Keisuke Itagaki’s Baki Rahen manga, the latest installment in the long-running Baki the Grappler series, is taking a brief hiatus. Fans will have to wait a little longer for new chapters as the manga is scheduled to return on May 15.
Hiatus Details
The combined 21st and 22nd issue of Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine revealed that Baki Rahen will be on hiatus for two issues. The manga was absent from the 21st and 22nd issues and will make its comeback in the magazine’s 24th issue.
- Return Date: May 15, 2025
- Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Champion
- Publisher: Akita Shoten
About Baki Rahen
Baki Rahen is the sixth part of the Baki the Grappler franchise. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Champion on August 24, 2023. Akita Shoten published the manga’s fourth compiled book volume on April 8, 2025.
The Baki Series
The Baki the Grappler series, created by Keisuke Itagaki, is a martial arts manga that has been running for over three decades. It follows the story of Baki Hanma, who strives to become the strongest fighter in the world and surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, known as “the Ogre.”
The series is known for its over-the-top action, unique characters, and intense fight scenes. It has gained a dedicated following worldwide and has been adapted into several anime series and OVAs.
Previous Baki Manga Series
- Baki the Grappler: Originally ran for 42 volumes in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 1991 to 1999.
- Baki (sequel): Ran for 31 volumes from 1999 to 2005. Media Do releases the manga in English.
- Hanma Baki: Published for 37 volumes in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 2005 to 2012.
- Baki-Dou (first series): Launched in Weekly Shōnen Champion in March 2014 and ended in April 2018 with 22 volumes. An anime adaptation is upcoming.
- Baki-Dou (second series): Launched in Weekly Shōnen Champion in October 2018 and ended in June 2023 with 17 volumes.
Baki Anime
The Baki series has been adapted into several anime series, including:
- Baki the Grappler (1996)
- Baki (2001)
- Baki (ONA, 2018): Debuted on Netflix in June 2018 (Japan) and December 2018 (worldwide).
- Baki: Dai Raitaisai-hen (ONA, 2020): Debuted worldwide on Netflix in June 2020.
- Baki Hanma (ONA, 2021): Streams on Netflix.
- Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura (ONA, 2024): Streams on Netflix.
Possible Reasons for the Hiatus
While the exact reason for the hiatus has not been officially stated, there are a few possibilities:
- Author’s Health: Itagaki may need a break for health reasons.
- Production Issues: There may be production-related challenges that require a temporary halt.
- Creative Break: Itagaki may need time to plan and develop future storylines.
- End of Year Festivities: Previously, the manga took a break due to the end of year festivities, which is a common practice for many series.
- Golden Week: Golden Week is approaching, which means Champion will be on break.
Where to Read Baki Rahen
- MangaBerri: Offers free chapters of Baki Rahen.
- Online Retailers: Volumes are available for purchase from various online retailers.
Community Reaction
Fans have expressed their anticipation and support on social media platforms like Reddit, hoping for Itagaki’s well-being and the manga’s smooth return.
Other Baki Media
Besides the main manga series and anime adaptations, there are also:
- Novels: Baki Rahen has a novel adaptation.
- Spinoffs: A new Baki isekai spinoff manga starring Retsu Kaioh.
In Conclusion
While the hiatus of Baki Rahen may be disappointing for fans, it is only temporary. The manga is set to return on May 15, and fans can look forward to more of Baki’s intense martial arts journey.
