Yellow Tanabe’s latest manga series, Kai-hen Wizards (Kaihen no Mahōtsukai), is going on hiatus starting June 25, 2025. This announcement came from the 29th issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine. Fans can expect the series to return in the fall.
Brief Overview of Kai-hen Wizards
Kai-hen Wizards is an oriental fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Yellow Tanabe. It began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday on September 11, 2024. The story follows Zemu, a wizard living in a remote castle who reluctantly takes in a mysterious boy covered in bandages. The boy has no memory of his past, and their encounter sets the stage for a crisis that threatens the world. Viz Media is publishing the series in English, making it accessible to a global audience.
Hiatus Details
The Kai-hen Wizards manga will go on hiatus starting with the magazine’s next issue on June 25, 2025. The series is scheduled to return in the fall. This is not the first break for the manga; it recently returned on April 9 after a previous hiatus that began on January 15, 2025.
Previous Hiatus
Earlier this year, Kai-hen Wizards went on hiatus starting January 15 and returned on April 9.
Yellow Tanabe’s Illustrious Career
Yellow Tanabe is a well-known manga artist, best known for her work on Kekkaishi, which ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 2003 to 2011. Kekkaishi was adapted into an anime series that aired from 2006 to 2008. After Kekkaishi, Tanabe created Birdmen, which was serialized from July 2013 to February 2020.
Kekkaishi
Kekkaishi is one of Yellow Tanabe’s most successful works. The series follows Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura, two high school students who are descendants of kekkaishi (barrier masters) and must protect their school from supernatural creatures. The manga was praised for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and unique take on the supernatural genre. The anime adaptation further boosted the series’ popularity, and Viz Media released the anime on DVD. Discotek Media later released it on Blu-ray Disc in June 2022.
Birdmen
Birdmen is another notable work by Yellow Tanabe. The series revolves around a group of high school students who possess the ability to fly. The manga explores themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges of using extraordinary powers. Birdmen received positive reviews for its creative concept and compelling storytelling.
Where to Read Kai-hen Wizards
Kai-hen Wizards is available for English readers through Viz Media, which is simulcasting the series.
Plot and Themes
Kai-hen Wizards is described as an “oriental fantasy” that follows a wizard named Zemu, who lives in a remote castle far from the secular world. Zemu is reluctant to take on an apprentice, but he eventually accepts a mysterious boy covered in bandages. The boy suffers from amnesia, and his arrival sets off a chain of events that could plunge the world into crisis.
Oriental Fantasy Setting
The “oriental fantasy” setting of Kai-hen Wizards blends elements of Eastern mythology and folklore with traditional fantasy tropes. This creates a unique and immersive world for the characters to inhabit. The remote castle where Zemu lives adds to the sense of mystery and isolation, emphasizing the importance of his encounter with the mysterious boy.
Mysterious Protagonist
The amnesiac boy covered in bandages is a classic trope in fantasy stories, but it remains an effective way to draw readers into the narrative. The boy’s lack of identity and past makes him a blank slate, allowing readers to project their own expectations and desires onto him. As he learns more about his true nature, he is forced to confront difficult choices that will determine the fate of the world.
Themes of Identity and Responsibility
Kai-hen Wizards explores themes of identity and responsibility. The amnesiac boy must discover who he is and what his purpose is in the world. Zemu, as his mentor, must guide him and help him understand the importance of using his powers responsibly. The series also touches on the idea that everyone has a role to play in shaping the future, regardless of their past.
Reception and Popularity
Since its debut in September 2024, Kai-hen Wizards has garnered attention from manga fans. Viz Media’s English simulpub has allowed international readers to follow the series closely. As of September 16, 2024, the manga was ranked 14019th and had 4.4K monthly views and 23K total views.
Other Works by Yellow Tanabe
- Kekkaishi: Serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 2003 to 2011.
- Birdmen: Serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday from July 2013 to February 2020.
What to Expect When Kai-hen Wizards Returns
When Kai-hen Wizards returns in the fall, fans can likely expect the story to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the amnesiac boy and the looming crisis. Tanabe is known for her intricate plots and well-developed characters, so it is likely that the series will continue to explore complex themes and offer plenty of surprises.
Final Thoughts
The hiatus of Yellow Tanabe’s Kai-hen Wizards is a temporary setback for fans, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the series so far and anticipate what’s to come. With its unique blend of oriental fantasy elements, mysterious characters, and thought-provoking themes, Kai-hen Wizards has the potential to become another classic in Tanabe’s impressive body of work. Fans can look forward to the series’ return in the fall, ready to continue the adventure with Zemu and his enigmatic apprentice.
