Long-Running Manga "Space Brothers" Ends After 19 Years
Masterfully blending themes of astronomy and brotherhood, Space Brothers (Uchū Kyōdai) has concluded after 19 years. The manga written by Chūya Koyama ended with the 28th issue of Morning magazine published on June 11, 2025. Published under Kodansha, the series bid farewell to its readers with a final that was both saddening and inspiring.
The series first met readers in December 2007 in Morning magazine. The story follows two brothers, Mutta and Hibito Nanba, who after seeing a UFO as children swore to go to the moon. Mutta's dream of joining JAXA and going to the moon, and the events that unfold when Hibito becomes stranded on the moon, captured the hearts of both sci-fi and drama fans. The manga stood out for its realistic space science and deep exploration of the characters' inner worlds.
In his statement about the series' finale, Chūya Koyama thanked the readers and said, "Mutta and Hibito's story was also a journey for me. I grew up with them, I dreamed with them. I couldn't hold back my tears while drawing the last page. I hope readers find a piece of themselves in this finale." The series is reported to have reached a total of 447 chapters and 44 tankōbon volumes.
Space Brothers did not remain just a manga; it was adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures in 2012, becoming a 99-episode series. Additionally, a live-action film was released in 2012. With the manga's conclusion, a movement has started, especially among anime fans, to rewatch the entire series. Although Koyama's next project has not been announced yet, considering the mangaka's passion for space-themed stories, he is expected to come up with a new sci-fi work.
While the final chapter was published with the magazine in Japan, it is a matter of curiosity when translation prints will arrive on digital platforms and from local publishers in Turkey. Kodansha is also planning collected editions and special collector's boxes. Space Brothers, with its story that pushes the boundaries of both science fiction and the human spirit, has already secured its place among the unforgettable works of manga history.
