Manshuu Ahen Squad manga resumes

The Manshuu Ahen Squad manga resumed serialization on October 5 in Weekly Young Magazine. Artist Tsurushima is now handling the art after the series went on hiatus following the death of original artist Shikako in November 2025. The resumption fulfills the creators' wishes and began with two chapters, starting from chapter 217 onward under Tsurushima's hand.

Details of the resumed chapter and production context

Chapter 216, which kicked off the return, is 12 pages long. Shikako had completed 11 pages of this chapter before their death. The chapter was originally planned to be 16 pages. Writer Tsukasa Monma arranged the 12th page, which features no characters. Assistants who had supported Shikako drew the background art for this chapter. From chapter 217 onward, the art is fully by the new artist, Tsurushima.

Series background and recent milestones

Manshuu Ahen Squad is a historical crime manga created by Tsukasa Monma and Shikako. The story is set in 1937 in Manchukuo, a Japanese-controlled puppet state in China. The manga's official synopsis sets the tone with a quote: "Here in Manchuria, the cheapest thing you'll find is a person's life."

The protagonist, Isamu Higata, is sent to serve in Manchukuo's standing army. He loses sight in his right eye during battle and is banished to an agricultural facility where he faces abuse. There, he discovers a field of poppies, the raw material for opium. To raise money for his seriously ill mother, Isamu decides to produce opium, a choice that profoundly affects his future and the fate of the region.

The series has over 3 million copies in circulation. Kodansha USA licensed the manga for English publication, releasing it via the K Manga service beginning in May 2023.

Publication history and adaptations

The manga's journey began on Kodansha's Comic Days service in April 2020. It moved to Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021. Kodansha shipped the 22nd compiled volume in November 2025. The announcement of an anime adaptation was made in the magazine's 45th issue. Production company Pony Canyon opened an official website for the anime adaptation.

Recognition and creator legacy

The series has earned significant recognition, receiving nominations for both the 47th Kodansha Manga Awards in the General category and the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards. Shikako had expressed a wish for someone to complete the manga series in their place. The Weekly Young Magazine staff stated they would respect Shikako's wishes.

The manga resumed serialization with two chapters, beginning with chapter 216 and continuing from chapter 217 onward with art by Tsurushima.