Shinya Murata’s action-horror manga, Blattodea, with art by Tokisada Hayami, has officially entered its “final stage” of serialization. The announcement was made in this year’s September issue of Square Enix’s Gangan Joker magazine, signaling the impending conclusion of the popular series.
The Road to Conclusion for Blattodea
The revelation that Blattodea is nearing its end marks a significant moment for fans who have followed the intense narrative since its debut. Murata and Hayami launched the manga in Gangan Joker in January 2020. Square Enix, the publisher, released the seventh compiled book volume of Blattodea in November 2024, indicating the series has had a substantial run leading up to its finale.
A Continuation of the Arachnid Universe
Blattodea serves as a direct sequel to Murata’s earlier work, Arachnid, which featured art by Ifuji Shinsen and was serialized from 2009 to 2016 in the same magazine. The original Arachnid manga established a dark world populated by assassins themed after various insects.
Delving into Blattodea‘s Gruesome World
The sequel picks up after the harrowing events of Arachnid, following protagonist Alice Fujii. She grapples with the aftermath of surviving attacks from psychotic, bug-themed assassins at her school, dealing with personal betrayals, and the loss of her signature Kumoito knife-gun. Compounding her struggles, Japan has been overrun by “rapist zombies” in what’s described as an “orgy-apocalypse”.
Alice now spends her days alone, fighting these mutated threats, while “The Organization” seeks to recruit her as their new Boss. Her allies, Gokiburi and Kabutomushi, are also searching for her, setting the stage for the dramatic final arc of the series. The manga is known for its action, psychological elements, horror, and mature themes, including blood and gore, and violence. Murata is also known for other works like Killing Bites, which inspired an anime adaptation.
