Many fans of anime and manga (Japanese animation and comics) are heartbroken upon realizing that the “fathers” of their beloved series have passed away. Below, let’s take a look at some notable cases.
Noboru Yamaguchi (Zero no Tsukaima)
Zero no Tsukaima (The Familiar of Zero) was only completed with 20 out of 22 volumes as its author, Noboru Yamaguchi, passed away due to illness late in his career. Yamaguchi gained significant recognition when he began writing the light novel Kakikake no Love Letter, followed by Zero no Tsukaima. Unfortunately, he had to cease his activities due to a series of medical interventions to combat his illness.
Before Yamaguchi passed away in 2013, he had already shared the storyline, including the conclusion of his work, Zero no Tsukaima, with the publisher. Family and fans of the series were all eager to see Noboru Yamaguchi’s story completed. As a result, Kadokawa managed to publish volume 21 in 2016 and the final volume in 2017.
Tomohiro Matsu (Hatena Illusion)
Tomohiro Matsu is well-known among readers through several light novels such as Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai! (18 volumes) and Mayoi Neko Overrun! (12 volumes). Both of these series have been adapted into animated films.
Unfortunately, the latest installment of Hatena Illusion was abruptly halted after the author passed away in 2016 due to liver cancer.
Yoshito Usui (Crayon Shin-chan)
Many fans were shocked by the sudden passing of Yoshito Usui, the creator of the popular manga series Crayon Shin-chan. The story revolves around a mischievous five-year-old boy who loves adventures.
Usui tragically lost his life on September 12, 2009, while hiking in Gunma Prefecture. A week later, his body was recovered. Thousands of fans attended his memorial service, mourning the loss of the beloved manga artist.
As a result, Yoshito Usui could not complete the Crayon Shin-chan manga, and his creative legacy remains unfinished. The story was “suspended” until Usui’s team began a new manga series in 2010.
Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009)
Ishinomori became a prominent manga artist and tokusatsu creator. He created notable works such as Cyborg 009, Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae, and Hotel. His name is also closely associated with other famous franchises like Kamen Rider, The Legend Of Zelda, and Power Rangers.
Sadly, Ishinomori passed away due to heart failure shortly after his 60th birthday. Cyborg 009 was briefly suspended following the death of its creator.
Ken Ishikawa (Getter Robo)
Getter Robo was interrupted following the death of a prominent production house. Go Nagai, the aforementioned manga artist, collaborated with Ken Ishikawa (who illustrated and wrote parts of the novel) to create this remarkable work.
In 2007, after a serious health issue, Ishikawa unfortunately passed away while in the hospital. Since then, Naoto Tsushima has continued Ishikawa’s story and published a manga titled Getter Robo Hien: The Earth Suicide. This installment is based on drafts and notes from Ishikawa before he passed away.
Umanosuke Iida (Towa no Quon)
Iida was an esteemed voice actor, animator, and screenwriter from Japan, who played a significant role in several notable anime series such as Cowboy Bebop, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Lupin III Part III, and Towa no Quon.
In Towa no Quon, the project remains incomplete. This is a long-running anime series focusing on the story of Quon, a leader with various abilities, as he strives to find a hidden organization, Custos.
Kentarou Miura (Berserk)
Berserk is not only one of the darkest and longest-running series in the seinen genre (a type of manga aimed at adult males), but it is also one of the most respected and beloved titles in this category.
Sadly, after 364 chapters, author Kentarou Miura passed away in 2021. The unexpected departure of Kentarou Miura left fans worldwide devastated. Thus, from now on, Berserk will remain an unfinished work, although it may continue by other creators.
Daisuke Satou (Highschool of the Dead)
Daisuke Satou, the manga artist of Highschool of the Dead, passed away in 2017 due to severe anemia, at the age of 52. His condition was the primary reason that led to the manga’s abrupt halt.
Daisuke Satou left behind a significant legacy, honoring the memories of those who loved the manga he created. He passed away leaving Highschool of the Dead still unfinished…
Keiji Nakazawa (Hadashi no Gen)
The latest volume of Hadashi no Gen concluded with the phrase “End of Part One,” highlighting the horrific and tragic events of the atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima, experienced through the eyes of Gen Nakaoka. Nakazawa had been working on the story of Gen’s new life as a student in Tokyo, but faced health challenges, passing away in 2009 due to poor health.
Three years later, Nakazawa passed away, leaving Hadashi no Gen at chapter 54. Since this work is based on Nakazawa’s personal experiences, it can be said that the character Gen was shaped by the significant hardships he endured, marking him as a prominent figure in the manga world. Unfortunately, this part of his life will not be depicted in the manga.
