Takeshi Konomi’s popular sequel manga, The New Prince of Tennis, will not publish a new chapter in the February issue of Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine, going on hiatus this month. The unexpected break is attributed to “editorial mismanagement” affecting an unrelated illustration project by Konomi, which subsequently impacted the manga’s manuscript progress.
The Cause of the Hiatus: Editorial Mismanagement and a Collateral Project
According to a statement released on the official X (formerly Twitter) account for The New Prince of Tennis, author Takeshi Konomi has been engaged in a separate illustration project since last year. The statement clarifies that the editor in charge’s mismanagement led to issues with this project’s advancement, ultimately preventing its exhibition. This incident had a ripple effect, interfering with the progress of the manga’s manuscript for the current Jump Square issue, compelling the staff to announce the hiatus.
The specific details of the “mismanagement” were not fully elaborated in the public statement, but such issues within the manga industry can range from poor scheduling and communication to disputes over creative direction or logistical failures. Manga authors, particularly those serializing weekly or monthly, often face intense deadline pressure and heavy workloads, making efficient editorial support crucial for smooth production.
Takeshi Konomi’s Commitment and Future Plans
Despite the setback, Konomi has already commenced work on the chapter slated for the March issue of Jump Square, scheduled for release on February 4. The editorial staff conveyed its commitment to collaborating closely with Konomi to deliver an enhanced story as the series approaches its climax.
This indicates a desire to minimize further disruption and ensure the continuity of the series, which has a significant fanbase. Konomi himself announced in July of the previous year that he intended to conclude The New Prince of Tennis within a year, suggesting that the series is heading towards its planned conclusion.
The Prince of Tennis Legacy
Takeshi Konomi first launched The Prince of Tennis manga in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1999, where it ran until 2008. The original series captivated readers with the story of middle school tennis player Ryōma Echizen as he competes against rivals to reach the national tournament. It achieved immense popularity, inspiring a long-running anime television series, feature films, video anime projects, a live-action film, a Chinese live-action television series, and a successful stage musical series.
The sequel, The New Prince of Tennis, began serialization in Jump Square in 2009, continuing the saga of Ryōma Echizen. Shueisha released the 46th compiled book volume of The New Prince of Tennis on January 5. Jump Square itself is a monthly shonen manga magazine published by Shueisha, established in 2007 as a successor to Monthly Shonen Jump.
This hiatus, while brief, highlights the often-complex production environment of the manga industry and the critical role effective editorial management plays in maintaining a consistent publication schedule. Fans eagerly await the return of The New Prince of Tennis in the March issue.
