The Terraformars manga is once again going on hiatus, with the next chapter expected to arrive sometime this summer. This announcement comes from the 19th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine.
Recent Return and Previous Hiatuses
The manga only recently returned from a four-year hiatus in April 2024. Before that, it had been on an indefinite hiatus since December 2019, due to concerns regarding author Yū Sasuga’s health. Kenichi Tachibana, the illustrator, mentioned in August 2021 that the manga would resume once Sasuga had recovered.
Health Concerns
Sasuga’s health has been a recurring factor in the manga’s publication history. The series had another prolonged hiatus from March 2017 to April 2018, also related to Sasuga’s health issues.
Background of Terraformars
Terraformars, written by Yū Sasuga and illustrated by Kenichi Tachibana, first appeared in Shueisha’s Miracle Jump magazine in January 2011. It later moved to Weekly Young Jump in April 2012. As of July 2024, the series has been compiled into 23 tankōbon volumes.
Storyline
The manga is set in a future where humanity attempts to terraform Mars by sending mold and cockroaches to the planet. Centuries later, a manned mission, Annex 1, is sent to Mars to conduct crucial research regarding a virus plaguing Earth. The crew members are injected with DNA from various Earth organisms to combat the Terraformars, which are giant, mutated humanoid cockroaches.
Other Works by the Creators
Kenichi Tachibana also launched a sci-fi manga called Gigantis in Shueisha’s Grand Jump magazine in August 2021, which concluded in July 2023.
Adaptations and Availability
Terraformars has been adapted into several forms of media, increasing its popularity.
Anime
LIDENFILMS produced an anime adaptation that aired for 13 episodes in Fall 2014. A second season, produced by LIDENFILMS and TYO Animations, aired in Spring 2016.
OVA
Two original video animation (OVA) episodes were included with the 21st and 22nd volumes of the manga in August and November 2018. These OVAs adapted the Earth arc of the manga.
Live-Action Film
A live-action film adaptation of Terraformars was released in 2016.
Licensing
Viz Media has licensed the manga for release in North America, with the 22nd volume released in December 2019. Crunchyroll streams the anime adaptation. In the United Kingdom, Kazé UK has licensed the anime. Madman Entertainment handles the release in Australia and New Zealand.
Reception
Terraformars has garnered a dedicated fanbase and has sold over 22 million copies. The series is known for its science fiction and horror elements, as well as its intense and often violent battles against the mutated cockroaches.
