Fans of Itaru Bonnoki’s popular comedy manga, The Vampire Dies in No Time (Kyūketsuki Sugu Shinu), can rejoice as the series is officially set to resume serialization. The highly anticipated return will commence on August 28, 2025, with a “short-term concentrated publication” in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine. This announcement marks the end of a prolonged hiatus that has kept readers eagerly awaiting new chapters of the hilarious supernatural adventures of vampire hunter Ronaldo and the perpetually dusty vampire, Draluc.
The Hiatus Explained: Author’s Health Challenges
The extensive break in The Vampire Dies in No Time manga’s serialization was primarily due to the health of its creator, Itaru Bonnoki. In October 2023, Bonnoki publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). This condition involves the thickening of ligaments in the spinal column, which can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal and potentially cause nerve damage.
Bonnoki had been experiencing constant back pain for several months leading up to his diagnosis. The manga had already taken multiple breaks over the past few years, with several instances directly attributed to the author’s health concerns. In May 2023, following a one-month hiatus from March to April of that year, the serialization was extended indefinitely. Despite the challenges posed by his medical condition and the reported difficulty of potential surgical procedures, Bonnoki had expressed his intent to prepare for the manga’s resumption earlier in January 2025, a promise now fulfilled with the August 28 announcement.
The Return: What to Expect from the Concentrated Publication
The upcoming return of The Vampire Dies in No Time is slated as a “short-term concentrated publication.” While specific details regarding the exact number of chapters or the duration of this concentrated run are yet to be fully disclosed, the term suggests a limited yet impactful re-engagement with the series. This approach may allow Bonnoki to manage his workload while gradually bringing the story back to its loyal readership. Fans will be looking to the 39th issue of Weekly Shōnen Champion, shipping on August 28, for the first new installment.
A Brief History of The Vampire Dies in No Time
The Vampire Dies in No Time first launched in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine on June 25, 2015. The series quickly gained a dedicated following for its unique blend of supernatural elements and absurd comedy. It centers on the unlikely partnership between Ronaldo, a legendary vampire hunter, and Draluc, a 208-year-old vampire who, despite his formidable reputation, turns to dust at the slightest provocation, essentially dying “in no time.” Their misadventures often involve a colorful cast of eccentric characters, including the adorable armadillo familiar, John.
The manga has been compiled into 25 tankōbon volumes, with the most recent volume released in May 2023. Its popularity extended beyond the print medium, leading to an anime adaptation produced by Madhouse. The first season of The Vampire Dies in No Time anime premiered in Japan in October 2021, followed by a second season in January 2023. Both seasons have been made available to international audiences through streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Enduring Appeal and Critical Reception
The enduring appeal of The Vampire Dies in No Time lies in its relentless comedic timing, the dynamic between its two lead characters, and its ability to constantly subvert typical vampire tropes. The series has carved out a niche in the shōnen genre with its distinctive humor and wild character designs, often referencing pop culture and delivering continuous gags. The news of its return is a testament to its strong fan base and its significant impact on the modern comedy manga landscape.
Significance for Fans and the Industry
The resumption of The Vampire Dies in No Time is a major event for its dedicated fan base, who have shown immense patience and support throughout the author’s health struggles. It underscores the challenges faced by manga artists, whose demanding schedules can often impact their well-being, and highlights the resilience and dedication of creators like Itaru Bonnoki. The return, even if in a concentrated form, offers renewed hope and excitement, ensuring that the comedic saga of Ronaldo and Draluc can continue to entertain readers worldwide.
The announcement on August 28, 2025, not only brings back a beloved series but also serves as a positive sign for the manga industry, demonstrating that even after significant breaks, popular works can find their way back to serialization, much to the delight of their global audience.
