In an unexpected turn of events, the beloved manga series Yona of the Dawn has announced a surprise hiatus just before its much-anticipated finale. The series, which has captivated fans since its debut in Hana to Yume magazine in 2009, will pause its monthly releases until October 3, 2025. This delay comes as the series approaches its climactic conclusion, leaving fans eager for the final chapters.
Yona of the Dawn, created by Mizuho Kusanagi, has been a standout in the world of shojo fantasy romance. The narrative follows Yona, a former princess whose life is upended when her father is murdered by her childhood friend, Soo-Won. With the help of her loyal bodyguard, Hak, Yona embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, gathering allies to reclaim her kingdom. The series also inspired an anime adaptation by Pierrot in 2014, further cementing its popularity.
The Hiatus and Its Implications
According to Manga Mogura RE, the hiatus will delay the release of Chapter 272 until October 3, 2025. The manga typically releases new chapters in the first or second week of each month, and fans have been eagerly following its progress in Hana to Yume. The series is not officially available for monthly reading in North America, but physical and digital copies can be purchased through Viz Media, which currently offers 44 volumes in English.
The Japanese release of Volume 46 occurred in June 2025, and Volume 47, rumored to be the final installment, is expected in Spring 2026. This volume will include a special 64-page art book, adding to the excitement surrounding the series’ conclusion.
Unfolding Drama in the Final Arc
The final arc of Yona of the Dawn promises to deliver a powerful conclusion to Yona’s journey. Returning to the Kouka Kingdom, Yona faces the challenge of resolving her relationships and confronting the prophecy that has loomed over her story. This arc delves into the struggles of Zeno, one of the Dragon Warriors, who has been burdened by immortality and seeks to end the cycle of the dragons’ birth.
In a dramatic twist, Zeno betrays Yona and her allies, sealing himself and the other Dragon Warriors in the Chalice of the Four Dragons’ Blood. Yona’s attempt to save Zeno sets the stage for a confrontation with the dragon gods, as she grapples with her role as the reincarnation of King Hiryuu and the prophecy that foretells the awakening of the “sword and the shield.”
Anticipation and Future Prospects
The hiatus announcement has left fans speculating about the series’ conclusion and the fate of its beloved characters. The prophecy’s fulfillment, which promises the restoration of the dawn by the Red Dragon, is eagerly anticipated. As the series nears its end, fans are left to ponder the identities of the “sword and the shield” and their significance in Yona’s journey.
Meanwhile, the anime adaptation has yet to announce a second season, despite the series’ enduring popularity. The delay in the manga’s conclusion may impact future adaptations, but fans remain hopeful for more animated content in the coming years.
As Yona of the Dawn approaches its finale, the series continues to capture the imagination of its audience, blending fantasy, romance, and adventure in a compelling narrative. The hiatus may delay the story’s conclusion, but it also heightens anticipation for the epic finale that awaits.
