Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Faces Another Hiatus – Here's What Fans Need to Know

Fans of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End were recently hit with disappointing news. Weekly Shonen Sunday has announced that the popular fantasy manga will go on an indefinite hiatus starting from the magazine's next issue. This decision follows the release of the manga's latest chapter in the combined fourth and fifth issues of 2025, which dropped on Dec. 11.

This isn't the first pause for Frieren. Just a few weeks ago, the series was put on hold in late November for two weeks. And earlier this year, in both January and May, the manga faced extended breaks before eventually resuming. While the exact reasons for these interruptions remain unconfirmed, many fans speculate that the creators, Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, might be dealing with health concerns. However, neither has made an official statement addressing their health or the reason behind the inconsistent release schedule.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the manga's return, there’s some good news for fans. Studio Madhouse, the team behind the anime adaptation, confirmed that Season 2 of the series will premiere in 2025. The anime debuted in September 2023 and quickly gained popularity for its slower, more reflective storytelling, along with its memorable characters and deep emotional themes. Fans can look forward to seeing the return of Frieren, Fern, and Stark as the trio’s journey continues. A teaser trailer and a key visual have already been released, keeping anticipation high.

For those unfamiliar, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows the story of Frieren, a skilled but emotionally distant Elven mage. Decades after defeating the Demon King alongside her heroic companions, Frieren embarks on a new journey to understand the value of her past relationships. She’s joined by Fern, the adopted daughter of her former comrade Heiter, and Stark, a young warrior. Through her travels, Frieren reflects on the bonds she once took for granted and learns to appreciate the fleeting nature of life, even for an elf who lives for centuries.

Although the manga’s hiatus might be disheartening, fans can still enjoy past chapters through VIZ Media’s English releases and the anime on Crunchyroll. Chapter 140 is set to release on Jan. 1, 2025, but after that, fans will have to wait for updates regarding the series' return.

Let’s hope for the creators’ well-being and a strong comeback for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End