Ruri Aoki, the half-dragon high school student who is just trying to live a normal life.
