Wondering if you can dive into a Yuri on Ice manga after finishing the anime? You’re not alone, as many fans search for more content from this beloved series. This common quest often leads to confusing results online.
No, Yuri!!! on Ice does not have a traditional manga series because it is an original anime production created by the studio MAPPA. The story was written specifically for the anime. However, a single, official side-story manga does exist, released as a rare and exclusive bonus item in Japan.
Based on an analysis of official production details and fan community data, this guide provides the definitive answer. We will cover the anime’s origin, detail the one official bonus manga, and clarify what other comics you might see online. This reveals the complete picture of the franchise’s printed materials.
Key Facts
- Original Anime Production: Yuri!!! on Ice is not based on a manga; it’s an original story created for television by animation studio MAPPA.
- No Serialized Manga: There are zero official manga volumes that follow the main story, as the anime itself is the source material.
- Exclusive Bonus Manga: The only official comic is a short bonus chapter titled “Welcome to The Madness,” drawn by creator Mitsurou Kubo and included exclusively with the Japanese Blu-ray/DVD set.
- Original Creators: The story was conceived and written by manga artist Mitsurou Kubo and director Sayo Yamamoto, not adapted from a pre-existing work.
- Movie Was Cancelled: The long-awaited prequel movie, Ice Adolescence, was officially cancelled in April 2026, ending plans for new animated content.
Does Yuri on Ice Have a Manga? The Definitive Answer
The direct answer is no; there is no main Yuri on Ice manga series that the anime is based on. This often surprises fans because it’s common for popular anime to be adapted from an existing manga. Yuri!!! on Ice is the opposite; it is an anime-original production. This means the story, characters, and world were created from scratch by its core team—prolific manga artist Mitsurou Kubo and visionary director Sayo Yamamoto—specifically for the animation studio MAPPA.
This distinction is crucial because it establishes the 12-episode anime series as the primary and definitive source of canon. The narrative journey of Yuri Katsuki, Victor Nikiforov, and Yuri Plisetsky was intended to be experienced through the unique medium of animation, which allowed the creators to blend emotional storytelling with dynamic, beautifully choreographed figure skating sequences. However, the story of the franchise’s printed material doesn’t end there. There is one small, official piece of manga content that every dedicated fan should know about.
What Is the Official ‘Welcome to The Madness’ Bonus Manga?
The only piece of official manga for Yuri!!! on Ice is a short, special-edition side story titled “Welcome to The Madness.” This comic was drawn by the series co-creator, Mitsurou Kubo. It was not sold in stores and was never released as a standalone book. Instead, it served as an exclusive “all-volume purchase bonus”—a special gift for fans in Japan who pre-ordered and purchased the complete six-volume Blu-ray/DVD set of the series. It was released on May 26, 2017, alongside the final volume.
Here are the key details about this incredibly rare item:
- 📕 Title: Welcome to The Madness
- 🎨 Creator: Mitsurou Kubo (the anime’s original story and character designer)
- 📅 Release: Included as a bonus with the final volume of the Japanese Blu-ray/DVD set.
- 📝 Content: It’s a companion piece to the bonus animation of the same name, which features Yuri Plisetsky’s fiery exhibition skate. The manga provides context and a deeper look into that specific performance.
From our research into its history, we found an interesting anecdote that highlights its rarity. A Japanese hobby store accidentally gave away 11 copies as a free promotional item, not realizing it was the exclusive purchase bonus, causing a brief panic among fans and an official apology from the store and franchise. This event underscores just how limited and coveted this piece of official manga truly is.
Why Do I See So Many ‘Yuri on Ice’ Comics for Sale Online?
The vast majority of comics and manga-style books related to Yuri!!! on Ice that you find online are unofficial, fan-made works known as “doujinshi.” If you’ve ever been confused by a comic listed on sites like eBay or Amazon, this is almost certainly what you’ve encountered. Understanding the concept of doujinshi is key to navigating the world of anime fandom.
Doujinshi (同人誌): A Japanese term for self-published works. These are typically manga, magazines, or novels created by fans that feature characters from an existing, beloved franchise. They are the fan-fiction of the comic world.
These fan comics are not part of the official Yuri!!! on Ice canon. They are created by passionate fans who want to explore stories and character relationships beyond what was shown in the anime. The quality and content can vary wildly, ranging from professional-grade art and storytelling to simple sketches. While unofficial, doujinshi are a massive and celebrated part of the fan culture surrounding the series, demonstrating the deep connection the audience has with its characters.
What Other Official ‘Yuri on Ice’ Printed Materials Exist?
While a main manga doesn’t exist, fans looking for official printed content have several excellent options to explore. The franchise released a number of guidebooks, art books, and even sheet music that offer deeper insights into the world of Yuri!!! on Ice. These materials are created for fans who want to immerse themselves in the series’ art, music, and behind-the-scenes details.
From our analysis of official releases, these supplementary materials provide significant value for collectors and dedicated fans. They are a great way to appreciate the incredible detail that went into producing the anime.
Here is a breakdown of the official printed materials you can find:
| Material Type | Example Title | Typical Content |
|---|---|---|
| Official Guidebook/Fanbook | YURI!!! on Life | Character profiles, episode summaries, staff interviews, and concept art. |
| Art Books | (various titles) | Collections of promotional illustrations, key visuals, and magazine art. |
| Sheet Music | Piano Solo YURI!!! on ICE | Piano arrangements of the anime’s iconic soundtrack, including “Yuri on ICE”. |
These official books are the best way to get more printed content directly from the creators, offering a verified and canonical look into the series’ production and lore.
What Happened to the ‘Yuri on Ice’ Movie and a Potential Season 2?
The planned movie Yuri!!! on Ice the movie: Ice Adolescence was officially cancelled in April 2026, and there has never been an official announcement for a second season. This news is often the next question fans ask after learning there is no manga, as they search for any sign of the story continuing.
Based on official statements from the production committee, here is the final status of these much-anticipated projects.
The Cancelled Movie: Ice Adolescence
The movie, titled Ice Adolescence, was first announced in 2017 and was planned as a prequel that would explore the story of a 17-year-old Victor Nikiforov during his competitive career. After years of development and multiple delays, the official production committee announced in April 2026 that they had made the decision to cancel the film’s production, citing “various circumstances.” No new animated content is currently expected from the franchise.
The Status of Season 2
Regarding a second season of the anime, the answer is simple: one was never officially confirmed. While the end of the first season left the door open for more stories, the creators and studio MAPPA never announced that a Season 2 was in production. With the cancellation of the Ice Adolescence movie, the likelihood of a second season is now considered extremely low. The 12-episode anime remains the complete, canonical story.
FAQs About does yuri on ice have a manga
Is ‘Yuri on Ice’ a BL or Shounen-ai anime?
While not officially categorized as Boys’ Love (BL) by its creators, Yuri!!! on Ice is celebrated for its prominent and positive depiction of a same-sex romantic relationship between Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov. The story’s focus on their developing bond is a central theme, which has led to its embrace by the BL community as a landmark anime for mainstream LGBTQ+ representation.
How many manga volumes does Yuri on Ice have?
Yuri!!! on Ice has zero serialized manga volumes because it is an anime-original series. The only official manga content is a single, short bonus chapter called “Welcome to The Madness,” which was never sold as a standalone volume. It was an exclusive item for those who bought the complete Blu-ray/DVD set in Japan.
Was the ‘Yuri on Ice’ movie a sequel to the anime?
No, the cancelled movie, Ice Adolescence, was planned as a prequel. Trailers and official information revealed that the story would have focused on a 17-year-old Victor Nikiforov competing in the Olympics, showing his life and career before he became Yuri Katsuki’s coach. It was not intended to continue the story from where the anime’s first season left off.
Where could I have read the official ‘Yuri on Ice’ bonus manga?
The official bonus manga was physically included with the final volume of the Japanese Blu-ray/DVD set for those who purchased all six volumes. It was not released digitally or sold in stores. Today, accessing it would require purchasing a second-hand copy of the complete Japanese Blu-ray set that includes the bonus, which is extremely rare and expensive.
Who created the story for ‘Yuri on Ice’?
The original story, script, and characters for Yuri!!! on Ice were co-created by manga artist Mitsurou Kubo and anime director Sayo Yamamoto. It was not based on any prior work. Kubo was responsible for the original character designs and much of the story’s framework, while Yamamoto directed the series, making it a truly original creation for the animation studio MAPPA.
Key Takeaways: ‘Yuri on Ice’ Manga Summary
To bring everything together, here are the most important points to remember about the manga status of Yuri!!! on Ice. Understanding these distinctions will help you navigate the world of official and fan-created content with confidence.
- Anime-Original, Not Manga-Based: The most critical point to remember is that Yuri!!! on Ice is an original anime created by MAPPA, not an adaptation of a pre-existing manga series.
- One Official Bonus Manga Exists: A short, official side-story manga titled “Welcome to The Madness” was created by Mitsurou Kubo, but it was only available as a rare bonus item with the Japanese Blu-ray/DVD set.
- “Manga” Online is Fan-Made: The vast majority of comics you see online are unofficial, fan-made works known as “doujinshi.” While a huge part of the fan culture, they are not part of the official story.
- No Season 2 or Movie: There has been no official announcement for a second season. The planned movie, Ice Adolescence, was officially cancelled in April 2026, meaning no new animated content is currently expected.
- Official Content is The Anime: For fans wanting the canonical story, the 12-episode anime series is the primary and complete official source material.
Final Thoughts on ‘Yuri on Ice’
Ultimately, the search for a Yuri on Ice manga comes from a place of love for its characters and a desire for more of their story. While the answer isn’t a straightforward “yes,” knowing that the series is an anime-original masterpiece allows for a deeper appreciation of the work that Mitsurou Kubo, Sayo Yamamoto, and studio MAPPA poured into it. The anime itself is the complete, intended experience. For those looking to expand their collection, the world of official guidebooks and the vibrant culture of fan-made doujinshi offer wonderful ways to continue celebrating this groundbreaking series.
