A New Chapter in a Haunting Universe
The post-apocalyptic horror anime Apocalypse Hotel took fans by surprise with its atmospheric storytelling, chilling world-building, and eerie tone. Now, just as the dust settles from its anime premiere, the universe expands with a brand-new manga spin-off: Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu.
Illustrated by Izumi Takemoto, the original character designer of the anime, this manga introduces new narratives and perspectives, offering a deeper dive into the hauntingly silent world left behind after humanity’s mysterious disappearance.
The series began serialization on Takeshobo’s Storia Dash manga platform on April 11, 2025, just three days after the anime’s premiere on Nippon TV. Whether you’re a fan of the anime or new to the franchise, this manga offers fresh mysteries and rich lore worth exploring.
Table of Contents
What Is Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu?
A Manga Spin-Off Rooted in the Same Universe
Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu is a side-story manga set in the same timeline and universe as the anime Apocalypse Hotel. However, it doesn’t follow the exact events or protagonists of the original anime series. Instead, it shifts the focus to a different hotel—the Gingarou Hotel, located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district.
This hotel, much like the central location in the anime, remains strangely operational despite the total disappearance of humanity. But the staff here are not survivors—they’re robots, still dutifully running the hotel as if nothing has changed.
This eerie setting gives the manga an unsettling tone, but also allows for dark comedy, existential storytelling, and exploration of routine, memory, and machine consciousness in a world without guests.
Who Is Izumi Takemoto?
Izumi Takemoto is not just the illustrator of Pusupusu—he’s the original character designer for the Apocalypse Hotel anime. His artistic signature is part of what made the anime visually distinct, with its mix of soft, expressive characters placed in stark, abandoned environments.
In Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu, Takemoto brings this visual tone into manga form, with highly detailed settings, emotionally expressive robots, and a sharp sense of environmental storytelling.
Story Overview: Gingarou Hotel in Ginza
The Setting: Post-Human Ginza
Unlike the main anime, which focuses on mysterious survivors and shifting realities, Pusupusu zooms in on a seemingly mundane—but deeply symbolic—location: The Gingarou Hotel, nestled in a quiet, abandoned Ginza.
This high-end hotel was once known for its hospitality and cutting-edge service. Now, with no humans left, it continues operating under the guidance of its AI-driven robotic staff—maintaining the rooms, cleaning the halls, and preparing meals for guests that will never come.
The Tone: Eerie, Satirical, and Deeply Poignant
One of the most interesting aspects of Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu is its tone. While it shares the dystopian framework of the anime, the manga leans into subtle humor, philosophical questions, and slice-of-life absurdity in a world where the concept of “service” has lost its meaning.
The robotic staff’s dedication to their roles borders on tragic. For example:
- A robotic concierge greets empty elevators every morning.
- The AI chef prepares gourmet meals for non-existent patrons.
- Housekeeping continues to fold towels in perfectly empty rooms.
These moments bring a Kafkaesque flavor to the manga, drawing comparisons to works like Girls’ Last Tour, Planetarian, and Time of Eve.
Timeline and Release Details
Manga Launch and Publication
- Title: Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu
- Illustrator: Izumi Takemoto
- Publisher: Takeshobo
- Serialization Platform: Storia Dash (Takeshobo’s web manga portal)
- Debut Date: April 11, 2025
This closely followed the anime’s own debut, which premiered on Nippon TV on April 8, 2025.
New chapters are expected to be released on a biweekly schedule, with updates posted on Storia Dash’s platform.
For streaming details, check out our full guide on where to watch Apocalypse Hotel.
Where to Read Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu
As of now, the manga is:
- Available in Japanese on Storia Dash
- May be released in digital English translation depending on licensing announcements (Takeshobo titles are often picked up by Yen Press or Seven Seas)
Reading Options (Japan & Global)
- Storia Dash Official Site – Japanese language
- Amazon JP (Kindle) – Digital volumes (TBA)
- Potential Simulpub: Keep an eye on Manga Plus or BookWalker Global for any licensing updates
How It Connects to the Anime
While Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu is not a direct continuation or prequel, it shares:
- The same world-building
- Visual and tonal consistency (thanks to Takemoto’s art)
- Easter eggs and references for anime viewers
For example, Gingarou Hotel’s design reflects architectural patterns seen in the background of the anime’s final episode. There’s even a brief visual reference to the main hotel’s receptionist robot—a subtle nod that confirms the shared timeline.
Themes Explored in Pusupusu
1. Artificial Memory and Purpose
Robots that continue to function in a purposeless world raise questions about identity, loyalty, and existential programming. The manga dives deep into:
- Can robots “grieve” the loss of humans?
- Is purpose defined by utility, memory, or obedience?
- What happens when a machine learns to disobey?
2. Loneliness and Routine
Despite having no audience, the robots continue their daily rituals. This haunting adherence to routine becomes a metaphor for:
- Corporate culture
- Post-disaster trauma
- Human need for structure—even in absence of reward
3. Dark Humor and Tragic Irony
Scenes that seem comedic at first glance—like a doorman bowing to wind—quickly turn into reflections on futility and hope. Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu excels at this tonal balance.
Why You Should Read Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu
If you enjoyed:
- The anime’s slow-burn horror and surrealism
- Works like Planetarian, Made in Abyss, or Blame!
- Thought-provoking sci-fi with emotional depth
Then Pusupusu is more than just a side story—it’s a critical piece of the larger narrative puzzle, offering intimate insights into the Apocalypse Hotel universe.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet Masterpiece in the Making
Apocalypse Hotel Pusupusu isn’t action-packed or filled with big twists—but that’s exactly what makes it special. It focuses on atmosphere, detail, and philosophical introspection, set against the backdrop of a vanished world.
With Izumi Takemoto at the helm, fans can rest assured that this spin-off will maintain the spirit of the anime while delivering something entirely its own.
If Apocalypse Hotel asked what happens when people vanish, Pusupusu asks what happens when purpose vanishes—and that question might be even more haunting.
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