Acclaimed Fantasy Series’ Creator Returns With New Look At Fan-Favorite Character Ahead of Season 2

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Please be aware that this article contains spoilers for the Yona of the Dawn manga. After a 16-year run, Mizuho Kusanagi’s popular manga series concluded in December 2025, but new side stories began appearing in February in Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume magazine. These side stories will be collected in a final Volume 48, though a release date hasn’t been announced yet as the story is still in progress. In other exciting news, the anime adaptation has been confirmed to return after 10 years, but details about the sequel are still forthcoming.

We’re hoping to hear about new developments in the series this year, but there hasn’t been an official announcement yet. In the meantime, a side story has released its second chapter, continuing the narrative after the big battle at Hiryuu Castle. Mizuho shared a new illustration on X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the manga’s return, featuring Hak, the main character, in a fresh outfit. He’s carrying food and has Ao, a companion, perched on his shoulder, both looking eager for a large meal.

Yona of the Dawn Creator Hypes The Side Story With a New Visual of Hak

Mizuho has shared a preview of the upcoming combined issue (10 & 11) of Hana to Yume, which will be released on April 20th. This issue includes the second chapter of the Yona Gaiden side story and features a colorful spread with artwork. As a bonus, it comes with a Hakuyona acrylic stand! The theme of this issue is amusement parks, and while Mizuho didn’t have any reference photos of Hak enjoying one, they had a lot of fun illustrating the second Gaiden chapter and hope readers will enjoy it too.

Hak is the main male character and has been Yona’s childhood friend and protector for three years. He bravely defended Yona during the king’s assassination, allowing them both to escape the palace, and he’s remained by her side ever since. Though Hak always loved Yona, she eventually begins to feel the same way. Throughout the series, their relationship faces many challenges, but the story culminates in a heartwarming reunion after a dangerous ordeal.

Yona of the Dawn Side Story Follows The Characters After a Bittersweet Ending

The story reached a deeply emotional climax when Zeno made a difficult choice to end the centuries-long cycle of pain for the Dragon Warriors. Yona bravely put herself in danger to protect her friends, with Hak and Soo-won standing by her side. Once the Dragon Gods faded from existence, the special powers they had given the Dragon Warriors disappeared as well, leaving them as ordinary humans experiencing the world just like everyone else.

These individuals once struggled because of the abilities they possessed, but now that they’re free from their obligation to serve their king, they’re able to pursue their own destinies. They said goodbye to Yona and her companions, setting off on separate adventures with the hope of reuniting someday. Meanwhile, Yona remains at Hiryuu Castle with Hak and Yoon, and finally takes her place as the kingdom’s queen.

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2026-04-22 04:10