Kageki Shojo Manga Announces Final Arc with Exciting Conclusion Ahead

Kumiko Saiki revealed via social media that her beloved manga _Kageki Shojo!!_ is heading into its climactic final story arc, with just one remaining volume left to complete the series. The announcement marks the beginning of the end for this acclaimed shoujo title.

Earlier this year, the manga briefly paused its publication schedule in February before resuming chapters the following month. This short hiatus preceded the current announcement about the upcoming conclusion.

Originally debuting in 2012 as _Kageki Shoujo!_ (with a single exclamation point), the manga first appeared in Shueisha’s Jump Kai magazine. However, when the magazine ceased operations in 2014, Saiki concluded the initial storyline. She later revived the series in 2015 under Hakusensha’s Melody magazine, now sporting two exclamation points in its title to signify its refreshed status as a sequel.

The series gained significant recognition when it earned a nomination for Best Shōjo Manga at Kodansha’s prestigious 44th annual Manga Awards in 2020. English-speaking audiences were introduced to the story through Seven Seas Entertainment’s localized editions, which compiled the original run as _Kageki Shoujo!! The Curtain Rises_ while continuing to publish the ongoing sequel.

The narrative follows Sarasa, a determined young woman training at the prestigious Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts. Her ultimate goal is to portray Oscar in the renowned Kouka Acting Troupe performances, though she must first navigate the challenges of school life. Alongside her classmates, including former idol Ai, Sarasa faces both camaraderie and rivalry as she pursues her theatrical dreams.

The manga’s success led to an anime adaptation that debuted in summer 2021. The television series was distributed internationally through various streaming platforms, including English-dubbed versions for Western audiences.