Vermeil in Gold Manga Artist Yoko Umezu Has Died

Yoko Umezu, the illustrator behind the fantasy manga Vermeil in Gold, has died. Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan editorial team disclosed on August 12 that Umezu passed away on July 7 due to an ischemic stroke. A private funeral was held, attended only by close relatives.

A Career Defined by Vivid Illustration

Umezu first gained attention as a manga artist through Minidura, a comedic spinoff of Ryohgo Narita's Durarara!! light novel series. Published in Kadokawa's Dengeki Maoh magazine from 2013 to 2015, the series showcased the artist's knack for expressive character work and energetic action.

In August 2018, Umezu began illustrating Vermeil in Gold - full title Kinsou no Vermeil: Gakeppuchi Majutsushi wa Saikyou no Yakusai to Mahou Sekai wo Tsukisusumu - in Monthly Shonen Gangan. Written by Kota Amana, the series followed Alto Goldfilled, a struggling magic student who accidentally summons a powerful she-devil named Vermeil and forms a contract with her. The manga built a dedicated following through its mix of action, comedy, and fantasy world-building, running for nearly eight years in the magazine.

The Manga's Final Chapter

Vermeil in Gold's serialization concluded with the chapter published in Monthly Shonen Gangan's July 2026 issue, which went on sale June 12. Square Enix released the series' eleventh compiled volume on June 11, just one day prior. The editorial team has indicated that details regarding the manga's remaining uncollected chapter will be shared at a later date.

The manga is available digitally in English through Manga UP! Global and Comikey, giving international readers access to Umezu's complete body of work on the series.

Anime Adaptation

Vermeil in Gold received a television anime adaptation that premiered during the Summer 2022 season. Produced by Staple Entertainment and directed by Takashi Naoya, the series featured Maaya Uchida voicing the titular Vermeil and Yuuya Hirose as Alto Goldfilled. The anime helped introduce the franchise to a broader audience beyond the manga's readership.

The anime is available to stream on HIDIVE in both subtitled and English-dubbed versions.

Remembering a Talented Artist

Umezu's passing comes just weeks after the manga reached its natural conclusion, meaning the artist was able to see the story through to its planned ending. While no age was disclosed in the announcement, the loss of a working manga artist mid-career underscores the demanding nature of the profession.

The manga industry has faced several high-profile losses in recent years, with rigorous serialization schedules placing significant physical strain on creators. Umezu's ability to maintain a consistent run in a monthly magazine for nearly eight years while delivering detailed artwork speaks to both dedication and skill.

Square Enix and the Monthly Shonen Gangan editorial team have not announced any public memorial events. Fans wishing to honor Umezu's legacy can revisit the complete Vermeil in Gold manga through Manga UP! Global and Comikey, or watch the 2022 anime adaptation on HIDIVE.