‘Fungus and Iron’ manga to end with volume 10 as anime adaptation nears

The acclaimed Japanese manga ‘’ by is approaching its planned finish with the upcoming 10th collected volume, closing out one of the standout dystopian series in . Fans around the world are already preparing for the finale of a story that has blended dark sci-fi world-building with intense character drama since its debut.

Fungus and Iron (Kin to Tetsu) began serialization in March 2021 in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine and quickly carved out a reputation for its bleak yet compelling setting, a world dominated by that strip humanity of freedom and individuality.

Through nine collected volumes released as of early 2026, the series has followed the soldier Dante, a unique individual resistant to the fungi’s mental control, whose path intersects with the rebel Aoi and a rising insurgency against the oppressive Amigasa government. Commentary on the narrative’s thematic depth, from autonomy and resistance to identity under control, helped fuel fan discourse and critical interest.

Now, official announcements via the author’s social accounts indicate that the next and final volume, the 10th, will wrap up the story’s remaining threads. This planned conclusion provides readers with clarity on the timeline of the series and sets expectations for how the dystopian arc will resolve.

Ayaka Katayama’s Fungus and Iron has maintained a steady presence in Kodansha’s lineup since its launch, even weathering a brief hiatus in 2021 due to the author’s maternity leave before continuing in 2022. It stands out for its imaginative blend of science fiction, political intrigue, and psychological tension, qualities that have led to comparisons with other genre works that explore oppressive systems and human resilience.

Adding to its profile, the series recently received an anime television adaptation announcement in March 2026, heightening interest in the manga as both mediums grow simultaneously. That adaptation news came just as the ninth volume was being prepared for release in Japan earlier in April 2026.

For international readers, has previously licensed the series for English publication, helping expand Fungus and Iron’s reach beyond Japan’s domestic market.

As the manga heads toward its planned conclusion, fans are looking forward to how the final volume will answer long-standing questions about Dante’s role, the true nature of the fungal dominion, and the fate of the world that Katayama has meticulously built.