Manchuria Opium Squad Resumes with Tsurushima Taking Over Art
Fans of the captivating Manchuria Opium Squad manga can rejoice! The highly anticipated series is officially set to resume serialization on October 5 in Weekly Young Magazine's 45th issue. This exciting return marks a new chapter for the manga, as artist Tsurushima steps in to continue the intricate artwork, following the untimely passing of the original artist, Shikako, in November 2025. This continuation is a profound testament to the power of shared vision and artistic dedication, ensuring that the saga conceived by writer Tsukasa Monma will reach its intended conclusion.
Honoring a Legacy: Tsurushima's Dedication
The decision for Tsurushima to take the helm is deeply rooted in respect for Shikako's legacy and final wishes. Shikako, who tragically passed away on November 8, 2025, due to choroidal melanoma, had expressed a heartfelt desire for an artist from the Kingdom manga team to succeed them. Tsurushima was not only a senior colleague but also worked as an assistant on Yasuhisa Hara's popular Kingdom manga, making this transition incredibly poignant and fitting. Yasuhisa Hara himself shared the announcement, commending Tsurushima's resolve to honor their friend's wish and continue the Manchuria Opium Squad artwork. This passing of the artistic torch highlights the strong bonds within the manga community and the commitment to storytelling.
The Return of Manchuria Opium Squad: What to Expect
The return on October 5 will be a treat for readers, featuring two new chapters of Manchuria Opium Squad. Chapter 216, originally planned for 16 pages, was meticulously completed with the final contributions of Shikako, who managed to finish 11 pages before their passing. Writer Tsukasa Monma arranged the 12th page, which thoughtfully features no characters, allowing the assistant(s) who supported Shikako to draw the background, creating a seamless transition. From chapter 217 onwards, Manchuria Opium Squad will fully embrace its new artistic direction with Tsurushima's distinctive style. This collaborative effort to complete the transitional chapter demonstrates immense respect for Shikako's work and a commitment to the series' integrity.
A Collective Effort for Continuation
The resumption of Manchuria Opium Squad is a testament to the dedicated efforts of many individuals. Weekly Young Magazine's editorial department emphasized this collective endeavor, acknowledging Shikako's family for their support, Tsurushima for embracing a friend's final wish, and writer Monma for their unwavering desire to see the story through to its end. The invaluable contributions of the assistants who provided production support and, of course, the loyal readers who patiently awaited the manga's return, have all been crucial in making this continuation possible. This truly embodies a community coming together to preserve a cherished story.
Series Background and Availability
Manchuria Opium Squad initially began its serialization on Kodansha's Comic Days service in April 2020 before moving to Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021. Kodansha shipped the 22nd compiled book volume in November 2025, marking a significant milestone shortly before Shikako's passing. For international fans, the series is available in English on the K MANGA app, offering a global audience the chance to immerse themselves in this compelling narrative. This accessibility ensures that Shikako's impactful artwork and Monma's storytelling reach a wide array of readers worldwide.
Remembering Shikako's Artistic Journey
Shikako's passing left a void in the manga world, but their artistic spirit lives on through Manchuria Opium Squad. Their wish for the series to be completed by another artist from the Kingdom team was a poignant expression of their dedication to the story and their fellow creators. The Weekly Young Magazine staff's immediate commitment to honoring these wishes underscores the deep respect they held for Shikako as an artist and as a person. This continuation serves as a beautiful memorial to their talent and passion.
Tsurushima's Artistic Prowess
Tsurushima brings a wealth of experience and talent to Manchuria Opium Squad. Prior to taking on this significant role, Tsurushima co-launched the Shikyuuji: Kōkō Kyūji ni Asu wanai manga in Young Magazine in June 2023, which later moved to YanMaga Web and concluded in January 2024. Most recently, Tsurushima was known for the Gokuaku Tensei (Extremely Evil Reincarnation) manga, which concluded with its fourth volume shipped on July 17. Their diverse background in manga art promises a fresh yet respectful interpretation of Manchuria Opium Squad's visual style, ensuring the series maintains its compelling aesthetic while evolving with its new artist.
Looking Forward to the New Chapter
The return of Manchuria Opium Squad with Tsurushima at the artistic helm is more than just a resumption of a manga; it is a profound act of remembrance, collaboration, and dedication to storytelling. As readers prepare to dive back into the intricate world of Manchuria Opium Squad on October 5, there's a collective sense of anticipation and gratitude for everyone involved in bringing this beloved series back. May Shikako's legacy continue to inspire through every panel drawn by Tsurushima and every word penned by Tsukasa Monma.
