about the 21 delays, a few things
first, clearing up
- #20 (next monday, 13th april) will stay on schedule
- #21 (originally 20th april) is delayed and pushed back and merged with 22 (as stated in the press releases) and will be released on the 27th april
- originally the double issue was #22-23 (27th april) and originally there is supposed to be an break the week after (golden week)
unknowns + thoughts:
- It is not stated anywhere what kind of merger it is, possibilities:
- in name only (as in only 1 chapter per series) most realistic outcome in these circumstances, logistically and the least resistance in the management side
- actual merger (2 chapters), highly unlikely, since it would mean the amount of page will be basically double, and the price have to go up. this doesn't really make sense logistically
- what will happen to #23 is also an unknown that need some answers/explanations,:
- The golden week break still happens and #23 is released the following week (12th May) either as #23 or another merger #23-24, both will resulting in 1 less issue this year with only the different part is the final issue number , #51 for only #23, #52 for #23-24 (unless the rare #53 makes an appearance)
- #23-24 is more likely in my opinion since it reset the numbering to normal, but this is a minimal change
- this outcome is most likely since making an issue on break in this circumstances might be even harder
- #23 is released on golden week (probably may 2nd (saturday) if this were to happen), this will make the total issue number stay the same, and everything is on similar schedule afterwards,
- unlikely IMO for the opposite of the reasons above
- #23 is released alongside #21-22, highly unlikely , in terms of logistics and sensibility,
tldr:
In my opinion #21-22 is a merger issue in name only (which is literally the original JP name of what we call double issue), the original golden week break stay the same and the next issue is #23-24 after the golden week break,
ultimately only time will tell