TOKYO — The widely acclaimed manga series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sōsō no Frieren), written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, is going on an indefinite hiatus starting with the 47th issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine, scheduled for October 22, 2025. The decision was made after careful consideration of the creators’ health and discussions about adjusting the manga’s serialization pace and publication format.
Creators’ Health Cited as Primary Reason for Hiatus
The official announcement from the Weekly Shonen Sunday editorial department expressed gratitude for ongoing fan support and stated that the temporary suspension is to allow writer Kanehito Yamada and illustrator Tsukasa Abe to prioritize their health. Both creators remain dedicated to the series, and the editorial team will continue to provide support. Details regarding the manga’s eventual return will be announced in future issues of Weekly Shonen Sunday.
A Recurring Pattern: Frieren’s Hiatus History
This latest indefinite break marks another instance in a series of hiatuses for the popular fantasy manga. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has experienced several pauses in its serialization since its debut in April 2020. The manga previously went on hiatus in January 2023, resuming in March of the same year. Another break occurred from May to August 2024, followed by a hiatus from December 2024 through July 2025. The series had only recently returned to Weekly Shonen Sunday on July 23, 2025, after a roughly six-month break, releasing only six new chapters before this new indefinite suspension. This makes it the fourth break since the manga’s 2020 debut.
Fans have grown accustomed to these interruptions, which often stem from the demanding nature of the manga industry and the health of its creators. The frequent breaks have sparked discussions among the fanbase and in the wider manga community about the pressures faced by mangaka.
Impact on the Anime Adaptation
Despite the manga’s current indefinite hiatus, the highly anticipated second season of the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End anime adaptation is still on track for its premiere. Season 2 is scheduled to debut on January 16, 2026, and will be available to stream on Crunchyroll. The anime has ample existing manga material to adapt for a full second season, with estimates suggesting enough content for at least 40 additional chapters.
While the immediate release of Season 2 is not affected, the long-term impact on potential future anime seasons, such as a third season, remains uncertain given the manga’s irregular serialization schedule.
Fandom’s Response and Industry Context
The news of the hiatus, while disappointing for fans eager for new chapters, has largely been met with understanding and well wishes for the creators’ recovery. Many fans have taken to social media to express their support and advocate for better working conditions within the manga industry, highlighting a growing awareness of the strain placed on mangaka.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which began serialization in April 2020, has achieved significant critical and commercial success, winning the Manga Taisho 2021 Grand Prize and selling over 30 million copies worldwide by July 2025. The series is lauded for its unique “post-epic fantasy” narrative, which follows the elf mage Frieren after the defeat of the Demon King, blending drama, action, and humor.
