Alita: Battle Angel Sequel Hopes Remain Alive as Manga Returns From Hiatus

After a lengthy hiatus of nearly ten months, Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle, the third part of Yukito Kishiro’s revered manga series, has finally made its comeback. This return not only excites long-time enthusiasts of the series but also holds particular significance for those who enjoyed the 2019 live-action film adaptation, stirring hopes for a potential sequel.

As noted by Anime News Network, the series officially resumed serialization on January 8, 2025, with the debut of Chapter #52 on Kodansha’s Comic Days platform. This marks the first new installment since March 2024, much to the delight of fans. Additionally, the series is projected to continue its regular release schedule through Chapter #56, as creator Yukito Kishiro has indicated that this chapter will serve as a conclusion to the current narrative arc before transitioning to a new series later in the year.

Kishiro’s Mars Chronicle: A Complete Circle for Battle Angel Alita

Alita’s Past Unveiled in Depth

The Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle manga resumes after a 10-month hiatus on Tuesday!https://t.co/qqaAmwPDls — Anime News Network (@Anime) January 7, 2025

Exploring Alita’s Journey

At the heart of the narrative is Alita, a cyborg who once fought valiantly in the Martian Wars, only to find herself in a scrapyard on Earth, her memories fragmented. The previous installments, Battle Angel Alita and Battle Angel Alita: Last Order, have chronicled her adjustment to life on Earth and her future aspirations. However, the intricacies of her past—what shaped her into the formidable warrior she would later become—remained largely uncharted territory.

With Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle, Kishiro poignantly delves into Alita’s early life on Mars, offering fans a glimpse of her childhood as well as her formative adventures before she embraced her identity as a cyborg. While positioned as the latest chapter in the series, it also serves as a prequel, shedding light on Alita’s origins and the pivotal events that influenced her destiny.

Renewed Hope for Live-Action Adaptation Enthusiasts

Despite the ongoing interruptions in its publication schedule, Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle has maintained a steadfast following among cyberpunk manga aficionados. Initially serialized in Kodansha’s Evening magazine, which catered to readers in their late 20s and early 30s, the series transitioned to Kodansha’s digital format following the magazine’s closure in 2023.

Prior to its latest shift, Kishiro had previously paused the series from October 2022 until January 2024. During its most recent hiatus in November 2024, he revealed that Chapter #56 would be the culmination of this narrative series, leading to a new project under a different title. Despite these challenges, the enduring legacy of the Battle Angel Alita franchise continues to resonate with dedicated fans.

The enthusiastic response to the 2019 live-action movie adaptation by James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez reflects the franchise’s vibrant fanbase, who now eagerly anticipate news of a possible sequel. While no official announcements regarding a sequel have emerged, fans can find cheer in the return of Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle, which promises to keep the story alive and engaging.

Sources: Anime Network News, @Anime

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