"Classic Bocchi the Rock..." SNS Bursts Into Laughter Over Self-Deprecating Jokes Right After Hiatus! "Bocchi the Rock!" Restarts from the August Issue

Manga artist Aki Hamaji shared her enthusiasm for the resumption of "Bocchi the Rock!" on her X account, drawing significant attention on social media. The series had been on hiatus since January of this year due to the author's poor health, but the serialization has finally resumed starting with the August 2026 issue of "Manga Time Kirara MAX," released on June 18. The cover of this issue features Hitori Gotō in a girly and stylish outfit.

Hamaji posted a newly drawn illustration alongside the words "Congrats! Serialization Resumed!" The illustration features Hitori and Nijika Ijichi, incorporating a comedic banter between the characters reflecting on the hiatus period. In the post, she strongly declared to the readers who had been eagerly anticipating the return: "My health has fully recovered, and I am happy to resume the serialization! I am truly sorry for making you wait so long...! I will do my best again!!" She also revealed her upcoming energetic activities, adding, "I have also been making great progress on project work that cannot be revealed to the public just yet!"

"Bocchi the Rock!" is a music manga by Aki Hamaji, serialized in "Manga Time Kirara MAX." It depicts the growth of Hitori Gotō, an extremely shy and socially anxious girl, as she dedicates herself to band activities through playing the guitar. The series was also adapted into an anime, receiving exceptionally high praise among music and anime enthusiasts for its unique direction and the high quality of the songs by Kessoku Band. With the production of the second season of the anime already confirmed, her return comes amid hints of a stage play adaptation and new projects. According to a post by the editorial department, the latest chapter after the resumption announces that Kessoku Band arrives in Namba, Osaka, and unique "Namba Girls" will make their appearance. Additionally, to commemorate the resumption of the serialization, Houbunsha's app "COMIC FUZ" is offering all chapters from volumes 1 to 8 for free for a limited 72-hour period until June 20.

In response to this series of announcements, social media is flooded with passionate reactions welcoming the development—so characteristic of this series that it makes you forget there was ever a break—with comments such as "Hamaji-sensei immediately throwing in self-deprecating jokes about the hiatus," "Sudden meta-commentary lol," "Classic Bocchi...," and "Looks like we're going to get a lot of Hanshin Tigers jokes again lol."

(C)はまじあき／芳文社・アニプレックス