Blue Exorcist creator Kazue Kato has revealed the personal health challenges that have resulted in the ongoing hiatus of the manga series.
The manga went on a hiatus in the October issue of Shueisha’s Jump SQ magazine, which was released on Sep 4, 2024.
Taking to her official X account, Kato revealed that a health scare earlier this year led to surgery and ongoing treatment, forcing her to take time off from the regular manga schedule.
While the specifics of the illness have not been disclosed, the manga creator reassured fans that her condition is manageable.
It’s been 15 years since Ao no Exorcist began, but this is the first time I’ve taken such an irregular break for three months. Given the situation, I thought I should share my recent status with everyone.
It’s a personal matter, but I’d like to talk about it. Actually, in March of this year, I had a health checkup and a disease was discovered. Over the past few months, I’ve been working while regularly visiting the hospital. The surgery has successfully ended, and I’ve been discharged, but due to the time required for post-surgery recovery, I’ll need to take additional time off.
As a result, this has become a long break of three months, and I sincerely apologize for that…! I’ll keep the name of the disease private for now, but in my case, it’s something that “if I continue treatment patiently, my life isn’t in immediate danger.”
According to Kato, the decision to pause Blue Exorcist has been difficult. However, the creator felt it was important to prioritize their health.
The manga is expected to resume serialization in the December issue, scheduled for release in November 2024.
Currently, I’m doing well and can work, so please don’t worry! As for the future plans, the Jump SQ issue for October and the November issue will be on break, but I’ve drawn a new illustration for the poster supplement! Then, the serialization is scheduled to resume in the December issue of Jump SQ, which will be released in November.
Kato concluded her message by reassuring fans of her dedication to finishing Blue Exorcist.
That said, from here on out, I’ll be working while continuing treatment, so there may be times when this affects my work and causes concern for all of you, the readers… I apologize in advance if that happens! I wouldn’t be able to rest in peace if I died without finishing Blue Exorcist, so I plan to continue my treatment and do my best to live and draw manga!
Even though I’ve become even more of a wreck, if you could, I’d be grateful if you continued to support Blue Exorcist!!!“
Kazue Kato launched Blue Exorcist manga in Shueisha’s shonen manga magazine Jump Square in April 2009.
The first volume was released on Aug 4, 2009. As of June 4, 2024, 31 volumes have been published.
The series has been licensed by Viz Media for release in North America.
The manga previously went on hiatus in July 2021, resuming in May 2022. It faced another break in January 2023, returning in May of the same year. The series then went on a break for a month in October 2023 as Kato recovered from COVID-19.
The series was adapted into an anime television series produced by A-1 Pictures, with the first season broadcast from April to October 2011.
An anime film, Blue Exorcist: The Movie, premiered in December 2012.
A second season, subtitled Kyoto Saga, aired from January to March 2017. A third season produced by Studio VOLN, subtitled Shimane Illuminati Saga, aired from January to March 2024. A fourth season will be split in two cours; the first one, subtitled Beyond the Snow Saga, is set to premiere in October 2024, while the second one, subtitled The Blue Night Saga, is set to premiere in January 2025.
Source: X