The acclaimed manga series Space Brothers (Uchū Kyōdai), penned by Chūya Koyama, is slated to conclude with its 46th compiled book volume. This highly anticipated finale marks the culmination of a nearly 18-year serialization that has captivated readers worldwide with its inspiring tale of two brothers and their pursuit of cosmic dreams.
The Journey to the Final Frontier: A Long-Awaited Conclusion
Amazon’s listing for the 45th compiled volume of Space Brothers revealed the impending end, indicating that the manga will wrap up with its subsequent 46th volume. The 45th volume itself is set to ship on July 23rd, 2025. This announcement follows earlier reports from creator Chūya Koyama, who in January 2022, indicated his intention to begin the manga’s final arc. By December 2022, Koyama further confirmed that the series was in its concluding stages, with the ending planned for the near future.
The Space Brothers manga has been a staple in Kodansha’s Morning magazine since its launch in December 2007. Its serialization has spanned a significant period, resonating deeply with fans through its blend of drama, science fiction, and slice-of-life elements.
The Enduring Legacy of Space Brothers
Space Brothers tells the compelling story of Mutta and Hibito, two brothers who, as children, make a solemn vow to travel to space. While the younger brother, Hibito, achieves his dream of becoming an astronaut, Mutta’s path is less direct. The series chronicles Mutta’s journey to overcome setbacks and pursue his own aspirations of joining his brother in the cosmos.
The manga has garnered significant critical acclaim throughout its run. In 2011, it notably won the General categories at both the 56th Shogakukan Manga Awards and the 35th Kodansha Manga Awards. Its cultural impact extends beyond the pages, having inspired a 99-episode television anime series that aired from 2012 to 2014, a 2012 live-action film starring Shun Oguri and Masaki Okada, and an anime film titled Space Brothers #0 in 2014, for which Koyama wrote the original scripts. The anime adaptation even featured the first piece of voice acting recorded in space by astronaut Akihiko Hoshide.
As of March 2022, the manga boasted over 28 million copies in circulation, solidifying its position as one of the best-selling manga series. Its sustained popularity was further recognized in 2024 when it, alongside Case Closed, won the grand prize of Rakuten Kobo’s second E-book Award in the “Long Seller Comic” category.
Looking Forward: Anime’s Future Beyond the Manga
While the manga prepares for its conclusion, there’s a potential silver lining for fans of the animated series. In January 2024, Chūya Koyama expressed plans for the Space Brothers anime to continue after the manga’s completion. This suggests that even as Mutta and Hibito’s printed journey concludes, their animated adventures may yet have more to explore.
