The popular manga series Undead Unluck, created by Yoshifumi Tozuka, has officially concluded its serialization, marking the end of a five-year journey. The final chapter, Chapter 239, was published in the latest issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine on January 27, 2025. This finale brings to a close the story of Fuuko Izumo and Andy, characters whose unique abilities and intertwined destinies have captivated readers worldwide.
A Five-Year Saga Comes to an End
The serialization of Undead Unluck began on January 20, 2020, in Weekly Shonen Jump, quickly gaining popularity for its unique premise and engaging characters. The manga follows the story of Fuuko Izumo, a young woman whose “Unluck” ability brings misfortune to anyone she touches, and Andy, an immortal man who seeks a way to die, and hopes to use her ability to achieve it. Their unlikely partnership takes them on a journey filled with action, humor, and unexpected twists.
The final chapter was not only longer than usual, spanning 26 pages, but also featured a central color page to commemorate the series’ conclusion. This special treatment highlights the significance of this moment for both the creators and the dedicated fan base. The final chapter is available in English on VIZ Media’s digital platform.
The Journey of Fuuko and Andy
The Premise of Undead Unluck
The story begins with Fuuko Izumo, an 18-year-old who, after a childhood incident, has been living in isolation. She blames herself for the death of her parents and others due to her “Unluck” ability. This ability causes misfortune to anyone she directly touches, with the severity of the misfortune proportional to the length of contact. On the brink of ending her own life, Fuuko meets Andy, a man with the “Undead” ability, granting him regenerative powers and an inability to die.
Andy is looking for the “perfect death” and sees Fuuko’s ability as a possible solution. The two form an unconventional partnership, and quickly find themselves entangled with the Union, a mysterious organization that seeks to control and study individuals with unique abilities like theirs.
Key Characters and Their Abilities
- Fuuko Izumo: The protagonist of the series, Fuuko has the power of “Unluck,” which brings misfortune to anyone she touches. As the series progresses, she learns to control and enhance her ability, using it to aid her and her allies.
- Andy: The “Undead” character who cannot die and possesses rapid regeneration. He seeks a way to finally die and becomes intertwined with Fuuko due to her unique ability.
- The Union: A group of individuals with unique abilities, known as “Negators,” who aim to protect the world. Despite initially appearing as antagonists, they are revealed to be working against God’s imposed rules. Each member has a unique ability that allows them to negate a specific rule of the world.
Production and Release
Manga Publication
The manga series, written and illustrated by Yoshifumi Tozuka, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The chapters have been compiled into 24 tankōbon volumes as of January 4, 2025, with the final two volumes, 25 and 26, set to be released in April 2025.
The manga was also licensed for English release in North America by Viz Media, both in print and digitally, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Anime Adaptation
The series also received an anime television adaptation by TMS Entertainment and animated by David Production, which aired from October 2023 to March 2024. The anime series helped introduce the world of Undead Unluck to new fans, further expanding its reach and popularity. The anime staff are also returning for a 1-hour original anime special.
Manga Ending Commemoration
To celebrate the conclusion of the manga, a special trailer was released on the official MANGA Plus website. The trailer features voiceovers from Yuichi Nakamura, who voices Andy, and Moe Kahara, who voices Fuuko, adding a personal touch for fans.
Creator’s Vision
Yoshifumi Tozuka, the creator of Undead Unluck, is a manga artist from Saitama Prefecture. He first published a one-shot chapter of the series in January 2019 before the full serialization began. He has previously stated that while he plans much of the story in advance, changes are made to enhance the series along the way.
Tozuka’s approach to character creation focuses more on characters’ motivations rather than gender, with many driven by a desire to fight for others. This focus on character motivation has resonated well with fans, creating characters that are both complex and relatable.
Impact and Reception
A Fresh Addition to Shonen Jump
Undead Unluck has been praised for its inventive storyline, creative fight scenes, and the dynamic between Fuuko and Andy. The series stands out among other Weekly Shonen Jump titles, offering a unique blend of action, comedy, and romance, which has captured the attention of readers worldwide.
Fan Reactions
The announcement of the manga’s conclusion has been met with mixed emotions from fans. While many are sad to see the series end, they are also expressing their appreciation for the story that Tozuka has created over the past five years. The series has generated considerable discussion within the manga community, with many praising its original characters and world-building.
Legacy
While the manga is coming to an end, the world of Undead Unluck is likely to continue through the anime series, as well as a new novel scheduled for release in April 2025. The impact of the series is expected to be felt for years to come, leaving a lasting impression on the manga and anime community.
