It has been a couple of years now since the hit manga Act-Age was canceled after controversy surrounding its author. Now, Act-Age illustrator Shiro Usazaki is finally making a comeback in Weekly Shonen Jump with a new manga.
Since Act-Age ended, Usazaki has not returned to illustrating a Shonen Jump manga. This is despite fans and fellow artists expressing their support following the controversy that befell Act-Age.
While her return is not exactly with a new serialized work, it’s a possible indication that she is going to make an even bigger comeback.
Act-Age Controversy Explained
Act-Age began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump back in 2018, and it quickly became a popular series. This is thanks to its interesting story about a high school girl who is an extremely talented method actor.
Given the focus on acting along with its dramatic elements, Act-Age has often been compared to Oshi no Ko, the manga series by Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War) and Mengo Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish).
Act-Age was abruptly canceled in August 2020 following the arrest of its writer, Tatsuya Matsuki.
Following its cancelation, Usazaki hasn’t returned to manga works, as she has kept herself busy instead with other illustration projects.
Matsuki was arrested back in August 2020 for approaching and inappropriately touching two middle school girls.
The author was found guilty by the Tokyo District Court and given a suspended sentence.
In response, publisher Shueisha suspended all sales of the Act-Age manga and removed it from Shonen Jump.
Viz Media also did the same for the manga’s English release.
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Shiro Usazaki Makes a Long-Awaited Return
Usazaki supported the decision by Shueisha to cancel the manga, as she did not want the victims to be reminded of what happened.
Since then, Usazaki hasn’t worked on any new manga for the magazine.
In the aftermath of the controversy, fellow artists including Yusuke Murata (One-Punch Man) and Mengo Yokoyari expressed their support for Usazaki and asked fans to support her as well.
Finally, fans will be able to do so as a new manga project will be released soon, which is drawn by Usazaki.
This manga features an original story by Kidasaori and is drafted by Taoka Muneaki.
For now, there’s no word yet on whether Usazaki will return to illustrating a manga serial.
Though with her upcoming return, there’s a chance that fans can enjoy her art again, but in a new series.
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