Manga and Light Novel Authors Who Died Before Finishing Their Work
Some stories remain unfinished forever — not because of cancellation, but because their creators sadly passed away before completing them.
Over the years, several legendary manga artists, light novel writers, and anime creators died before finishing their work, leaving behind incomplete stories, notes, and unanswered questions.
Here are some of the most notable authors who died before completing their work.
Authors Who Died Before Finishing Their Work
Phoenix, by Osamu Tezuka
Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,” considered Phoenix (Hi no Tori) to be his life’s work.
However, he passed away in 1989 before completing it.
The manga was structured as multiple interconnected stories exploring themes such as reincarnation, immortality, and the nature of humanity.
Despite being unfinished, Phoenix received anime and OVA adaptations and remains one of the most respected manga ever created.
Itazura na Kiss, by Kaoru Tada
Kaoru Tada died on March 11, 1999, after a tragic domestic accident. She hit her head on a marble surface, resulting in a fatal brain hemorrhage.
At the time, she was actively publishing Itazura na Kiss, which was never completed.
Despite this, the series became extremely popular and received an anime adaptation in 2008, along with multiple live-action adaptations across Asia.
The Familiar of Zero, by Noboru Yamaguchi
Noboru Yamaguchi, author of The Familiar of Zero (Zero no Tsukaima), was diagnosed with cancer in 2011.
He attempted to finish the series but passed away in 2013 at the age of 41 before he could complete it.
Fortunately, he left detailed notes about the ending. The final volumes were later completed by author Yū Shimizu, based on Yamaguchi’s original plans.
The series officially received its intended ending.
Kaze no Stigma, by Takahiro Yamato
Takahiro Yamato passed away in 2009, leaving Kaze no Stigma incomplete.
At the time of his death, the series had 6 main volumes and several side story volumes.
The light novel had already received an anime adaptation in 2007, which helped increase its popularity worldwide.
Dreaming Machine, by Satoshi Kon
Legendary anime director Satoshi Kon passed away in 2010 due to pancreatic cancer.
At the time, he was working on the anime film Dreaming Machine, which was planned to be his next major project.
Before his death, the script, storyboard, and partial animation were already completed.
Producer Masao Maruyama attempted to find a director capable of finishing the film, but ultimately, no one could replicate Kon’s unique vision.
As of 2026, Dreaming Machine remains unreleased.
Trinity Blood, by Sunao Yoshida
Sunao Yoshida, author of Trinity Blood, died in 2004 due to lung complications before finishing the light novel.
He was reportedly close to completing the story and left notes regarding its conclusion.
The series received both manga and anime adaptations, but the original light novel story remains incomplete.
Shindere Shoujo to Kodoku na Shinigami, by Masaki Himura
Masaki Himura passed away in 2015 after battling cancer.
He was actively publishing the manga Shindere Shoujo to Kodoku na Shinigami, which was left unfinished.
One of the saddest details is that Himura wanted to leave a final message to his readers but was unable to do so before his death.
Hatena Illusion and Märchen Mädchen, by Tomohiro Matsu
Tomohiro Matsu died in 2016 at the age of 43 due to cancer.
Hatena Illusion
The series began in 2014 but remained incomplete after his death.
Additional volumes were later released using his existing manuscripts.
A continuation titled Hatena Illusion R was later published.
Märchen Mädchen
This was one of his final works. The first volume was released posthumously in 2017.
The series later received an anime adaptation and continued with the involvement of other writers.
MM!, by Akinari Matsuno
Akinari Matsuno died suddenly on April 18, 2011.
He was writing MM!, a romantic comedy light novel that had already received an anime adaptation in 2010.
The series was left unfinished.
High School of the Dead, by Daisuke Satou
Daisuke Satou, creator of High School of the Dead, died on March 22, 2017.
The manga had already been on hiatus, and after his death, illustrator Shouji Satou confirmed that the story could not be completed without him.
As of 2026, the series remains permanently unfinished.
The Legacy of Unfinished Stories
These authors left behind incredible worlds and unforgettable characters.
Even though their stories were never fully completed, their work continues to influence manga, anime, and light novel creators to this day.
Their legacy lives on through their stories — finished or not.