Manga Plus Adds Karuho Shiina's New Series After 18-Year Break

Manga Plus has added Gusts and Beats, the highly anticipated return of Karuho Shiina after an 18-year hiatus from creating manga. The series launched in March 2024 and marks Shiina's first new work since her iconic romance series Kimi ni Todoke concluded.

For fans who may not be familiar, Karuho Shiina created one of the most beloved romance manga of all time with Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You). The series, which ran from 2005 to 2017, followed the sweet story of Sawako, a shy girl often compared to the horror movie character Sadako, as she learns to make friends and find love. The manga spawned multiple anime seasons and live-action adaptations.

Gusts and Beats represents a significant moment for manga readers, as Shiina stepped away from regular serialization after Kimi ni Todoke ended. Her distinctive art style and ability to craft heartwarming, character-driven stories made her a fan favorite, so news of her return has generated considerable excitement in the manga community.

Manga Plus, Shogakukan's official English digital manga platform, provides free access to the latest chapters of popular series. The addition of Shiina's new work to the platform means international readers can follow along with her comeback story from the beginning.

While details about the plot and characters of Gusts and Beats remain limited, fans are eager to see what direction Shiina takes after her extended break from the medium.