Comparing It with Volume 1... Cover Design for the Final 46th Volume of "Space Brothers" Sparks Buzz: "Way Too Cool" and "A Fitting Art for the Final Volume"

The official X account for "Space Brothers" has unveiled the cover design for the 46th and final volume of the manga, set to be released on Wednesday, July 22, sparking a massive buzz online.

The posted cover illustration for Volume 46 features the two brothers, Mutta Nanba and Hibito Nanba, standing side by side clad in white spacesuits. On the cover of Volume 1, while Hibito wore an orange spacesuit, Mutta was depicted in a rumpled suit with a loosened tie. In this final volume, however, both stand together, side by side in their spacesuits. Mutta, standing on the left, wears a gentle, reliable-looking smile, while Hibito, on the right, flashes a bright grin while making a peace sign. It is an emotional image that beautifully captures the growth of the two brothers who have finally fulfilled their dream of going to space.

"Space Brothers" is a smash-hit manga by Chuya Koyama, serialized in "Morning," which tells the story of the Nanba brothers who promised each other in their childhood, "Let's go to space together." While the younger brother, Hibito, fulfills his dream of becoming an astronaut ahead of his brother and heads to the Moon, the older brother, Mutta—who had been fired from an automotive design company and left unemployed—struggles and grows as he aims for space once again. Filled with numerous iconic quotes and heartwarming human drama, this masterpiece has continued to give inspiration and courage to countless readers.

In response to the long-awaited conclusion, fans flooded the post with overwhelming praise, leaving comments such as: "I'm crying just looking at the cover," "The Nanba brothers are way too cool," "Mutta looks so dignified now! Such a great expression," "The vibe somehow reminds me of them when they were boys. Truly a fitting piece of art for the final volume," and "Comparing the covers of Volume 1 and the final Volume 46, it starts with the brothers and ends with the brothers—both are amazing." Furthermore, many expressions of gratitude toward the work poured in, with fans sharing: "So many quotes in the story saved and helped me," "I still haven't forgotten the feeling of the darkness covering my heart instantly vanishing when I opened and read the book," and "The bible of my life has come to an end."

(C)小山宙哉／講談社