The manga industry is in mourning following the official announcement from Comic Newtype’s editorial department on February 13 regarding the passing of Ryuko Azuma. The creator was best known for writing Space Battleship Yamato NEXT Star Blazers Lambda, a continuation project connected to the legendary sci-fi franchise.
According to the statement shared through Comic Newtype’s official channels, Azuma passed away suddenly in September 2025 while actively working on their serialized projects. The unexpected nature of the news has deeply saddened fans and colleagues across the manga community.
The editorial team expressed profound grief, noting that Azuma was in the middle of writing Episode 19 of Duffle Coat Army at the time of their passing. The sudden loss has left both projects unfinished, creating an emotional moment for readers who had been following the ongoing storylines.
In their statement, the editorial department acknowledged Azuma’s dedication and passion for storytelling, especially in handling ambitious science fiction narratives. Over the past few years, Azuma had built a reputation for delivering detailed artwork and compelling plots that resonated with longtime manga enthusiasts.
The funeral was reportedly held privately, attended only by close family members. The publisher extended its deepest condolences to the family and expressed sincere appreciation for the creative contributions Azuma made to the industry.
Space Battleship Yamato NEXT Star Blazers Lambda itself is part of the broader Space Battleship Yamato universe, a franchise that has influenced generations of science fiction fans in Japan and internationally. Azuma’s involvement in expanding this universe was regarded as both a significant responsibility and an artistic achievement.
The passing of Ryuko Azuma marks a significant loss for the manga world. As tributes continue to pour in from readers and fellow creators, the legacy of their storytelling and artistic vision will remain an enduring part of the science fiction manga landscape.
