End clap. There will no longer be a new “Captain Tubasa” manga. The last one was published on Thursday April 4 in Japan, 43 years after its debut. “Now that I have finished drawing the last episode of the series, I am relieved to have finished everything and I feel liberated to finally be able to lead a life without publication deadlines” to respect, wrote its creator, Yoichi Takahashi on his X account (formerly Twitter).
いつも『キャプテン翼』を応援していただき、ありがとうございます。すでに各メディアで報じていただいているとおり、明日4/4発売の『キャプテン翼マガジン』プテン翼』の漫画連載を終えることになりました。⁰連載最終話を描き終えた今は、すべてを描き終えてホッとしているのと、
— 高橋陽一 Yoichi TAKAHASHI (@0728takahashi) April 3, 2024
The father of the manga, aged 63, announced the end of the series last January, citing the deterioration of his health and the evolution of the manga industry. “This decision was not easy to make and could disappoint and sadden those who enjoy reading Captain Tsubasa, but I hope you understand my decision,” he then justified.
“Captain Tsubasa's story isn't over yet! »
The early exploits of young soccer prodigy Tsubasa Ozora were first published in 1981 in the Japanese weekly Shonen Jump. Over the years, the young man's adventures have gained popularity, inspiring true legends like Zinédine Zidane, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
The manga has seen numerous adaptations, in cartoons or video games. In total, the animated series has been broadcast in more than 100 countries, and the mangas have sold some 90 million copies worldwide, according to the specialist site Mangazenkan. In France, she was known as “Olive et Tom”.
Good news for fans though. Yoichi Takahashi is not completely finished with his hero and intends to continue his work in another format. “Captain Tsubasa’s story isn’t over yet!” It’s a fact, he wrote. Since I don't have a due date, number of pages or manuscript size to respect, I think I will be able to offer you entertainment in a freer way,” Yoichi Takahashi promised. To be continued….