Tomato Soup’s Kanshin Smbat (also known as Disloyal Retainer Smbat) manga is set to go on hiatus and will return in April 2026, specifically in the June 2026 issue of Shinshokan’s Wings magazine. The announcement was made in the September issue of the magazine on Monday, July 29, 2025.
Details of the Hiatus
The beloved historical manga, which launched in August 2023, will be taking an extended break from publication. Fans can mark their calendars for its return in the spring of 2026. While the specific reasons for the hiatus were not immediately detailed in the provided information, manga hiatuses can occur for various reasons, including the author’s health, research, or to allow for development time.
About Disloyal Retainer Smbat
Historical Context of the Manga
Kanshin Smbat centers on the historical figure of Smbat II of the House of Orbelian. The Orbelian dynasty was a prominent noble family that ruled the Kingdom of Georgia during the period of Mongol dominance. The narrative delves into 13th-century Armenia, Georgia, and Mongolia, offering a rich historical backdrop. The first chapter of the manga is set in the Syunik Province in Armenia, which was historically part of Georgian-Armenian municipalities under the Georgian Kingdom in 1236.
Key Characters and Plot Elements
The manga explores the political intricacies of the era. For instance, in 1249, the Mongol army was informed of a rebellion among Georgian princes. A character named Gvantsa is depicted using Smbat to set up a trap to confiscate his territories. Smbat is also shown receiving a “divine jewel” to take to the Mongols and expressing his intention to report the looting and illegal tax exploitation by the Mongol army in Georgia to the Emperor of Mongolia. This suggests themes of loyalty, betrayal, and political maneuvering within the historical context.
