Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the acclaimed fantasy manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, is set to return from its extended hiatus on July 23, 2025. The highly anticipated return will see new chapters serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine.
The manga entered its most recent break following the release of Chapter 140, titled “Ballroom,” on December 25, 2024. This marks approximately a six-month pause in the serialization of the popular series. Fans have eagerly awaited the continuation of Frieren’s journey, which has garnered a massive following for its unique blend of adventure, introspection, and poignant exploration of time and legacy.
This is not the first time Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has taken a pause, as the series has experienced several hiatuses in recent years. Previous breaks included periods in January-March 2023, May-August 2024, and a two-week pause in late November 2024, before the indefinite hiatus announced in December 2024. While the specific reasons for the frequent breaks are often not officially disclosed, such pauses are not uncommon in the demanding manga industry, allowing creators time for research, planning, or personal well-being.
Upon its return, the manga will pick up in the midst of the “Foundation Festival Arc,” which began around Chapter 126. This arc has plunged Frieren, Fern, and Stark into a politically charged plotline within the northern capital, focusing on their mission to protect the powerful First Class Mage Serie from an assassination attempt. The arc has also seen the long-awaited return of the character Sein, adding further depth and excitement to the ongoing narrative.
The series has seen an explosion in popularity, particularly following the critically acclaimed anime adaptation by Studio Madhouse, which premiered in September 2023. The anime’s first 28-episode season, which concluded in March 2024, covered the first 60 chapters of the manga and significantly boosted the manga’s sales. As of February 2025, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End boasts over 24 million copies in circulation, cementing its status as a contemporary fantasy juggernaut.
Adding to the excitement for fans, a second season of the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End anime is already confirmed and is slated to premiere in January 2026. This concurrent release schedule for both manga and anime promises a continuous stream of content for the dedicated fanbase. The return of the manga on July 23 is a significant milestone, allowing readers to delve back into the rich narrative and character development that has made Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End a standout series in recent years.
