Dark Fantasy Hit The Skeleton Enchanted by the Cursed Blade Concludes Its Epic Manga Run

The critically acclaimed dark fantasy manga, The Skeleton Enchanted by the Cursed Blade, has officially concluded its serialization, marking the powerful end of a four-year run. The grand finale was published in the 37th issue of Hakusensha’s specialized publication, Young Animal Zero, which was released on November 9, 2025. This installment provided a decisive closing chapter to the saga.

The narrative centered on Saya, the most unlikely of heroes, whose ascent from the lowest rung of the dungeon hierarchy became the core focus. Saya’s initial existence was defined by vulnerability; as the weakest skeleton in the labyrinth, survival required constant evasion of superior creatures.

The series’ dramatic catalyst occurred when Saya forged an extraordinary, mystical bond with a sentient cursed blade. This encounter served as the genesis of his transformation, unlocking formidable new powers that allowed him to not only survive but fundamentally challenge the established social order of his subterranean world. The manga was lauded for its compelling narrative structure and relentless pacing, recognized for its insightful exploration of profound themes, including identity, the true cost of power, and the sheer will required to survive in a merciless environment where the strong perpetually prey upon the weak.

The visual execution of the adaptation was spearheaded by illustrator Nobuhisa Tsuruoka, whose stark and evocative artwork perfectly captured the intensity of the dark fantasy setting conceived by original author Nozomi Ginyoku. Ginyoku’s story first emerged as a popular web novel on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in July 2019, quickly gaining traction before its manga adaptation commenced publication in September 2021. The collaborative effort between Ginyoku’s world-building and Tsuruoka’s execution established the series as a definitive fixture within the modern action-fantasy landscape.

Domestically, Japanese readers saw the complete manga collection finalized with the publication of the seventh and concluding compiled volume, released by Hakusensha on July 29, 2025. Meanwhile, the international fanbase continues to follow Saya’s story through the dedicated efforts of Yen Press, the official English-language distributor. Fans outside of Japan can look forward to the imminent release of the second volume of the English edition, scheduled to hit shelves on November 25, 2025, ensuring that the saga’s momentum continues globally even as the drawn serialization concludes. The legacy of The Skeleton Enchanted by the Cursed Blade, with its signature dark tone and emotional depth, is certain to resonate within the genre for years to come.