Akihiro Ononaka’s popular manga series, Gushing Over Magical Girls (Mahō Shōjo ni Akogarete), will resume serialization on Takeshobo’s TakeComi! website starting October 17, 2025. The series had been on hiatus since March 2024 due to the author’s health issues.
The Return of a Fan-Favorite Manga
The announcement of the manga’s return has been met with anticipation from fans who have been eagerly awaiting new chapters. Gushing Over Magical Girls gained significant traction, especially with its recent anime adaptation, which aired from January to March 2024. The manga’s hiatus, attributed to Ononaka’s health, had left readers wondering about its future.
From Hiatus to Highly Anticipated Comeback
The series originally entered its hiatus in March 2024. During this period, Takeshobo’s Storia Dash web platform’s official X (formerly Twitter) account provided updates, confirming the mangaka’s improving health and the eventual decision to resume serialization after a necessary recovery period. The move to Takeshobo’s TakeComi! website for its return marks a new chapter for the series.
Understanding Gushing Over Magical Girls
Gushing Over Magical Girls, also known as I Admire Magical Girls, follows the story of Hiiragi Utena, a middle school girl who loves magical girls but unexpectedly transforms into a sadistic villainess. The series blends comedy, magical girl tropes, and Yuri themes, creating a unique and often provocative narrative.
Publication History and English Release
Akihiro Ononaka launched the manga in Takeshobo’s Manga Life Storia magazine in 2019. After the magazine ceased publication in July 2019, the manga transitioned to the Storia Dash website. As of January 2024, eleven tankōbon volumes have been published. J-Novel Club has licensed the series for English release, with a print release beginning publication in July 2025. Yen Press also publishes print volumes of the manga.
The Anime Adaptation’s Impact
The anime television series adaptation, produced by Asahi Production, premiered in January 2024 and significantly boosted the manga’s global profile. The anime was notable for its different versions, including a censored TV broadcast, a “gushing” version for streaming, and an “ultra-gushing” version for home media, offering varying levels of explicit content. HIDIVE streamed the “gushing” version as it aired in Japan, and a second season of the anime has already been announced.
Akihiro Ononaka’s Creative Journey
Akihiro Ononaka is the sole creator behind Gushing Over Magical Girls, handling both the story and art. Prior to this series, Ononaka also worked on Kumika no Mikaku, showcasing a different style of work. This versatility highlights Ononaka’s range as a mangaka.
The resumption of Gushing Over Magical Girls provides fans with the opportunity to delve back into the unique world crafted by Akihiro Ononaka, continuing the adventures of Utena Hiiragi and her complex role as both a magical girl admirer and a villainess.
