Fans of the popular supernatural comedy manga, The Vampire Dies in No Time (Kyūketsuki Sugu Shinu), can mark their calendars as the series is officially set to resume its serialization. The manga will return for a short-term concentrated publication, commencing in the 39th issue of Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine, scheduled to ship on August 28. This highly anticipated return follows an extended hiatus, providing a welcome update for its dedicated readership.
Author’s Health and the Hiatus
The manga’s recent prolonged break was primarily attributed to the health of its creator, Itaru Bonnoki. In May 2023, the manga had extended its hiatus indefinitely due to Bonnoki’s poor physical condition. Prior to this, the series had already experienced several temporary pauses over the past few years, many of which were linked to the author’s health concerns.
A significant update on Bonnoki’s condition came in October 2023, when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). OLF is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the ligament in the spinal column, which can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal and potentially cause nerve damage. Bonnoki had reported experiencing constant back pain for several months leading up to this diagnosis, noting the difficulty of a surgical procedure due to the affected location in his body. Despite these challenges, the recent announcement confirms Bonnoki’s preparations to resume the manga’s serialization.
About The Vampire Dies in No Time
Authored and illustrated by Itaru Bonnoki, The Vampire Dies in No Time began its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Champion in June 2015. The series is renowned for its unique blend of supernatural horror and comedy, making it a distinctive entry in the shōnen manga landscape.
The plot centers around the seemingly invincible vampire hunter Ronaldo and the titular vampire, Draluc. Contrary to his formidable reputation, Draluc is, in fact, the weakest vampire in existence, frequently turning to dust at the slightest shock or inconvenience. After a calamitous encounter leaves Draluc’s castle in ruins, he ends up moving into Ronaldo’s office, along with his beloved armadillo familiar, John. This unlikely cohabitation forms the comedic core of the series, as the duo navigates a bizarre world filled with eccentric vampires, supernatural threats, and the everyday absurdities of their lives. The manga’s humor, wild character designs, and frequent pop culture references have contributed to its widespread popularity.
The series has also successfully crossed over into animation, with an anime television series adaptation produced by Madhouse. The first season aired from October to December 2021, and a second season followed from January to March 2023. Both seasons have been streamed by platforms like Funimation and Crunchyroll, further expanding the series’ reach.
Significance of the Return
The resumption of The Vampire Dies in No Time is a testament to Itaru Bonnoki’s dedication to his work and the enduring appeal of the series. For fans who have eagerly awaited new chapters, this announcement brings a renewed sense of excitement and provides continuity to the beloved comedic adventures of Draluc and Ronaldo. The manga’s return to Weekly Shōnen Champion signifies a positive step forward, promising more of the unique humor and character interactions that have defined the series since its debut.
