Is The Apothecary Diaries Manga Finished?

If you’ve recently fallen down the rabbit hole of The Apothecary Diaries and found yourself obsessing over Maomao’s sharp wit and the palace’s intricate secrets, you’re not alone. This series has captured the hearts of readers who love historical settings, clever storytelling, and just the right touch of slow-burn intrigue. But one of the most common questions fans are asking lately is simple: Is The Apothecary Diaries manga finished? Let’s talk about where the story currently stands, how far along the manga is, and what you can expect next.

The Short Answer: No, The Apothecary Diaries Manga Isn’t Finished Yet

As of now, the manga adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries is still ongoing. It continues to release new chapters regularly, keeping fans hooked with Maomao’s latest deductions and the political drama inside the imperial palace.

The manga began serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine back in 2017 and is still going strong. With multiple story arcs already adapted and several mysteries resolved, it’s clear that there’s still a lot left to uncover. The series is based on the light novels by Natsu Hyuuga, which also haven’t reached their ultimate conclusion yet, so the manga has plenty of material to work with.

So no, the story isn’t over yet—and for most fans, that’s actually great news.

Where the Manga Is Right Now

If you’ve been following the English releases or reading it online, you’ll know that the manga has already adapted a good chunk of the early palace mysteries, including Maomao’s time as a servant and her growing reputation as the resident genius of the inner court.

The latest chapters have moved beyond the first cour of the anime adaptation, introducing deeper political conflicts, subtle romance developments, and even more dangerous secrets hidden behind the royal walls.

The art continues to be stunning, the pacing tight, and the worldbuilding just as meticulous as ever. The manga is far from winding down—in fact, it feels like it’s only now hitting its stride.

How the Manga Differs from the Light Novel

One of the reasons The Apothecary Diaries remains such a fascinating read is that it’s an adaptation that respects its source material while adding its own visual flair. The manga version, illustrated by Nekokurage, captures the elegant yet tense atmosphere of the imperial court beautifully.

While the light novels tend to focus more on Maomao’s inner thoughts and the details of her investigations, the manga brings those moments to life through expressive art and subtle visual cues. For fans who love seeing Maomao’s quiet smirk when she solves a mystery—or Jinshi’s hidden emotions under his perfect smile—the manga is a treat.

And since both the novels and the manga are ongoing, you don’t need to worry about running out of material anytime soon.

Will The Apothecary Diaries End Soon?

There’s no official word yet on when The Apothecary Diaries manga will conclude. Considering how many threads are still unfolding and how much worldbuilding remains to be explored, it seems the story still has a long way to go.

The author has built a layered mystery that moves slowly but deliberately, revealing more about Maomao’s background, the emperor’s court, and the dangerous politics that define every character’s fate. It’s unlikely that all of this will be wrapped up in just a few more volumes.

So if you’re hoping to see Maomao’s story continue for a while, you’re in luck—it’s far from over.

Why Fans Are So Hooked on The Apothecary Diaries

Part of what makes The Apothecary Diaries so addictive is how it balances mystery, history, and character-driven storytelling. Maomao isn’t your typical protagonist—she’s not driven by romance or revenge but by pure curiosity and intellect. She’s a scientist in a world ruled by appearances, and that dynamic creates endless opportunities for drama and clever twists.

Every case she investigates peels back another layer of palace life, showing the clash between human nature, hierarchy, and superstition. Even minor characters get surprisingly complex moments, making the story feel alive and unpredictable.

If you’ve ever been drawn to smart, detail-oriented heroines like those in Detective Conan or Moriarty the Patriot, Maomao might just be your new favorite.

For those who haven’t started reading yet, you can dive into the full story and catch the latest updates directly from the Apothecary Diaries manga online.

How the Anime Boosted the Manga’s Popularity

The release of The Apothecary Diaries anime adaptation gave the series a massive popularity boost. New fans who discovered Maomao through the anime quickly jumped to the manga to see what happens next.

The anime’s faithful adaptation of the early arcs made many readers appreciate just how well-written the original manga is. As a result, manga sales skyrocketed, and The Apothecary Diaries became one of the most talked-about historical series of the year.

Now that the anime has wrapped up its first season, many are turning to the manga for new chapters, eager to see where the story goes beyond the screen.

What’s Next for Maomao and Jinshi?

Without spoiling too much, the relationship between Maomao and Jinshi continues to develop in subtle and intriguing ways. It’s not your typical romance—it’s more like a slow dance between two people who understand each other’s secrets but refuse to say them out loud.

Future chapters are expected to dig deeper into Jinshi’s mysterious background and the broader conflicts within the empire. There’s a sense that the story is building toward something major, even if we don’t yet know exactly what.

If the pacing so far is any indication, readers can expect a long, satisfying journey filled with both emotional depth and sharp detective work.

Final Thoughts: The Journey Isn’t Over Yet

So, to answer the question once and for all: No, The Apothecary Diaries manga is not finished. It’s still ongoing and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

For fans, that’s actually the best news possible. It means more palace intrigue, more clever deductions, and more Maomao moments to look forward to. Whether you’re following the manga, the novels, or both, you’re part of a growing community that can’t get enough of this brilliant story.

Until the day the final chapter arrives, we’ll be here, eagerly waiting for the next clue, the next secret, and the next case that only Maomao can solve.