The long-running Ultraman manga series, written by Eiichi Shimizu and illustrated by Tomohiro Shimoguchi, will return from hiatus in Spring 2026 to begin its highly anticipated final arc. The announcement was made in the 149th chapter of the series, confirming that fans can expect the conclusion to Shinjiro Hayata’s story in just over a year.
A Brief Hiatus Before the Climax
The Ultraman manga is currently on hiatus following the announcement of its impending final arc. This break gives the creative team time to prepare for the grand finale of the beloved series. The manga has been a staple since its launch in 2011, first in Monthly Hero’s magazine, and later on the Comiplex website after the magazine ceased publication in 2020.
The Legacy of the Ultraman Manga
The Ultraman manga reimagines the classic tokusatsu hero for a modern audience, following Shinjiro Hayata, the son of the original Ultraman, Shin Hayata. Shinjiro inherits the “Ultraman Factor” and dons a metallic suit to protect Earth from new alien threats after the legendary “Giant of Light” is believed to have returned home. Viz Media publishes the manga in North America, making the series accessible to a wide international readership. As of February 2025, the series has been collected into 21 tankōbon volumes.
Creators Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi
Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi, known for their work on Linebarrels of Iron, have been the driving force behind the Ultraman manga since its inception. Their unique artistic style and storytelling have breathed new life into the iconic franchise, garnering a significant following. The manga’s success also led to an acclaimed anime adaptation.
Distinguishing the Manga’s Final Arc from the Anime’s Conclusion
It is important for fans to note the distinction between the manga’s upcoming final arc and the anime adaptation. A 3DCG anime series, co-produced by Production I.G and Sola Digital Arts, premiered on Netflix in April 2019. This anime adaptation concluded its story with a third and final season, titled Ultraman Final, which was released globally on Netflix in May 2023. While the anime’s narrative has wrapped up, the original manga is now poised to deliver its ultimate conclusion, offering a potentially different or more detailed resolution to the ongoing saga.
