Kazuhiko Shimamoto's Vampire-Idol Tagiru Manga Nears Its End: Only 3 Chapters Left!
Kazuhiko Shimamoto, one of the most energetic and unique figures in the manga world, has begun to ring the farewell bells for his latest project, Vampire-Idol Tagiru. According to the official announcement published in Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday (Gessan) magazine, the series will end in just three chapters. Barring any delays, this story, which follows a vampire idol's struggle under the spotlight, will hit shelves with its final volume in the coming months.
Starting its publication in May 2025, Vampire-Idol Tagiru blended Shimamoto's signature "passionate" (nekketsu) storytelling style with modern idol culture. The story of the vampire idol protagonist, who tries to both curb her thirst and steal the hearts of her fans, offered readers an entertaining perspective. While the conclusion of this year-long adventure has surprised some of Shimamoto's fans, it is well-known that the master author typically moves on to new projects after completing a specific story arc.
Kazuhiko Shimamoto is a name known in the industry particularly for his cult works such as Aoi Honoo (Blue Blazes) and Honoo no Tenkousei. Aoi Honoo, which was inspired by his own life, achieved great success by shedding light on the manga and anime industry of the 1980s and was adapted into a live-action series. The exaggerated emotions and dynamic drawing style characteristic of Shimamoto's characters were also evident in Vampire-Idol Tagiru. This short but sweet series seems set to take its place as an interesting experiment in the author's vast body of work.
So, what awaits us after this finale? Shimamoto, who usually comes up with a new idea as soon as one series ends, is expected to continue his collaboration with Gessan magazine. The final chapters of Vampire-Idol Tagiru will likely focus on the character's peak in the idol world or her final confrontation with her vampire identity. Details regarding the release dates of the collected volumes (tankobon) and the author's next project are expected to be clarified following the final chapter.
