The latest manga creator to sadly fall ill is Tite Kubo, the author responsible for "Bleach." Today it was reported that because of his recent stay in the hospital, the latest chapter of "Bleach" will not run in the next issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. Thankfully however, Kubo is out of the hospital so he appears to have made a rather quick recovery.

According to Anime News Network Tite Kubo reported his illness in a series of tweets, eventually informing fans that he'd only finished half of the new chapter's manuscript.

"It looks like next week there will be a 'Bleach' hiatus. So sorry," tweeted Kubo in Japanese.

Anime News Network reports that Kubo began the tweets on January 6, stating that he was going to the hospital due to his illness. Ultimately he reported yesterday on January 13 that he was heading to the studio after spending eight days in the hospital.

Fans have expressed much sympathy for Kubo in ANN forum and expressed hopes that he'd recover quickly:

"Poor guy. Mangaka artists are worked so hard. Hope he gets well soon," said J Talbain.

"I hope he gets well soon. 'Bleach' is my favorite!" commented iAmDot.

According to Japan Today there is currently a dangerous flu epidemic working its way across the country of Japan. They report that the prefectures with the highest numbers of flu patients are Saitama, Kanagawa, and Fukouka.

Given that Kubo has already been released from the hospital, it is probably likely that after the week hiatus, "Bleach" will continue on with its serialization on schedule. Here's hoping however that the author is fully recovered before he begins working again as to not exacerbate the symptoms.

My Anime List describes the synopsis of the "Bleach" series as follows:

"15-year-old Kurosaki Ichigo is not your everyday high school student. He has from as far he can remember always had the ability to see ghosts and spirits. A fateful day arrives as Ichigo encounters the shinigami Kuchiki Rukia, who saves him and his family from a Hollow at the cost of injuring herself.

During this encounter, with Rukia unable to defeat the hollow she transfers her shinigami powers into Ichigo. In the aftermath, unable to continue with her job, Rukia allows Ichigo to take on the role of a shinigami in her place as they together defeat the Hollows plaguing Ichigo's town."