Haruko Ichikawa’s magnum opus, Land of the Lustrous, has reached its last chapter, titled “Houseki no Kuni,” in the June edition of Monthly Afternoon. After a fantastic twelve years, the series has come to an end. It was published by Kodansha, and the final chapter became available in Japan on April 25. Land of the Lustrous was one of Ichikawa’s best works.
The last volume, volume 13, will be available in Japan in the fall of 2024. Land of the Lustrous is set in an action fantasy world occupied by crystalline living things known as the Lustrous. Each unique gem must struggle for their way of life against the danger of lunarians who want to make them into decorations.
The manga series also received a twelve-episode anime adaptation, which was produced by Studio Orange and aired between October and December 2017. As the series finally ended, Ichikawa shared a message with the ending, which got fans emotional. Fans thanked Ichikawa for her contribution and the impact of Land of the Lustrous.
Haruko Ichikawa Shares a Heartfelt Message As Land of the Lustrous Finally Ends
Land of the Lustrous made its debut in October 2012. The book was published by Kodansha between October 2012 and April 2024. The chapters were compiled into thirteen tankōbon volumes, with the last volume scheduled for release in the fall of 2024. Ichikawa’s best work was Land of the Lustrous, and she hasn’t yet revealed any plans for any next projects.
As the final chapter was released, Ichikawa left a comment, noting that this would be the final chapter of Land of the Lustrous and that the series had finally come to an end.
"Land of the Lustrous" (Houseki no kuni) by Haruko Ichikawa has ended today after 12 years of serialization.
Haruko Ichikawa commented on the ending: "Drawing it was fun and I'm glad I was able to end the series in the way I had intended"
Final Vol 13 will be released in Fall… pic.twitter.com/iiLkvNSUrO
— Manga Mogura RE (Manga & Anime News) (@MangaMoguraRE) April 24, 2024
She thanked the fans for the past 12 years. Ichikawa also noted that drawing the manga was enjoyable, and she is pleased that she was able to complete it as intended.
Although Ichikawa is mostly known for Land of the Lustrous, she has also written a bunch of one-shot manga and art books, and she has also worked as a character designer for the games. Pokémon Sun & Moon and Pokémon Sword & Shield.
Fans Bid Adieu to Land of the Lustrous
As the news of Land of the Lustrous finally coming to an end hit the internet, manga fans came together to bid farewell to the series.
While the manga has ended, there are reports that the anime series might get a second season, as the first season was well-received by fans. However, no official news has been released by the creators.
Fans thanked Ichikawa for her contribution to the manga world and her twelve-year-long journey. They also expressed their opinion about Land of the Lustrous and how it is one of the best manga series of all time.
We will remember phos😭 pic.twitter.com/xInAfrPA0H
— Mk_Elmnt (@Mk_Elmnt) April 24, 2024
We will be forever grateful for the series! pic.twitter.com/Ig9j8rKGQW
— Josuke8Brazil (@Josuke8B) April 24, 2024
I will miss this series. Phos is easily among my favorite characters in all animanga series. The trials and development they went through were insane! pic.twitter.com/oD5Lw0FtWK
— Ben (@Ben13140009) April 24, 2024
One of the greatest mangas to exist. Thank you Ichikawa sensei for the pleasant experience pic.twitter.com/sOWAL0qAq3
— I'm not paid enough for this crap (@perfectcell334) April 24, 2024
damn pic.twitter.com/Z3LCnZqH5u
— winter_chemical🌙 (@W_Chemical) April 24, 2024
CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING YOUR MAGNUM OPUS. IT IS A TRUE MASTERPIECE!!.
Now i just hope studio Orange adapts the rest of the manga.
— Derpinator (@Derpinat0rz) April 24, 2024
Land of the Lustrous surely had an impact on the manga world and its fans. The series was an emotional journey for Ichikawa and her fans, and the ending has led fans to hope the series will soon get the next season for the anime adaptation by Studio Orange.
You can read Land of the Lustrous on K Manga.