Fans of Fuuto and Kamen Rider W received a bittersweet update this week: the latest arc of Riku Sanjō and Masaki Satō’s Fuuto Tantei manga has reached its chapter conclusion in Weekly Big Comic Spirits, and the series will go on hiatus before returning in May with a brand-new arc. Below we break down what this pause means for the story, recap the franchise’s recent multimedia activity, and explain where you can read and watch the latest adaptations.
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What happened: Fuuto Tantei goes on hiatus
Weekly Big Comic Spirits published the final chapter of the current Fuuto Tantei arc in its 17th issue, and the creative team announced a temporary hiatus. According to the announcement, the manga is scheduled to return in May with a fresh arc that promises new mysteries for Shotaro and Philip. The series previously entered its “last stage” in January 2024, and the 17th collected volume signaled the story was approaching its concluding arc — making this hiatus feel like a brief regrouping before the final showdown.
Fuuto Tantei: quick background for new readers
Fuuto Tantei is a direct manga sequel to the 2009 television series Kamen Rider W (pronounced “Double”), focusing on detective duo Shotaro Hidari and Philip as they protect the city of Fuuto. The manga reunites writer Riku Sanjō — a key writer on the original live-action series — with artist Masaki Satō (Love Theory), and is supervised by Toei producer Hideaki Tsukada. Creature design credit goes to Katsuya Terada, adding a distinct visual flavor to the series’ rogues’ gallery.
Why Fuuto Tantei matters to Kamen Rider fans
Unlike many tie-in manga, Fuuto Tantei functions as both continuation and expansion: it retains W’s noir-detective tone while exploring new threats and character beats that didn’t make it into the television show. For fans of Shotaro and Philip, the manga offers character-driven mysteries and fresh antagonists — and because it’s penned by a writer from the original series, it keeps the voice and heart of Kamen Rider W intact.
Publication history and recent volumes
The manga launched in Weekly Big Comic Spirits in August 2017 and has steadily collected chapters into tankoubon volumes. Shogakukan published the 19th compiled volume in October 2025, which collected chapters leading up to the “last stage” declaration. The current pause is presented as a planned intermission rather than an indefinite cancellation — a common practice for long-running seinen manga when a creative reset or production scheduling is needed.
Anime adaptation and film: FUUTO PI and beyond
Fuuto Tantei also inspired the anime adaptation titled FUUTO PI, which premiered in August 2022. The animated series brought the case-of-the-week tension and character chemistry to screens, and was localized internationally; Crunchyroll streams FUUTO PI for many territories, making it accessible to fans outside Japan. The franchise’s momentum continued with the feature film Fuuto PI: The Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull, which screened in Japan for a limited run starting in November 2024 and is also available on Crunchyroll for streaming audiences.
These anime and film projects served as a celebration of the wider Kamen Rider legacy while giving the Fuuto Tantei storyline new life in animation — a welcome bridge for readers who discovered the franchise through the manga.
Stage play and live adaptations
Beyond print and screen, Fuuto Tantei expanded into live theatre with Fūto Tantei The STAGE, which played in Tokyo and Osaka from December 2022 to January 2023. The stage adaptation emphasized the detective drama and character interplay that make the source material compelling, and demonstrated the series’ adaptability across different formats.
What to expect when the manga returns
The announcement hinted at a new arc arriving in May, which — given the manga’s “last stage” note — could mean the beginning of a decisive sequence of events leading toward the story’s ultimate resolution. Expect tightened plotting, higher stakes for Shotaro and Philip, and new antagonistic forces that may shift Fuuto’s balance. Katsuya Terada’s creature designs suggest any new foes will be visually striking, and Toei’s supervision keeps the narrative aligned with the franchise’s tone.
Possible story directions
- Deeper exploration of Philip’s origins and the Museum’s legacy, building on themes from Kamen Rider W.
- Tokime and new characters introduced in recent chapters may play larger roles in the final arc.
- Cross-media tie-ins: the manga’s events could influence or be influenced by stage and anime releases, keeping momentum across formats.
Where to read and watch
To follow the manga, Weekly Big Comic Spirits and collected Shogakukan volumes remain the primary sources. For international readers wanting a visual entry point, the FUUTO PI anime and the Fuuto PI film are available via Crunchyroll’s streaming services (note: availability varies by region). For official merchandise and volumes, retailer listings (including the manga’s Amazon page) provide volume details and ordering options. Crunchyroll’s announcement and streaming page is a good place to confirm availability for your territory.
Why this hiatus isn’t cause for alarm
Hiatuses are a normal part of serial publishing, especially as a series approaches its climax. A pause can allow the creative team to plan the final arc, maintain art and writing quality, and coordinate tie-in projects (anime, film, theatre) more effectively. Given Fuuto Tantei’s consistent release history and ongoing multimedia presence, the May return feels more like a strategic break than an endpoint.
Key creators to follow
If you want to stay informed while the manga is on break, keep an eye on official announcements from Riku Sanjō and Masaki Satō, and follow Toei’s production notices. These sources typically provide chapter schedules, volume release dates, and cross-media updates that impact the manga’s timing.
Final thoughts
Fuuto Tantei’s temporary hiatus is a moment for fans to reflect on how far Shotaro and Philip’s story has come, and to anticipate what the final arc might deliver. Between the manga’s roots in Kamen Rider W, the successful FUUTO PI anime, the limited-run film, and stage adaptations, the franchise is in a strong place creatively. The May return should bring renewed momentum — and, if recent patterns hold, memorable mysteries, bold designs, and emotional payoffs that honor the legacy of Kamen Rider W. Keep an eye on official channels for the exact return date and chapter announcements so you don’t miss the next chapter in Fuuto’s story.
