The popular manga series, WATATEN!: An Angel Flew Down to Me, is preparing to draw its curtains, with only three chapters remaining. This announcement marks the end of an eight-and-a-half-year journey for the beloved four-panel yuri comedy. Created by Nanatsu Mukunoki, the series has captivated readers with its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of an otaku college student and her interactions with adorable elementary school girls.
Manga’s Final Bow
The news of the manga’s conclusion came on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with the revelation in the March issue of Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime magazine. The final chapter is slated for release in the magazine’s June issue, which will be available on April 18, 2025. This announcement has stirred a mix of emotions among fans, many of whom have followed the series since its inception in November 2016.
Creator’s Message
Nanatsu Mukunoki, the author and illustrator, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share the news with their followers. In their message, they expressed gratitude for the readers’ support and requested that they continue to follow the series until its final chapter. The author’s words, coupled with an accompanying illustration, resonated deeply with fans, underscoring the close bond formed over the years.
A Story of Friendship and Laughter
WATATEN! centers around Miyako Hoshino, a shy and introverted college student who happens to be a devoted otaku. Miyako’s life takes an unexpected turn when her younger sister, Hinata, brings home her classmate, Hana Shirosaki. Instantly smitten by Hana’s cuteness, Miyako embarks on a hilarious and often awkward journey to get closer to her. The series is known for its lighthearted humor, endearing characters, and heartwarming moments of friendship and affection.
Key Characters
The story revolves around a delightful cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities:
- Miyako Hoshino: The introverted college student with a passion for all things otaku and an overwhelming fondness for cute girls.
- Hana Shirosaki: The adorable and innocent elementary school student who captures Miyako’s heart.
- Hinata Hoshino: Miyako’s younger sister and Hana’s classmate, who often finds herself in the middle of her sister’s antics.
- Noa Himesaka: A classmate of Hinata and Hana, known for her energetic personality and playful teasing of Miyako.
Anime Adaptations
The popularity of the manga led to the production of an anime television series by Doga Kobo, which aired in Japan from January to March 2019. The anime adaptation, directed by Daisuke Hiramaki and written by Yuka Yamada, faithfully captured the spirit of the manga, further expanding its fanbase. In 2022, a theatrical anime film titled WATATEN!: An Angel Flew Down to Me: Precious Friends was released, continuing the adventures of Miyako and her friends. Both the TV series and the movie are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Voice Cast
The main voice cast includes:
- Reina Ueda as Miyako Hoshino
- Rika Nagae as Hinata Hoshino
- Akari Kitou as Noa Himesaka
- Maria Sashide as Hana Shirosaki
- Naomi Oozora as Kanon Konomori
- Yuuna Matsumoto as Kouko Matsumoto
- Koyori Tanemura as Hitomi Oowada
- Ami Koshimizu as Chizuru Hoshino
- Aki Toyosaki as Emily Himesaka
- Hina Kino as Hina Matsumoto
- Lynn as Kouko Matsumoto
Legacy and Impact
WATATEN!: An Angel Flew Down to Me has left a significant mark on the manga and anime landscape. The series has been praised for its cute and funny characters, wholesome storytelling, and positive representation of yuri themes. The manga’s success has spawned not just the anime series and film, but also various merchandise and fan-created content, solidifying its status as a beloved franchise.
Where to Watch and Read
- The WATATEN! TV anime series and the movie Precious Friends are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
- The manga series is published in Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime magazine, with fifteen tankōbon volumes released as of September 28, 2024.
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans are left with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. While the end of the manga may be bittersweet, the impact of WATATEN!: An Angel Flew Down to Me and its endearing characters will undoubtedly endure for years to come. The final three chapters promise a heartfelt send-off to the beloved characters and stories that have touched the hearts of many.
