Manga illustrator Youko Umezu, best known for providing the art for the fantasy series Kinsou no Vermeil (Vermeil in Gold), passed away on July 7 due to a cerebral infarction. Her close family members have since held a private funeral service. The editorial board of Square Enix’s Monthly Shounen Gangan formally announced the loss, expressing deep grief over the sudden departure of a talent whose career was still actively unfolding.
We would like to respectfully inform our readers, who have supported her work during her lifetime. All members of the editorial department express our deepest respect and gratitude for her artistic work and offer our heartfelt condolences.
Monthly Shounen Gangan Editorial Department
Created alongside writer Kouta Amana, Kinsou no Vermeil began its serialization in Monthly Shounen Gangan in August 2018, blending academy fantasy tropes with vibrant, expressive artwork. The main storyline concluded with its 41st chapter on June 12, just weeks prior to Umezu's passing. Square Enix published the series’ 11th compiled book volume on June 11, with the editorial team noting that schedule details regarding remaining volume releases will be communicated in the future.
Umezu’s dynamic character design and fluid paneling helped elevate the original work, eventually leading to a 12-episode TV anime adaptation produced by studio Staple Entertainment in Summer 2022. Streamed internationally by HIDIVE, the adaptation brought Umezu's character designs to a worldwide audience, leaving an enduring legacy within the modern shonen fantasy landscape.
