When a creator gets a big break, people naturally want to see what they do next. That’s exactly what happened with Ken Wakui, the mind behind Tokyo Revengers. After dominating manga charts and expanding into anime and live-action films, Wakui’s follow-up series had a lot riding on it.
But just over a year after its launch, his new manga, Astro Royale has officially ended, wrapping up with Chapter 50 and quietly exiting Weekly Shonen Jump. According to MangaMoguraRe over on X (formerly Twitter), the manga will release its final chapter on next Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 21/2025 which is set to release on April 21.
From Smash Hit to Sudden End
Wakui isn’t new to manga. Long before Tokyo Revengers, he made a name for himself with Shinjuku Swan, a series about Tokyo’s nightlife that ran from 2005 to 2013 in Weekly Young Magazine. It was popular enough to get both a TV drama and multiple live-action films. Still, it was Tokyo Revengers, which launched in 2017, that truly set him apart. Its mix of gang life, time travel, and strong emotional arcs resonated with a wide range of readers.
That popularity made his next move even more noticeable: in 2024, Wakui left Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine to start fresh in Weekly Shonen Jump, home to juggernauts like One Piece and Naruto. His new series, Astro Royale (known in Japan as Nagai no Astro), kicked off on April 15, 2024. The buzz was strong right from the start.
A New Story With Familiar Themes
Set in Asakusa, Astro Royale followed Hibaru Yatsurugi, a young man next in line to inherit a Yakuza clan that had morphed into a more corporate structure. But he didn’t want the role, believing the group had lost its purpose. Instead, his adopted brother Terasu was chosen as successor.
Then came the twist. A meteor shower strikes Japan, and suddenly people begin gaining strange abilities known as “astro powers.” Hibaru finds himself with enhanced physical strength and takes it upon himself to protect his neighborhood and loved ones. But he’s not the only one who gets powers, his siblings do too, each developing unique abilities that lead to clashes over control and ideals.
The result was part crime drama, part superpowered conflict. A mix of grounded personal stakes and explosive confrontations.
Why It Didn’t Last
Despite an international English release via Viz Media’s Manga Plus and early interest from fans, Astro Royale didn’t maintain its momentum. It is set to end on April 21, 2025, with just 50 chapters and a total of six volumes. The final volume, out July 4, 2025, will include a 19-page epilogue.
So what happened? Many readers pointed to the story’s pacing. Feedback on platforms like X and Goodreads pointed out how quickly things progressed, especially in the “Astro Battle Royale” arc. Big character developments and emotional beats were introduced and resolved over just a few chapters, making it hard for the audience to feel fully invested. The series moved at a speed that left little room for characters or relationships to grow naturally.
And in Weekly Shonen Jump, where series are often judged week-by-week through reader surveys, that kind of rushed pacing can spell trouble. Even strong concepts struggle to survive if they don’t immediately connect with readers and hold their interest.
What’s Next for Ken Wakui?
Wakui’s track record shows he isn’t afraid to experiment. From the dark realism of Shinjuku Swan to the emotional highs of Tokyo Revengers, and now a short-lived sci-fi Yakuza story, he’s shown plenty of range. Whether he returns to a different magazine or tries a new genre, fans will definitely be watching.
And for those curious about Astro Royale, it’s still worth checking out. While the series didn’t last, it offers a snapshot of a creator trying something new, blending his signature themes with a different setting. It’s also a clear reminder of how tough it can be to follow up a major success, especially in a space where reader interest shifts quickly.
