Haruichi’s comedy manga Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between has returned with chapter 12, bringing fresh laughs and new glimpses into the everyday lives of the Lands Between. Licensed in English by Yen Press, the omnibus-style series reimagines supporting characters from FromSoftware’s hit game in short, self-contained vignettes — the kind of offbeat comedy that both long-time Elden Ring fans and manga readers looking for a lighter take on the grimdark world can enjoy.
Table of Contents
What Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between Is — And Why Chapter 12 Matters
Haruichi’s Elden Ring: Tōki Hazama no Monogatari (official English title Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between) reads like a collection of delightful what-ifs and slice-of-life detours set against the series’ bleak fantasy backdrop. After a three-month hiatus the manga resumed with its 12th chapter on the Comic Hu website, giving readers more short stories that explore secondary figures and alternate moments in the Lands Between.
Official synopsis (from Yen Press)
These are the tales of the other inhabitants of the Lands Between. What if Roderika were to befriend the rest of the Roundtable Hold…? What if the Blackguard went in search of a new delicacy other than prawns…? What if one were to catch a glimpse of Rya’s youth…? The lives of those in the Lands Between, and the many possibilities and the differing worlds that unfolded for them in the distant past, are written here.
Haruichi’s Approach: Comedy in a Grim World
Haruichi — known for previous manga tied to large franchises — uses a gentle, observational comedic touch to make the Elden Ring universe feel lived-in and oddly cozy. Rather than trying to retell the core game story, these short chapters riff on minor characters, humanizing them with awkward social moments, culinary quests, and slice-of-life beats that contrast with the game’s epic stakes. That tonal contrast is the series’ biggest strength: it keeps the world recognizable while offering fresh emotional payoff.
Characters and recurring beats
Chapter 12 continues to expand the roster of spotlighted characters, often focusing on the Roundtable Hold’s quieter figures and the strange, everyday rituals that make the Lands Between feel like a place people actually inhabit. Expect running gags — like culinary obsessions and oddball pasts — and short, satisfying setups that resolve in a single chapter.
How This Manga Fits Into the Larger Elden Ring Ecosystem
Although the manga is comedic and episodic, it ties into the broader Elden Ring franchise by leaning on recognizable character designs, motifs, and in-jokes that fans of the game will appreciate. It’s a perfect companion read for anyone who loved the original game but wants something low-commitment and character-driven.
From game to page: continuity and tone
Haruichi doesn’t attempt to alter mainline canon — instead, the manga operates as a set of side stories and alternate glimpses. For players who enjoy learning every detail about a franchise’s world and inhabitants, these short stories function like expanders: they provide texture and humor without changing the larger narrative created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin for the original game world.
Related Franchise Updates Readers Should Know
Elden Ring’s influence has continued beyond the 2022 release of the base game. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion (released in 2024) further expanded the world and sold strongly at launch. The franchise has also been prepared for new platforms and broader media: a version for the next Nintendo system (Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo’s Switch 2) is slated for 2026 and will include content from the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Additionally, the property is moving into live-action film with a scheduled premiere in 2028, reflecting the ongoing popularity and cross-media appeal of the Elden Ring universe.
Why these cross-media moves matter
Short-form manga like Haruichi’s provide fans with accessible entry points and offer creators a chance to experiment with tone. As Elden Ring expands into new games, ports, and even a film, spin-off manga help keep the community engaged between larger releases and give the franchise more personality outside of gameplay mechanics.
Where to Follow New Chapters and Official Announcements
The resumed release of chapter 12 on Comic Hu means fans can follow the manga’s updates on that platform. For official English-language releases or licensing news, Yen Press handles the series’ English editions. For the original chapter announcements and production updates, you can check the publisher’s social posts and official manga pages.
See the announcement on the Comic Hu X account for the chapter resumption. Comic Hu announcement
Tips for New Readers: How to Enjoy Distant Tales Between
- Start anywhere: the stories are omnibus-style, so chapters can be read out of order without losing context.
- Playful rereads: if you’ve finished the base game, reading these short comics after the game will make many of the jokes and callbacks land stronger.
- Collect the omnibus: Yen Press’ English editions collect the short stories into handy volumes, ideal for readers who prefer physical copies.
Final thoughts
Elden Ring: Distant Tales Between is a welcome palate cleanser for fans who love the world of Elden Ring but want to enjoy it through a lighter, comedic lens. Haruichi’s short stories are accessible, often hilarious, and filled with heart — a reminder that even in the Lands Between there’s room for small, human moments. With chapter 12 back online, now is a great time to jump in, catch up on past vignettes, and enjoy the little details that make this spin-off such a charming companion to the larger franchise.
