Daruma Matsuura’s manga series, “Steel of the Celestial Shadows,” has gone on hiatus, leaving fans anticipating its return. The announcement was made in the sixth issue of Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior magazine.
“Steel of the Celestial Shadows” Enters Hiatus
The Big Comic Superior magazine revealed on Friday, March 2, 2025, that “Steel of the Celestial Shadows” manga is going on hiatus. As of the announcement, neither the reason for the hiatus nor the anticipated return date have been specified.
Previous Hiatus and Plot
This isn’t the first time the series has been put on hold. In 2021, the manga previously went on hiatus to allow Matsuura time for research related to the series.
Viz Media, which publishes the series in English, describes the story as follows: Konosuke Ryudo, a samurai, is cursed, making him unable to even pick up a sword because metal repels him. Destitute, he contemplates ending his life but is saved by a mysterious woman, marking the beginning of his journey into a magical world.
Publication History
Daruma Matsuura launched “Steel of the Celestial Shadows” in June 2020. Shogakukan published the ninth compiled book volume on September 30, 2024. Viz Media released the fifth compiled book volume in English on January 21, 2025.
- Serialization: Big Comic Superior since June 12, 2020.
- Genre: Period drama, Samurai, Supernatural.
- Volumes: 9 in Japan (as of September 30, 2024).
- English Publisher: Viz Media.
Reasons for Manga Hiatuses
Manga series often go on hiatus for various reasons:
- Author’s Health: Mangakas often face demanding schedules, and health issues can necessitate a break.
- Creative Burnout: Authors may experience creative burnout and require time off to recharge.
- Research: As with the previous “Steel of the Celestial Shadows” hiatus, authors may need time for research.
- Other Projects: Mangakas might pause one series to focus on other projects.
- Quality Concerns: Creators may take time off to address concerns about the quality of their work.
About the Author
Daruma Matsuura debuted with her series, “Kasane,” in Evening magazine in April 2013, which concluded in August 2018. “Kasane” was nominated for the Kodansha Manga Awards and the Manga Taisho Award in 2015 and was adapted into a live-action film in 2018.
