The Manchuria Opium Squad manga, written by Tsukasa Monma and illustrated by Shikako, will transition to an irregular serialization schedule. The change comes as a result of artist Shikako’s ongoing health issues, as announced in this year’s 48th issue of Kodansha’s Young Magazine.
Artist’s Health Prompts Serialization Change
The decision to move to an irregular schedule for Manchuria Opium Squad stems from concerns over the health of its artist, Shikako. This is not the first time Shikako’s health has impacted the manga’s release. In October 2023, the series took a one-month hiatus for the same reason, returning to serialization in November of that year. The shift to an irregular schedule suggests a more long-term adjustment to accommodate the artist’s well-being.
About Manchuria Opium Squad
Manchuria Opium Squad, known in Japanese as Manshū Ahen Sukuwaddo (満州アヘンスクワッド), is a historical crime and suspense manga series. Written by Tsukasa Monma and illustrated by Shikako, it debuted on Kodansha’s Comic Days app in April 2020. The series later transferred to Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021, where it has continued its serialization. Kodansha USA publishes the manga digitally in English via its K Manga service.
The Gritty Premise
Set in 1937 amidst the Japan-controlled Chinese puppet state of Manchukuo, the story follows Isamu Higata, a former soldier in the Kwantung Army. After losing sight in his right eye during battle, Higata is relegated to an agricultural facility. There, he discovers poppy fields, the raw material for opium. Driven by a desperate need to earn money for his seriously ill mother’s medicine, Isamu chooses to delve into the illicit drug trade. This fateful decision propels him into Manchuria’s dark criminal underworld, irrevocably altering his destiny and the fate of the region. The narrative explores themes of crime, history, and psychological drama, often featuring mature content and gore.
Impact on Readers and the Manga Industry
The move to an irregular serialization means that chapters of Manchuria Opium Squad will no longer be released on a consistent weekly basis. This often translates to longer waits between releases for dedicated fans. Such changes, while understandable for an artist’s health, can be challenging for readers accustomed to regular updates.
Artist health issues leading to serialization changes are unfortunately not uncommon in the demanding manga industry, known for its rigorous weekly production schedules. Many popular manga series have experienced similar interruptions or shifts to protect the health of their creators. This emphasizes the intense pressure faced by manga artists and highlights the industry’s increasing recognition of the need for creators’ well-being.
Fans of Manchuria Opium Squad will need to monitor official announcements from Kodansha or Weekly Young Magazine for updates on new chapter releases.
