Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei creator Kōji Kumeta has temporarily stepped away from his manga work after injuring his finger. The beloved manga artist, known for his satirical comedy series, needs time to recover from the injury.

While Kumeta heals, Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine has announced they'll be running one-shot prototype chapters for Shibuya Near Family in the coming weeks. These prototype chapters will help fill the gap while readers wait for Kumeta's return.

Kumeta gained widespread recognition for Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, a dark comedy manga that ran from 2005 to 2012 and received multiple anime adaptations. The series followed the pessimistic teacher Nozomu Itoshiki and his eccentric students, becoming a cult favorite for its clever wordplay and social commentary.

Finger and hand injuries are unfortunately common among manga artists due to the repetitive nature of drawing and the intense deadlines in the industry. Many creators have had to take similar breaks to prevent long-term damage to their hands and wrists.

No official timeline has been announced for Kumeta's return, but fans are sending well wishes for a speedy recovery. The Shibuya Near Family prototypes should provide some entertainment while everyone waits for the master of satirical manga to get back to work.

We'll keep you updated on any news about Kumeta's recovery and return to active manga creation.