A Weird Reason for a Manga Hiatus: Never Heard of It, But We Get It

Eiichiro Oda, the renowned creator of One Piece, recently announced a month-long hiatus due to eye surgery. This decision highlights the health factors that often lead to breaks in manga production. However, not all hiatus reasons are as conventional. Let's explore two recent examples: Oda's health-related break and a more unusual reason from manga artist Shotaro Kunitomo.

Eiichiro Oda's Hiatus

Oda's hiatus is primarily due to his need for eye surgery to correct astigmatism, which has been affecting his work. This condition causes blurry vision, significantly impacting his ability to create detailed artwork. The hiatus, which lasted from mid-June to mid-July 2023, allowed Oda to undergo surgery and recover, ensuring he returns with improved eyesight and, as he humorously put it, "laser beam vision".

Shotaro Kunitomo's Unconventional Hiatus

Meanwhile, manga artist Shotaro Kunitomo has taken a different approach. He recently announced a one-week hiatus for his manga series Executed Wise Man Reincarnates to Rich and Begins a War of Aggression due to an unexpected reason: adopting two kittens. Kunitomo humorously explained that his new pets have completely captured his attention, causing his work to stall. Despite the unusual nature of this reason, fans have shown understanding and amusement, appreciating the honesty behind his decision.

Kunitomo's announcement humorously introduced his new family members: Ruki (a long-haired male cat) and Kiri (a short-haired female cat), alongside himself as the 32-year-old manga artist. The response from fans has been mixed, with many acknowledging the challenge of balancing work and new pets.

Conclusion

While health issues like Oda's are common reasons for hiatuses in the manga industry, Kunitomo's situation highlights the diverse personal factors that can impact an artist's work. Both cases demonstrate the importance of understanding and supporting creators as they navigate their personal and professional lives.

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