Kazue Katō, the creator of the long-running Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist) manga, has announced a planned hiatus as the series approaches its final chapter. Beginning with the April issue of Jump SQ. (on newsstands March 4), the manga will pause publication so Katō can adjust her work environment, prepare the final arc, and ready upcoming compiled volumes. Serialization is scheduled to resume in the August issue (July). For fans who’ve followed Rin Okumura’s battle against demonic forces for years, this break signals the endgame is near—and that the mangaka is taking the time needed to close the saga with care.
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Why the Hiatus Matters: Kazue Katō’s Announcement
Katō explained on her X/Twitter account that the hiatus is intended to let her make meaningful adjustments to her workflow and workspace while preparing the story’s concluding chapters and the next compiled volumes. Taking a deliberate break at such a pivotal narrative moment is a positive move: it reduces the risk of rushed storytelling and allows the creator to polish the finale fans have been anticipating for years. The official announcement was shared on Katō’s social media and reiterated by the magazine’s publication notes.
Blue Exorcist: A Quick Series Recap
For anyone catching up or revisiting the series, Viz Media provides the core premise:
Raised by Father Fujimoto, a famous exorcist, Rin Okumura never knew his real father. One day a fateful argument with Father Fujimoto forces Rin to face a terrible truth—the blood of the demon lord Satan runs in Rin’s veins! Rin swears to defeat Satan, but doing that means entering the mysterious True Cross Academy and becoming an exorcist himself. Can Rin fight demons and keep his infernal bloodline a secret? It won’t be easy, especially when drawing his father’s sword releases the demonic power within him!
That blend of action, supernatural stakes, and found-family dynamics made Blue Exorcist one of the standout shonen series of the 2010s and a frequent pick for anime adaptations and films.
Blue Exorcist Anime Timeline (Adaptations & Releases)
Major TV series and films
- Blue Exorcist (2011): 25-episode television anime adaptation that introduced many fans to the world of Rin and the True Cross Academy.
- Blue Exorcist: Kuro Runs Away From Home (OVA, 2011).
- Blue Exorcist: The Movie (2012) — a feature film expanding the franchise’s scope.
- Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (2017): 12-episode sequel that returned to key arcs from the manga.
Recent anime seasons and streaming
The franchise continued expanding with new seasons in the 2020s:
- Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga — premiered January 2024. Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired and provided an English dub. (Crunchyroll’s Blue Exorcist page: Crunchyroll.) Toonami later aired the season in August 2025.
- Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga (Ao no Exorcist: Yuki no Hate-hen) — sequel that began airing in October 2024, with its second cour, The Blue Night Saga, premiering in January 2025. Crunchyroll streamed these as they aired and Toonami broadcast episodes in November 2025.
What the Hiatus Means for Readers and Collectors
Short-term, readers will pause in magazine serialization but fans can catch up through tankōbon (collected volumes). Katō specifically cited preparing compiled book volumes as one of the reasons for the break, which suggests the upcoming collected editions may include revised art, corrections, or extras—an incentive for collectors.
If you prefer official English releases, Viz Media publishes the manga in English. You can check Viz’s title page for volume listings and release schedules here: Viz Media – Blue Exorcist.
Speculation & Expectations for the Final Arc
With the finale approaching, several questions are naturally on fans’ minds: Will Rin finally confront the full might of Satan? How will supporting characters’ arcs close? Will there be revelations about Rin’s heritage beyond what we already know? Katō’s decision to pause and create a stable working environment implies careful plotting and room for revision—both positive signs for a satisfying conclusion.
Creators taking a deliberate break before a final arc often results in a more cohesive wrap-up, improved pacing, and cleaner artwork. Fans should expect the mangaka to use this time to tighten narrative threads and polish the moments that will define the series’ legacy.
Where to Follow Official Updates
- Katō’s X/Twitter account is the primary source for author statements and announcements.
- Jump SQ. magazine releases official serialization schedules and notices about the publication calendar.
- Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll provide broadcast details and dub information for the anime seasons.
Preparing for the Return
Between the April hiatus and the scheduled July return in the August issue, fans have a window to re-read earlier arcs, collect missing tankōbon, or revisit the anime adaptations to refresh their memory. Collectors may want to watch for special edition tankōbon announcements, given Katō’s mention of preparing compiled volumes.
Final thoughts
Kazue Katō’s hiatus announcement is both a reminder that Blue Exorcist is entering its final, decisive chapters and a reassuring message that the creator is taking care to deliver a strong conclusion. While waits are never easy for devoted readers, this pause increases the likelihood of a polished, well-paced finale and enhanced collected editions. Keep an eye on official channels for confirmed dates and volume details, and use the break to catch up on the series’ rich history—Rin’s final stand promises to be worth the patience.
