For months, the tranquil waters of the Slow Loop manga lay still, its narrative current paused, leaving fans adrift in anticipation. The reason for this hiatus was a deeply personal one, as creator Maiko Uchino bravely stepped away to confront a significant health challenge. Now, like a perfectly cast line, the series is poised to reel readers back in, not only resuming its heartwarming tale but also charting a new course with a change in its publication home.
Understanding the Hiatus and Author’s Journey
The popular fishing-themed manga, Slow Loop, entered a period of hiatus starting in February, leaving its dedicated fanbase awaiting its return. This pause in serialization was due to the health of its creator, Maiko Uchino, who announced she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Maiko Uchino’s Health Battle and Awareness Message
In a courageous revelation, Uchino shared that she had undergone breast cancer surgery in January and was beginning medical treatment. Facing such a personal challenge, she made the conscious decision to publicly disclose her illness. Her motivation was not only to inform her readers but also to raise vital awareness about the critical importance of regular health checkups. This act of transparency resonated deeply, turning a period of personal difficulty into a powerful public health message for her fans and fellow creators.
The Return and New Publication Home
Fans will be delighted to know that the Slow Loop manga is set to resume its serialization, offering a fresh start for the beloved series.
Serialization Resumption Details
The Slow Loop manga is scheduled to make its return on Friday. To celebrate its highly anticipated comeback, the entire series will be available for free reading on the Comic Fuz app and website from Wednesday to Thursday. This generous offering provides an excellent opportunity for both new and returning readers to catch up on Hiyori and Koharu’s gentle, fly-fishing adventures.
Transition to Comic Fuz
Significantly, with its return, Slow Loop will also be moving to a new digital platform. The series, which was previously serialized in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine, will now be published on Houbunsha’s Comic Fuz app and website. This transition marks a new chapter for the manga, adapting to a digital-first distribution model that may offer new avenues for its growth and accessibility. The series had been serialized in Manga Time Kirara Forward since September 2018 until its hiatus in February 2025.
The Enduring Appeal of Slow Loop
Slow Loop has garnered a dedicated following due to its unique blend of recreational fishing and heartwarming slice-of-life narratives. The manga centers on Hiyori, a high school girl who finds solace and connection through fly fishing, a hobby passed down from her late father. Her world expands when her mother remarries, introducing her to a new stepsister, Koharu, a cheerful girl with a love for cooking. The series beautifully portrays their evolving bond as they navigate life and deepen their relationship through their shared passion for fishing.
Anime Adaptation and Previous Releases
The manga’s popularity led to an anime television series adaptation, which premiered in January 2022 and aired until March 2022. Funimation streamed the series as it aired, bringing the charm of Slow Loop to a global audience. Prior to its hiatus, the ninth volume of the manga was released in May 2024. The return of the manga is a welcome development for fans eager to continue following Hiyori and Koharu’s journey, further exploring the serene world of Slow Loop.
