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NEWS: Haruko Ichikawa Ends Land of the Lustrous Manga on April 25

Does anyone know whether the series ending will either be conclusive or abrupt? I've never read it.

It's also important to know that the manga is going to end on 108 chapters, which has significant meaning in Buddhism relating to the amount of earthly desires a person must overcome on their way to nirvana. Let's just say given how the story morphs into a slightly twisted take on the concept of the bodhisattva, closing out on that number is a perfect. People have been speculating for a long time whether Haruko Ichikawa would attempt to end the manga that way, and it's fantastic to see the lunatic actually pull it off.

I genuinely love the series, even as it became much more emotionally fraught and complex, where the reader is forced to reconcile with how even the most noble goals can become twisted by trauma, selfishness and a lack of consideration. I do appreciate that Ichikawa refuses to pass judgement on any of the cast. It does give the story a slightly frustrating lack of closure, but it's a deliberate move that's very much true to life.

I'm still gutted that the series has (so far) been passed over for anime continuation. It's strange. The franchise has somehow remained incredibly popular, even as a cult hit that has largely been ignored or forgotten by the seasonal churn, so I always figured we'd eventually see more. Well, same situation with the manga I guess. I had really hoped an outlet like ANN would review the volumes, but apparently they don't have any agreement with Kodansha, so eh. Although honestly, you'd probably need a Nick Creamer type to properly engage with the work in a thoughtful enough way, so I also see why dealing with it might be considered too much effort.

Well, just like Phos' journey, what could have been...