The Fūto Tantei manga, a sequel to the popular 2009 Kamen Rider W series, is going on hiatus. This announcement was made in the 11th issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine. However, fans need not despair, as the series is scheduled to return in April with a brand new arc.
What We Know About the Hiatus
Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
- Announcement Date: February 9, 2025
- Source: Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine, 11th issue
- Reason: To prepare for the next arc of the story.
- Return Date: April 2025
- What to Expect: The manga will begin a new story arc.
The Final Stage
The Fūto Tantei manga entered its “last stage” on January 15, 2024. The 17th volume of the manga also teased that the series was about to enter its final arc. The magazine published the final chapter of the “Quest” arc in the same issue that announced the hiatus.
About Fūto Tantei
Fūto Tantei is a manga series that serves as a sequel to the Kamen Rider W series, which aired from September 2009 to August 2010.
Production Team
The creative team behind Fūto Tantei includes:
- Writer: Riku Sanjo, a key writer from the original Kamen Rider W series.
- Artist: Masaki Satou (Love Theory).
- Supervisor: Toei producer Hideaki Tsukada.
- Creature Designer: Katsuya Terada (Blood: The Last Vampire, Silk Road Kids).
Story Setting
Like the original series, Fūto Tantei is set in the city of Fūto. The story revolves around the characters Shotaro Hidari and Philip.
Toei describes the manga as follows:
“FUUTO is under the protection of Shotaro and Philip, But bizarre incidents continue to occur frequently on the far side of the city. Tokime, a mysterious beauty, appears and a new evil casts its shadow over the windy city. It’s the beginning of a new battle for Kamen Rider W.”
Publication History
The manga launched in Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine in August 2017. Shogakukan published the 17th compiled book volume on October 30.
Anime Adaptation
The manga has also been adapted into an anime series titled FUUTO PI, which premiered on August 8, 2022, on the Tokyo MX channel. However, it was available for streaming on U-NEXT from August 1, 2022. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS. The anime project commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Kamen Rider franchise.
Stage Play Adaptation
The manga also inspired a stage play adaptation titled Fūto Tantei The STAGE, which ran from December 2022 to January 2023 in Tokyo and Osaka.
Kamen Rider W: A Brief Overview
Kamen Rider W, the predecessor to Fūto Tantei, is the 11th Kamen Rider series of the Heisei era. It aired from September 2009 to August 2010. The show starred Renn Kiriyama as Shotaro Hidari and Masaki Suda as Philip.
Other Manga Hiatuses
It’s not uncommon for manga series to go on hiatus for various reasons. For example, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End recently took a one-month break, with plans to resume publication in mid-April.
What This Means for Fans
The hiatus of the Fūto Tantei manga may be disappointing for fans eager to continue following the adventures of Shotaro and Philip. However, the break is relatively short, and the promise of a new arc in April offers something to look forward to. This provides an opportunity for readers to revisit previous volumes, watch the FUUTO PI anime, or even explore the Fūto Tantei The STAGE play to further immerse themselves in the world of Fūto and its protectors.
The Significance of Fūto Tantei
Fūto Tantei holds a special place in the hearts of Kamen Rider fans as it continues the story of Kamen Rider W, a series known for its unique characters, compelling mysteries, and stylish action. The manga has successfully captured the spirit of the original while introducing new elements and challenges for Shotaro and Philip to overcome. Its popularity has led to the creation of an anime adaptation and a stage play, further expanding the reach of the franchise.
Looking Ahead
As the Fūto Tantei manga prepares to return in April with a new arc, fans can expect more of the thrilling detective work, exciting Kamen Rider action, and intriguing mysteries that have made the series so beloved. The upcoming arc may delve deeper into the secrets of Fūto, introduce new characters and villains, and further explore the bond between Shotaro and Philip.
The hiatus is a temporary pause, and the return of Fūto Tantei promises to be a significant event for fans of the Kamen Rider franchise. The new arc will undoubtedly bring fresh excitement and challenges to the world of Fūto, ensuring that the legacy of Kamen Rider W continues to thrive.
