The manga adaptation of Aniplex.exe’s popular game, “ATRI: My Dear Moments,” is set to end with the release of its fifth and final compiled volume. Kadokawa, the publisher, has confirmed that the upcoming volume will be the last in the series.
Manga Adaptation Reaching its Conclusion
The final volume of Jako’s manga adaptation is scheduled to be released in Japan on Monday, March 10, 2025. The series began serialization in Kadokawa’s Comptiq magazine in October 2022, bringing the emotional narrative of the original game to a wider audience.
From Visual Novel to Manga and Anime
“ATRI: My Dear Moments” originated as a visual novel developed by Frontwing and Makura, and published by Aniplex.exe. The game was initially released worldwide on Steam for Windows in June 2020, and later made available on Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch in Japan in December 2021. The game’s compelling story and well-developed characters quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase, leading to further adaptations.
In addition to the manga, “ATRI: My Dear Moments” also inspired a television anime series, which premiered in July 2024 as part of the Summer 2024 broadcast season. Crunchyroll streamed the anime weekly with English subtitles, making it accessible to international viewers. The anime adaptation, comprising 13 episodes, closely followed the storyline of the original game, offering a complete and conclusive ending.
A Story of Loss, Hope, and Artificial Intelligence
“ATRI: My Dear Moments” tells the story of Ikaruga Natsuki, a young man who has experienced significant loss. Having lost his mother and a leg in an accident, Natsuki returns to his rural hometown, only to find it partially submerged by the sea. With his family gone, he inherits his oceanologist grandmother’s ship, submarine, and her substantial debts.
Desperate to rebuild his life, Natsuki takes on a job offered by a debt collector named Catherine. Their mission: to explore the sunken ruins of Natsuki’s grandmother’s laboratory in search of a rumored treasure. What they discover is not gold or jewels, but a mysterious girl named Atri, lying dormant in a coffin at the bottom of the ocean.
Atri is revealed to be a highly advanced robot, possessing human-like emotions and a striking appearance. Upon being rescued, she expresses her gratitude to Natsuki and declares her intention to fulfill her master’s final order, vowing to be his “leg” until the task is complete.
Set in a town slowly succumbing to the ocean’s advance, “ATRI: My Dear Moments” explores the blossoming relationship between Natsuki and Atri. The story delves into themes of loss, hope, artificial intelligence, and the meaning of humanity, all set against the backdrop of a poignant summer.
Mature Themes and a Conclusive Ending
Both the manga and anime adaptations of “ATRI: My Dear Moments” maintain the mature themes and nuanced storytelling of the original game. The manga is specifically marketed to the seinen demographic, which caters to older male audiences interested in more complex and thought-provoking narratives.
The anime adaptation provided a conclusive ending, leaving little room for a direct sequel. It is widely anticipated that the manga adaptation will follow suit, delivering a similarly satisfying conclusion that wraps up the storyline definitively. While minor differences in the manga’s ending compared to the game and anime are possible, the core narrative is expected to reach a complete and final resolution.
Exploring the Legacy of “ATRI: My Dear Moments”
The conclusion of the “ATRI: My Dear Moments” manga marks the end of an era for fans of the series. The franchise has resonated with audiences worldwide, thanks to its emotionally charged story, memorable characters, and exploration of profound themes.
The Impact of the Original Game
The original “ATRI: My Dear Moments” visual novel was praised for its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and evocative soundtrack. The game’s success can be attributed to its ability to blend elements of science fiction, romance, and slice-of-life genres into a cohesive and emotionally resonant experience.
Hiroki Shimada of Aniplex produced the game, with music composed by Fuminori Matsumoto, further enhancing the game’s immersive atmosphere. The availability of the game in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, allowed it to reach a global audience.
The Anime’s Adaptation and Reception
The anime adaptation of “ATRI: My Dear Moments” was generally well-received by fans, who appreciated its faithful adaptation of the source material. The anime’s animation quality, voice acting, and musical score were all lauded, contributing to its overall success.
Crunchyroll’s streaming of the anime with English subtitles made it accessible to international viewers, further expanding the franchise’s reach. While an English dub was not produced, the subtitled version allowed fans to fully appreciate the nuances of the original Japanese dialogue.
The Manga’s Unique Perspective
Jako’s manga adaptation of “ATRI: My Dear Moments” offered a unique perspective on the story, translating the visual novel’s narrative into a different medium. The manga format allowed for a different kind of storytelling, with its own distinct pacing and visual style.
The manga’s serialization in Kadokawa’s Comptiq magazine provided a platform for reaching a dedicated readership interested in manga adaptations of popular games and anime. The upcoming release of the fifth and final volume will undoubtedly be a bittersweet moment for fans who have followed the manga’s journey.
What’s Next for the “ATRI: My Dear Moments” Universe?
As of today, February 6, 2025, there are no other adaptations of the original game currently in production or announced. However, the enduring popularity of “ATRI: My Dear Moments” suggests that the franchise may not be entirely finished.
Potential for Future Adaptations
While a direct sequel to the original story may be unlikely, there is always the possibility of spin-offs, prequels, or alternative universe adaptations. The world of “ATRI: My Dear Moments” is rich and complex, offering ample opportunities for exploring new stories and characters.
Given the success of the anime adaptation, a second season or a movie adaptation could also be considered. However, as of now, these are purely speculative possibilities.
Continued Fan Engagement
Even with the conclusion of the manga, the “ATRI: My Dear Moments” fanbase is likely to remain active and engaged. Online communities, fan art, and fan fiction will continue to keep the spirit of the series alive.
The game itself will also continue to be available on various platforms, allowing new players to discover the story and experience the emotional journey of Natsuki and Atri.
A Lasting Legacy
“ATRI: My Dear Moments” has left a lasting impact on the hearts of many fans. Its poignant story, memorable characters, and exploration of complex themes have resonated with audiences worldwide.
The conclusion of the manga marks the end of one chapter in the franchise’s history, but the legacy of “ATRI: My Dear Moments” will undoubtedly endure for years to come. The story of Natsuki and Atri will continue to be cherished by fans who have been touched by their unforgettable summer.
